If you’re a coffee connoisseur or a former barista, you may already know the differences between these delicious selections. But if you’re a coffee newbie, it’s probably all Italian to you. Take a look at our guide to these varieties of coffee before you freeze up in line next time:
Espressos:
Our espressos are the perfect cure for the Monday workday blues. We have Angelo Moriondo to thank for them, whose steam-driven instantaneous coffee-making device, or espresso machine, was first patented in 1884. He conceptualized and executed that boiling hot water can be forced under very high pressure through finely-ground coffee to produce the espresso beverage. Espresso can either refer to the beverage or the brewing process.
Lattes:
The word “latte” directly comes from the Italian caffelatte, meaning “milk coffee,” and is always made with espresso and steamed milk. While it is similar to our Café con Leche, it has a thin layer of microfoam, which is formed from using a steam wand on an espresso machine and is the primary tool used to create latte art.. According to Kenneth Davids’ Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing, and Enjoying, lattes have been enjoyed by many since the 17th century, but lattes were first sold commercially in the United States.
Cappuccinos:
Double espresso shots and steamed milk foam are used to create savory cappuccinos. The origins of the name are tied to the drink’s color, closely resembling that of the robes worn by ascetic Capuchin monks, who famously sported simple tan habits. Cappuccinos are usually prepared with an espresso machine —the double shot of espresso is poured at the bottom of the cup along with hot milk, which is added using the steam wand in the espresso machine.
Mochas:
These are similar to lattes, but include a rich, chocolate flavor from cocoa powder mixed in with the espresso and milk. They are also occasionally known as hot chocolate with shots of espresso in them. Mochas can also be produced with white chocolate or as a mochaccino, which is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, with either cocoa powder or chocolate milk. Can you just feel the sugar rush happening already?
