Lattes show up on nearly every café menu, but if you’ve never ordered one before, the name doesn’t exactly give it away.
Is it strong? Sweet? Milky? The answer is somewhere in between, and that’s part of why it’s such a beloved drink.
Let’s break down what goes into a latte’s flavor, texture, and overall vibe and why it’s a staple in the global popularity and profitability of coffee shops.
What Does a Latte Taste Like?
A latte tastes mellow, smooth, and creamy, with just enough of a coffee kick to remind you it’s made with espresso. The overall flavor is soft, balanced, and slightly sweet, even if you don’t add sugar.
That’s thanks to the steamed milk, which makes up the majority of the drink. It naturally tones down the natural bitterness of espresso, leaving you with a flavor that’s warm, rich, and approachable.
The type of milk matters, too. Whole milk gives the latte a thicker, more indulgent feel. Oat milk tends to be lighter and a bit nutty, while almond milk adds a slightly sweet or roasted undertone.
Espresso still plays a big role. You’ll notice hints of chocolate, caramel, or even fruity brightness depending on the roast level and bean origin used. Dark roasts offer a deeper, more robust base. The best light roasts can bring out more acidity and floral notes, although the milk tends to soften these.
What Is a Latte?
A latte is a classic espresso-based drink made with one to two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of light microfoam on top.
Most lattes are about ⅓ espresso and ⅔ milk, which creates a drink that’s much less intense than a straight shot or even a cup of cappuccino. The milk adds body and natural sweetness, while the microfoam on top gives it a soft, velvety texture.
Traditionally served hot, lattes can also be made iced, just pour the espresso and cold milk over ice, make a creamy cold foam, and you’ve got a chilled version that’s perfect for warm days.
They're also super customizable. You can choose your milk, adjust the number of espresso shots, or add flavored syrups like vanilla or hazelnut. That makes it an easy go-to for both coffee newcomers and seasoned sippers alike.
Similar Espresso-Based Latte Variations
Several espresso-based brews made with steamed milk exist. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold, cozy, or even caffeine-free, there’s likely a latte style that fits.
Here’s how these latte variations taste:
1. Caffè Mocha
Caffè Mocha blends espresso with steamed milk and a shot of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. The result is a chocolatey, slightly bittersweet drink that feels more like a dessert. Rich, comforting, and often topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
2. Flat White
Flat white is made with the same ingredients as a latte — espresso and steamed milk. The key difference is texture and strength. Flat whites use a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and have less foam, giving them a stronger flavor and a silkier, smoother mouthfeel. Expect a bolder espresso taste with a soft finish.
3. Chai Latte
A chai latte starts with black tea steeped in a mix of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. It’s then blended with steamed milk, creating a drink that’s sweet, spiced, and deeply aromatic. Creamy like a latte, but more about cozy tea flavors than coffee buzz.
4. Matcha Latte
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder, known for its grassy, earthy flavor and vibrant green color. When whisked into steamed milk, it becomes a matcha latte — creamy, slightly bitter, and subtly sweet depending on how it’s prepared. It’s a great pick for those looking for a gentler caffeine hit with added antioxidants.
5. Iced Latte
Same core ingredients as a regular latte, espresso, and milk, but served cold over ice. The flavor remains mellow and smooth, but the iced version feels lighter and more refreshing. Because the milk isn’t steamed, there’s no foam, and the texture is thinner. Perfect when you want something chill and easy-drinking.
How Is a Latte Prepared?
Making a latte might look fancy at a café, but the process is pretty simple once you understand the steps.
Here’s a breakdown of how a classic latte is made:
Step 1: Pull the Espresso
Every latte starts with espresso, usually one or two shots. For home baristas, that means using an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot if you don’t have a full setup. Most cafés use a medium to dark roast, which creates a rich, smooth base that holds up well against the milk.
If you’re using whole beans, grind them fine, because espresso requires a finer grind than drip or French press coffee. You’ll want to extract the espresso shot in about 25 to 30 seconds for optimal flavor. Too fast, and it’s sour. Too slow, and it gets bitter.
Step 2: Steam or Froth the Milk
This is where the latte gets its silky texture. Using a steam wand or a milk frother, heat your milk until it’s hot but not boiling, at around 150–160°F (65–70°C) is ideal. You’ll want it to be slightly foamy but not stiff. That delicate foam is called microfoam, and it gives the latte its soft finish.
If you don’t have a steam wand, you can still froth milk at home by:
- Using a French Press — Heat the milk, pour it into the press, and pump the plunger up and down until frothy.
- Using a Handheld Milk Frother — These are affordable and easy to use for small batches.
- Using a Jar — Shake heated milk in a sealed jar to froth it if you’re in a pinch.
Whole milk gives you the richest result, but oat, almond, and soy milk all froth decently with the right technique. Just make sure they’re barista blends if you want a consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine and Pour
Once your espresso is ready and your milk is steamed, it’s time to build the latte.
The standard ratio is:
- 1 part espresso
- 3 parts steamed milk
Pour the milk gently over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon at first. Once the cup is nearly full, you can spoon a thin layer of microfoam on top. The goal is a smooth blend, not a foamy mountain.
This is also the step where baristas create latte art, using milk’s texture to create shapes or swirls. At home, though, a simple, even pour is all you need for a delicious cup.
Optional: Serve It Iced
If you prefer cold beverages like cold brew and iced coffee, just tweak the order. Start by adding ice to your glass, then pour in your espresso. Add cold, frothed milk (no steaming needed) and give it a gentle stir. Some people like to sweeten their iced lattes with simple syrup, vanilla, or even cinnamon.
The flavor will be the same, mellow and creamy, but without the warmth and foam. Iced lattes also let the espresso shine a bit more, especially if you use strong or bold beans.
Recommended Tools for Latte-Making at Home
You don’t need a commercial setup to make great lattes in your kitchen.
Here are a few tools that help:
- Espresso Machine— The gold standard for control and consistency.
- Milk Frother— Easy for quick lattes, especially if it includes a heating function.
- French Press— Great for frothing milk manually and brewing regular coffee.
- Moka Pot— A stovetop alternative that produces strong coffee similar to espresso.
- Coffee Grinder— Freshly ground beans always make a difference in flavor.
With the right tools for the job, you can easily recreate café-level lattes from your own countertop.
Choosing the Best Coffee for a Great Latte
A good latte doesn’t just come from milk and technique; the coffee itself plays a huge role in how it tastes.
Here’s what to look for if you want café-quality lattes at home:
1. Start with Medium or Dark Roast Arabica Beans
If you’re aiming for that smooth, café-style latte, medium or dark roast arabica beans are the way to go. They’re known for their low acidity and warm, chocolatey notes, which blend well with milk.
With that said, a balanced blend of robusta and arabica can offer something even more dynamic. Cafely’s SaiGon OG, for example, is a standout choice combining arabica, robusta, and peaberry beans. This trio creates a bold, slightly smoky base with enough brightness to stay smooth in steamed milk. The robusta adds body and caffeine, while the Peaberry contributes a subtle richness that shines in lattes.
For those who prefer a deeper, stronger bean, Cafely’s HaNoi and BanMe Coffee both offer strong, dark profiles with nutty and toasted undertones.
2. Avoid Fruity or Citrus-Heavy Coffees
Some specialty beans are celebrated for their complex flavors, like floral tones, tropical fruit, or lemony brightness. While those profiles shine in excellent black coffee made with best selections for pour-over brewers, they usually don’t mix well with milk.
Because milk softens those bright notes into something sour or flat, that tropical, fruity Ethiopian roast you love in a drip brew might taste a little off in a latte.
Stick with beans that lean warm and toasty over acidic and tangy. Chocolate, brown sugar, or spice notes tend to shine with steamed milk.
3. Use Freshly Ground Coffee for the Best Flavor
If there’s one tip that instantly improves your latte, grind fresh. Coffee starts losing its aroma and flavor within minutes of being ground. That means pre-ground beans will almost always taste duller than freshly ground ones.
Invest in a burr grinder if you can — it creates consistent grounds, which are essential for good espresso extraction. Blade grinders work in a pinch but can give you uneven results.
Grind the beans just before brewing, and you’ll immediately notice your lattes taste smoother, brighter, and more full-bodied.
4. Choose the Right Brew Method for Latte-Making
You don’t need a fancy or expensive espresso machine to make a solid latte at home. Several brew methods work well, depending on your setup and taste preferences:
- Espresso Machine — The most consistent method. Delivers real espresso with crema and concentrated flavor. Ideal for traditional lattes.
- Moka Pot —Brews a strong, espresso-like coffee on the stovetop. Not technically espresso, but close enough for a delicious latte when paired with steamed milk.
- Capsule Machines — Convenient and fast. Opt for espresso-strength capsules made with medium or dark roast beans for your Nespresso or Keurig coffee maker. Cafely's Vietnamese blends work well for smooth, café-style results.
- Aeropress (Bonus Option) — If you have one, the Aeropress can brew a concentrated coffee that mimics espresso. Combine it with steamed milk for a surprisingly decent latte.
5. Can You Use Instant Coffee to Make a Latte?
We don’t always have time to grind beans or pull shots. If you're in a rush, instant espresso-style coffee can absolutely work. Just make sure it’s high quality and specifically made for espresso drinks.
Cafely’s Vietnamese Coffee 2.0 (Instant Espresso) is a great example. It’s smooth, bold, and doesn’t go watery or sour when mixed with milk. This kind of instant coffee gives you the depth you want in a latte without needing special gear.
Just mix with hot water, froth your milk, and pour — done in under 3 minutes.
One Last Sip of Advice
Not every latte needs a professional setup, but the beans you choose for latte can make or break the experience.
A great latte might seem all about the milk, but it really starts with great tasting coffee, and ends with how you like it.
FAQs: What Does a Latte Taste Like?
These quick answers clear up the most common questions people ask before ordering a latte or making one.
1. Is A Latte Good For Beginners?
Yes, it’s creamy, mellow, and less intense than black coffee, making it easy to enjoy.
2. What Is The Best Flavor For A Latte?
Vanilla, caramel, and mocha are popular starter flavors thanks to their sweetness and familiar taste.
3. What Is The Healthiest Coffee?
Black coffee has the fewest calories, but lattes made with unsweetened almond or oat milk can also be a healthy option.
4. Which Is Sweeter, Vanilla Or Caramel Latte?
Caramel tends to taste sweeter because of its syrupy richness and deeper sugar profile.
5. What Is The Easiest Coffee To Drink?
Lattes are one of the smoothest, least bitter options, which is ideal for anyone easing into coffee.
6. What Is The Most Expensive Coffee In The World?
Kopi Luwak and Black Ivory coffee top the list due to their rare and labor-intensive production processes.
7. What Kind Of Milk Is Best For Lattes?
Whole milk gives the richest flavor and texture, but oat milk is a top choice for a creamy plant-based version.
8. Which Coffee Has The Most Caffeine?
Cold brew in its bold flavors and espresso-based drinks like double-shot lattes pack the most caffeine per ounce.
9. What Makes A Good Latte?
Balanced espresso, well-textured milk, and a smooth, unified flavor are key to a great latte.
10. Is A Latte Good For Diabetics?
Yes, as long as it’s made with unsweetened milk and without sugary flavor syrups.
