Learn all about lattes: their history, ingredients, how they’re made, and popular variations. Perfect for coffee lovers and café owners alike.

What Is a Latte: A latte short for caffè latte is one of the world’s most popular coffee drinks, loved for its smooth blend of espresso and steamed milk. Originating in Italy, this milk-based coffee beverage has become a morning favorite across the United States.

Latte (/ ˈlɑːteɪ /) [1][2] or caffè latte (Italian: [kaffe (l)ˈlatte]), [3][4] also known as caffellatte, caffelatte, or rarely caffè e latte, is a coffee drink of Italian origin made with espresso coffee and steamed milk, traditionally served in a glass.

Learn how to make a latte at home that tastes just like a coffee shop! With espresso, steamed milk, and frothy foam, it’s simple and barista-quality.

How to Make a Latte at Home (Cafe Latte) – A Couple Cooks

A latte (short for caffè latte, meaning “milk coffee” in Italian) is the perfect balance of rich espresso, velvety steamed milk, and a light foam layer. It’s smoother than a cappuccino, milkier than a macchiato, and endlessly customizable—whether you love it iced, flavored with vanilla, or made with oat milk.

A latte is an espresso drink made with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. Here is the core definition, what it tastes like, how it is made, and how it differs from similar drinks.