What’s the difference between Americano and Latte?
Coffee is one of the most loved beverages worldwide. It is no secret that millions of people wake up to the smell of coffee every morning. The magic behind coffee is how it is brewed and prepared. Coffee lovers have the option to choose from a variety of coffee drinks with different types of brews and flavors. Two of the most popular coffee drinks are Americano and latte. At first glance, they may seem similar, but there are differences. In this guide, we will take you through the differences between Americano and latte.
Americano
Americano is a coffee drink that originated in America and has become popular worldwide. Americano is made by adding hot water to a single or double shot of espresso. The hot water dilutes the espresso, giving the drink a slightly bitter taste. The amount of water added depends on personal preference; some prefer it with more water while others with less. The addition of hot water also differentiates it from other coffee drinks like cappuccino and latte.
It is important to note that Americano is strong because it is made with espresso, so it is not suitable for those who do not want a high caffeine content in their coffee drinks. It is perfect for people who want a strong, yet simple coffee drink, without the sweetness of milk.
Latte
Latte, on the other hand, is a popular coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. This coffee drink is also known as café latte or simply latte. The use of steamed milk in latte gives it a smooth, creamy texture, and a sweet taste. A single or double shot of espresso is combined with steamed milk, and the milk foam is added on top of the drink.
Latte has become popular worldwide due to its sweet, mild taste, and the option of adding different flavors like vanilla and caramel. Unlike Americano, latte is a perfect coffee drink for people who do not want the high caffeine content of espresso to overpower the taste of their coffee.
The Differences
The biggest difference between Americano and latte is the addition of water. Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso, while latte is made by combining espresso with steamed milk. The difference in the way they are made gives each drink its unique taste, with Americano being slightly bitter and latte being sweet.
Another noticeable difference between the two coffee drinks is the caffeine content. Americano is stronger and has a higher caffeine content since it is made with espresso. The dilution with hot water is not enough to lower the caffeine content significantly. Latte, on the other hand, has less caffeine content since it is made with steamed milk, which dilutes the espresso.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Americano and latte are two of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide with distinct differences in taste and caffeine content. Americano is strong, slightly bitter, and has a higher caffeine content since it is made with espresso diluted with hot water. Latte, on the other hand, is sweet, smooth, and has less caffeine content since it is made with steamed milk. The choice between the two coffee drinks will depend on personal preferences, caffeine tolerance, and the desired taste. Knowing the difference will help coffee lovers make an informed decision when choosing their coffee drink.
