Latte ()
The English language term latte comes from the Italian language caffè e latte, or caffè latte, or, less correctly, caffellatte.
Definition and etymology
Definition
A caffè latte consists of one or more shots of
espresso coffee, served in a glass (or sometimes a cup) to which hot steamed milk is added.
The difference between a caffè latte and a
cappuccino is that the cappuccino is served in a small cup with a layer of thick foam on top of the milk, and a caffè latte is served in a larger glass (or cup), without the layer of thick foam.
A caffè latte is much milkier than a cappuccino, resulting in a milder coffee taste. The way the milk is steamed for a caffè latte produces very fine bubbles incorporated in the hot milk; this
microfoam can be poured in such a way as to form patterns in the white microfoam and brown
crema, a technique known as
latte art. The texture of the microfoam changes the taste and feel of the drink.
A similar drink is the
latte macchiato, which is also served in a glass, but the espresso is added to the glass after the steamed milk.
In Italy milky coffee drinks such as caffè latte, latte macchiato, and cappuccino are often prepared for breakfast only.
In the United States, a latte is often heavily sweetened, usually with 3% or more of refined white sugar, Sugar substitute or agave syrup.
Etymology
The term caffè latte is first attested in English in 1847, in
Cultivator (Albany, New York,
before the development of the
espresso machine.
History
Origin
The drink is said to have "technically originated" in 17th-century Europe.
In William Dean Howells' "Italian Journeys", he notes that he was served a drink described as "cafè latte" on a steamship when traveling from
Trieste to
Venice.
The modern caffè latte appeared in the 20th century, following the invention of the espresso machine in the 19th century.
See also
Notes
