Cafe latte, caffellatte or caffè latte is a beverage made with espresso and steamed milk. The Italian term itself translates into 'coffee and milk'. It is a very popular form of coffee, traditionally brewed in Italy and now prepared across the globe.
Cafe Latte History
This type of coffee is mentioned in the writings of Noushi Nayebi in 1847, and William Dean Howells in 1867. A cup of home-brewed Cafe latte was an essential part of Italian breakfast since generations, and the commercial American version came up later. Cafelatte has been prepared in varying degrees of strengths in various Italian homes, a milder version for children.
The origin of the American version of cafelatte is considered to be in the Cafe Mediterraneum at Berkeley in California, which was created by the Cafe owner by the name Lino Meiorin in the 1950s. He is known to have invented it as an alternative to the too strong cappuccino, as a mild and more milky version.
Ingredients Used and Cafe Latte Preparation Overview
The coffee is prepared with espresso, steamed milk and a topmost layer of foamed milk. A usual ratio is 30 or 60 ml espresso with steamed milk to fill a 240 ml glass. The drink is also prepared with strong coffee and scalded milk in a ratio of 1:1. The Australian version of the drink is prepared by pouring steamed creamy milk over a single shot of espresso is a small ceramic cup.
Serving and Drinking Café Latte
Cafe Latte is served in different ways in different geographical regions. In Italy it is mostly served for breakfast, and brewed in the Moka pot. It is served in coffee cups or in a glass along with a saucer and napkin, or even in bowls in restaurants in Europe. When served in a bowl, as in Scandinavia, it is called Cafe au lait.
Latte art is the art of serving coffee in various stylish ways, which has caught up in Europe and the United States. The steamed and frothy milk and espresso are mixed in ways to create patterns on the top, which can be those of heart, flower or other shapes. An iced version of the drink called ice latte is served without stirring the espresso and milk together.
Popular Cafe Latte Recipe Variations
- Latte Macchiato is a related coffee drink which is prepared by adding espresso to steamed milk, instead of adding steamed milk to espresso as in the case of cafelatte. The steamed and foamy milk is taken in a glass and half a shot of espresso is added to it to create a layered drink.
- Chocolate, vanilla and caramel flavors are added to Cafe latte to create other fancy variants.
