Espresso on its own is bold, rich, and complex, but when paired with steamed milk, it transforms into something entirely different—creamy, smooth, and deeply satisfying. Milk-based espresso drinks are some of the most popular coffee beverages in the world, from the airy, foamy cappuccino to the silky, comforting latte.
Each milk-based espresso drink balances coffee and milk differently, affecting everything from texture to strength to sweetness. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the perfect coffee experience for your taste.
Why Add Milk to Espresso?
🔹 Softens the Intensity of Espresso – Espresso is bold and concentrated, but adding milk mellows its sharpness while preserving its deep flavors.
🔹 Enhances Sweetness & Texture – The natural sugars in milk caramelize when steamed, adding a subtle sweetness and silky texture to the coffee.
🔹 Creates a Variety of Flavor Profiles – From light and frothy to rich and creamy, each milk-based espresso drink offers a different sensory experience.
Types of Milk-Based Espresso Drinks
1️⃣ Cappuccino (Balanced & Frothy)
✔ Espresso + Equal Parts Steamed Milk & Foam
✔ Light, airy texture with a bold coffee taste
✔ Typically served in a 6 oz (180ml) cup
2️⃣ Latte (Creamy & Smooth)
✔ Espresso + 3–6 Parts Steamed Milk + Light Foam
✔ Mild, velvety texture with a delicate espresso presence
✔ Served in a 10–12 oz (300–350ml) cup
3️⃣ Flat White (Silky & Stronger)
✔ Espresso + Finely Textured Microfoam
✔ Less milk than a latte, more espresso flavor
✔ Served in a 5–6 oz (150–180ml) cup
4️⃣ Macchiato (Bold with a Touch of Foam)
✔ Espresso “stained” with a dollop of foamed milk
✔ Stronger than a cappuccino or latte
✔ Served in a small 2–3 oz (60–90ml) cup
5️⃣ Cortado (Equal Balance of Coffee & Milk)
✔ Equal parts espresso and steamed milk
✔ Smoother than a macchiato, but bolder than a latte
✔ Served in a 4 oz (120ml) glass
6️⃣ Breve (Richer & Naturally Sweet)
✔ Espresso + Steamed Half-and-Half Instead of Milk
✔ Creamier and slightly sweeter than a latte
✔ Served in a small cup (5–6 oz / 150–180ml)
7️⃣ Galão (Portugal’s Light & Milky Latte)
✔ Espresso + 3–4 Parts Steamed Milk
✔ Mildest espresso drink, with a light and frothy texture
✔ Served in a tall glass (10–12 oz / 300–350ml)
Milk & Foam: The Science of Texture
The type of milk and how it’s steamed impacts the final drink:
🔹 Steamed Milk (Lattes, Flat Whites, Cortados) – Heated milk with a silky, smooth texture that blends seamlessly into espresso.
🔹 Foamed Milk (Cappuccinos, Macchiatos, Breves) – Aerated milk with a thicker, airy texture, adding lightness and volume to the drink.
🔹 Microfoam (Flat Whites, Galão) – A fine, velvety layer of tiny bubbles that enhances the mouthfeel of the coffee.
Choosing the Right Milk-Based Espresso Drink
✔ For a strong coffee taste with a light, foamy texture? → Cappuccino
✔ For a creamy, smooth experience? → Latte
✔ For a stronger espresso presence with smooth milk? → Flat White
✔ For a small but bold drink with just a touch of milk? → Macchiato
✔ For a perfect 50/50 coffee-milk balance? → Cortado
✔ For an extra rich and creamy treat? → Breve
✔ For a light and milky coffee? → Galão
☕ Next Up: Cold & Iced Coffees – A Guide to Refreshing Coffee Variations
