Choosing the right beans
Just as differences in milk volumes and ratios impact the flavour and texture of each beverage, so does the coffee variety itself. Consider a few examples:
Best beans for lattes
Since lattes contain more milk, it's key to use a coffee that can “cut through” the milk’s thick, creamy sweetness. This is especially true since the naturally occurring fats and sugars in milk often mask the flavours inherent to the coffee.
Coffees from South America or Southeast Asia tend to have more pronounced flavour profiles, including:
Using beans from these origins may help you punch through the thickness of the latte and stand out.
Best beans for flat whites and cappuccinos
Central American or African coffees (which are often more delicate and sweet) are often better suited to smaller milk beverages like the flat white and cappuccino.
Look for coffee bean roasts offering palates described as:
The key is finding coffee beans that match your desired intensity while complementing the drink’s milk ratio.
Home brewing tips: How to perfect your cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites
What’s one of the best ways to appreciate the differences between a latte, cappuccino, and flat white? That would be making these drinks for yourself.
With a more solid understanding of the ratios, bean choice, and milk steaming techniques, you’re well on your way to brewing barista-quality beverages of your own. Consider these tips to elevate your home brewing:
Grind to the right consistency – Espresso-based drinks demand a delicate balance when it comes to grind. Too coarse, and your espresso will be weak; too fine, and it can turn bitter. Consider investing in a burr coffee grinder for consistent results.
Dial in your espresso – Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio and extraction time to achieve the perfect shot. The ideal extraction time should be around 25-30 seconds, producing a rich, smooth espresso ringed with golden crema.
Master milk steaming – As noted, milk texture is essential to differentiate espresso-based beverages. Develop a feel for fine-textured foam through time and practice, enabling you to craft just the right level of silkiness to crown your coffee.
Whichever you prefer, understanding the nuances of lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites helps you make more informed decisions. Experiment with different textures, flavours, and coffees to find your perfect beverage.
The importance of proper cups for your coffee
An often-overlooked detail when making espresso-based drinks is the cup you ultimately sip from. While commercial coffee chains often relegate you to disposable options, an at-home barista need not feel so constrained.
Traditionally, cappuccinos and flat whites are served in a cup meant to precisely fit the amount of coffee served—so between 5 and 6 ozs. This contrasts the approximately 8-12 oz size of a latte, accounting for the greater amount of steamed milk. A wide-mouthed cup is also preferable for an easier pour, particularly when making latte art.
As with all things coffee, these are merely guidelines. The best cup is one that enhances your overall coffee experience, whether that’s a simple mug or a porcelain chalice.
Choosing the right espresso machine for home brewing
True lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites can only be made with an espresso machine, which delivers the 9 bars of pressure needed to craft concentrated espresso. The right machine also offers quality-of-life features like:
Steam wand – If you plan to make cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites, consider a machine with a steam wand or automatic milk frother. Steam wands provide more control over creating different textures of milk foam, while automatic frothers do it all for you at the touch of a button.
Automated functions – For added convenience, fully automatic espresso machines handle the entire process for you—from grind measurement to final extraction. Semi-automatic machines handle the grittier details, such as pressure, while still allowing you the freedom to determine brew time.
A reliable machine is the foundation for good espresso—which, in turn, is the foundation for delicious lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Investing in the right machine ensures high-quality coffee while streamlining the brewing process.