Americano and latte are two of the easiest coffees to compare when you are ordering for the first time.
Both start with espresso, but the drinking experience is very different.
1. Americano: cleaner and more direct
An Americano is usually:
espresso + water
There is no noticeable milkiness, so the coffee flavor feels more direct.
It is a good choice if you:
- do not like milk
- want something cleaner
- want coffee to cut through a sweet dessert
2. Latte: smoother and softer
A latte is usually:
espresso + milk
Milk softens the bitterness and makes the drink feel rounder.
If you are new to coffee or sensitive to bitterness, a latte is often the easier first choice.
3. Which one has more caffeine?
You cannot judge caffeine only by how dark or strong the drink tastes.
It depends on the espresso dose, beans and recipe.
If both drinks use the same espresso dose, the biggest difference is usually milkiness and texture, not necessarily caffeine.
4. What should you pair them with?
Fruit cake: Americano
Chocolate cake: latte
Scones: either works
Sweet bread: Americano feels cleaner, latte feels softer
FAQ: Which one is safer for a first coffee?
Sensitive to bitterness: latte.
Do not like milk: Americano.
Still unsure: start with a latte.
Related
- IM CAKE Coffee Menu: Starting with Americano & Latte
- Iced Americano vs Iced Latte: Which One Should You Choose?
- Best Coffee to Pair with Cake and Desserts
Browse our Coffee Menu, or message us through Contact Us for a quick recommendation.