What's the Difference Between an Americano and a Latte?

Latte people and Americano people are both fundamentally looking for the same things: Caffeine, an excuse to spend somewhere between $5 to $7 (with tip), and the tiny jolt of serotonin that comes with purchasing a little treat. These two popular espresso drinks will certainly fuel you through a day of meetings or travel. But there are fundamental differences in how they’re prepared, how much caffeine they contain, their milk content, and even how much volume they offer in terms of what ends up in your cup. Read on to better understand the difference between an Americano coffee and a standard latte.

What is an Americano coffee?

A classic Americano calls for just two ingredients: a shot of espresso and somewhere between eight and 12 ounces of hot water. You can also make an Americano coffee with a double shot of espresso; just know that you’ll need to adjust the ratio of water accordingly to keep the drink balanced. The order of operations is up to the maker –– you can add hot water to the espresso, or espresso to the hot water, the latter of which makes for what’s often referred to as a Long Black.

What is a latte?

It’s hard to think of an espresso drink that’s experimented with more often than the latte. As the base for seasonal riffs from the classic pumpkin spice latte to holiday-centric gingerbread or peppermint lattes, it’s important to put the latte in perspective among its peers. Volumetrically larger than a cortado and flat white and closer in size to a cappuccino, the latte has simply a shot of espresso and steamed milk poured into the top of the mug or cup. Without additional milk foam, the creamy top of a latte is formed by any residual air bubbles that are created as the milk is steamed.

What are the best espresso machines to use to make an Americano coffee or a latte?

An espresso machine is a serious investment! We tested several options on the market to find the best espresso machine to help you make the best lattes, Americanos, and other espresso drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen so you can peruse our picks and then make the decision that best fits your coffee cart.