Celebrate International Coffee Day 2025

Coffee Lovers, are you ready?

From 26 Sept – 1 Oct, Brunetti Oro and Lavazza bring you International Coffee Week – 6 days of endless coffee moments.

Think latte art, special blends, sweet pairings, and even a chance to win a trip to Italy.

At Brunetti Oro, we believe coffee isn’t just a drink… It’s a lifestyle. And what better way to celebrate than by exploring two of the world’s most loved cups – the cappuccino and the latte.

Coffee lovers know that these classics are more than morning rituals; they’re part of Italian culture. Whether you crave the velvety foam of a cappuccino or the smooth creaminess of a latte, each cup tells a story of tradition, craft, and passion.

What is a Cappuccino?

A classic cappuccino is an espresso-based drink with steamed milk and a distinct foam cap. In many traditions, the structure is described as equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a compact cup with a silky top. This proportion helps the espresso flavour stay front and centre while the milk adds roundness. 

Origin and History of Cappuccino

The name traces to the Capuchin friars in Italy—a nod to the reddish-brown colour of their habits and, by analogy, the colour of coffee blended with milk. Over time, the drink evolved with the rise of the Italian espresso bar and the espresso machine, finding its modern form as extraction and milk-steaming techniques improved. Today, guidelines for specialty bodies emphasise a compact size and structured foam for clarity in espresso flavour.

Modern cappuccino culture also drew influence from early Viennese cafés in the 1700s, where coffee with whipped cream and spices was popular. Today, regional differences remain, as some bars sprinkle cocoa on top, while others keep the surface clean to let the espresso speak. Nevertheless, the core idea of foam-topped espresso persists.

How Cappuccino Is Made (espresso, steamed milk, foam balance)

Baristas typically begin with an espresso machine, extracting a fresh espresso shot from quality coffee beans. Milk is then aerated and heated to create frothed milk with fine bubbles, often called microfoam, before pouring it into the espresso. For a classic approach, baristas aim for equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. A slightly “wetter” cappuccino reduces foam and uses a bit more milk, while a “drier” style features airy foam and less milk. Either way, the goal is to balance temperature, sweetness, and structure so that each layer holds its shape without overwhelming the cup.

If you are curious about why milk transforms so dramatically, it is because as milk heats, proteins partially unfold and trap air, while fats soften. Good cafes pay close attention to water quality and grinder calibration because both affect how the coffee extracts and how milk integrates with the espresso.  

Flavour Profile and Texture

A cappuccino offers a layered contrast, with a concentrated espresso flavour, sweetness from the milk, and a luxurious layer of milk foam. The body is lighter because there is less milk than in a latte. Also, the drink can have fewer calories than larger milk-forward options. The foam insulates, holding aromatics and delivering a pleasant, dry cap, ideal for coffee drinkers who want definition in each sip. In Melbourne’s vibrant coffee culture, cappuccino remains a staple for coffee lovers who enjoy a textural, aromatic cup.

What is Latte?

A latte, or a caffè latte, is espresso with more steamed milk and a thinner layer of microfoam, which is milk‑forward, smooth, and a natural canvas for latte art. Compared to a cappuccino, a caffè latte has more steamed milk and a thinner foam layer, creating a gentler cup with a notably creamy texture.

Origin and History of the Latte

While milk and coffee combinations have long existed in Italy, the contemporary presentation of caffè latte rose with café culture and the global spread of the espresso machine. The rise of latte art and the refinement of microfoam in the 1980s helped define the visual identity of the modern latte, with Seattle’s barista community playing a crucial role in popularising patterns poured over velvety foam.

The idea of milk and coffee is older than the modern café. Still, the contemporary latte owes much to the globalisation of Italian espresso bars after World War II and the open exchange between baristas in the 1980s and 1990s. As baristas refined pouring techniques and temperature control, they found that slightly cooler milk and tighter bubbles created a glossy surface that could be shaped into patterns. The visual language spread quickly through competitions, trade shows, and early Internet forums, making its way into cafes worldwide. 

How a Latte Is Made (espresso, steamed milk, microfoam)

The process typically begins with a well-extracted espresso shot from an espresso machine. For a classic caffè latte, baristas emphasise milk integration and polish. The milk is then steamed to a glossy sheen, preserving the milk’s natural sweetness while building ultra-fine bubbles for a supple milk texture. Next, the pour integrates espresso and steamed milk with a whisper of milk foam on top, perfect for intricate latte art. As a latte uses more milk overall, the milk ratio tips towards milk and away from intense coffee concentration. The result is a mellowed cup with rounded edges and a distinctly creamy texture. 

Flavour Profile and Texture

Lattes are smooth and approachable, showcasing silky microfoam and the caramel-like qualities of well-steamed dairy. In most cafés, ordering a caffè latte will fetch you a milk-forward balance with gentle sweetness. The emphasis on steamed milk softens edges, allowing espresso flavour to play in the background. Many cafés offer alternative milks such as soy milk to suit dietary needs or taste preferences, which can alter foam stability and sweetness. Regardless of this aspect, the signature of a modern latte is polished, with a glossy finish, integrated body, and elegant latte art.

Cappuccino vs. Latte: Key Differences

While both belong to the Italian coffee drinks category, a cappuccino prioritises contrast, whereas a latte prioritises integration. Cappuccinos are built around a structure with equal parts espresso (in most cases), steamed milk, and milk foam, typically in smaller sizes. On the other hand, lattes emphasise more steamed milk and a satin finish. The key differences lie in latte and cappuccino traditions, shaped by design and texture, not just the strength. Read on to understand these key differences in detail.

Espresso-to-Milk Ratio

The cappuccino keeps the milk ratio even, traditionally aiming for equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The latte uses more milk and less milk foam, shifting the concentration. In practice, ratios vary by cafe and region, but espresso remains the anchor for both latte and cappuccino. A dialled-in espresso machine keeps the ratio tasting just right from shot to shot. 

Foam Texture and Thickness

Cappuccinos feature a distinct cap of frothed milk and stable milk foam, while lattes showcase integrated microfoam with a thinner top layer. You might also encounter the latte macchiato, which highlights layers, or the modern latte, which favours a seamless surface with pristine latte art.

Taste and Mouthfeel

The classic cappuccino is intense and aromatic with a thick, dry, and airy foam cap, while a latte is plush, rounded, and milk-forward with a creamy texture. Each reflects how the espresso machine, milk, and technique are blended to shape the taste. Both drinks rely on a well-calibrated espresso machine for consistent extraction and heat stability. Melbourne’s coffee culture embraces both styles, and many coffee shops tailor recipes to local preferences. 

Serving Sizes and Presentation

A cappuccino is typically smaller, which preserves clarity and heat, while a caffè latte is larger and has a wide scope for latte art. You will also find that a layered latte macchiato is typically served in a tall glass, while a cappuccino is commonly served in a proper cup. Either way, both are classic Italian coffee drinks with global appeal, each variant being loved by countless people.

Table Comparison Between Cappuccinos and Lattes

Which One Should You Choose?

A choice between a latte and a cappuccino depends on your personal preferences. If you like intensity and structure, a cappuccino is the obvious choice. If you prefer perfect harmony and softness, the latte will help you indulge in polish and milk sweetness. 

For many, the choice also depends on the context, such as the time of day, the food you are having with coffee, and even the mood! For example, cappuccino works beautifully with buttery pastries or almond biscotti. On the other hand, lattes make a perfect companion for decadent desserts or savoury breakfast dishes, where you want the softer texture of coffee to complement these dishes and not overpower their flavours. 

For Strong Coffee Lovers (Cappuccino)

Choose a cappuccino when you want compact intensity with a comfortable, airy foam cap. The classic cup, entailing equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, delivers structure and aroma with a lighter body. Those who enjoy historic Italian bars and Melbourne’s bustling coffee culture often prefer cappuccino over other variants.

For Creamy, Milder Taste (Latte)

Choose a caffè latte when you want a big cup with a perfect harmony of espresso, steamed milk, and restrained foam. It is also the obvious choice if you are a connoisseur of microfoam finesse and delicate latte art. This gentle profile is typically the everyday order for many coffee lovers.

Personal Preference & Lifestyle

While making a choice, you must also consider dairy choices, tolerance for caffeine, and your routine. Some prefer whole milk for the classic flavour, while others experiment with soy milk due to dairy intolerance or their preferences in general. It has also been observed that fitness enthusiasts prefer smaller cups with less milk to control their energy intake. 

How to Experience Both at Brunetti Oro

When you walk into the Brunetti Oro cafe, you won’t just be spoiled for coffee options. Still, you will also be welcomed to a delightful spread of Italian cakes, including gelato cakes and other delicious dishes. Some of our regulars keep it quick with an espresso or cappuccino along with a bite to grab. Others take their time letting a latte stretch out over a slice of cake and warm conversation. 

This is the appeal at Brunetti Oro; you are not just choosing between two drinks but between two different traditions, two unique appeals, and two ways of spending your time. A cappuccino sharpens the moment, while a latte slows it down. Brunetti Oro gives space for both, and for many people in Melbourne, it is the perfect place to enjoy coffee with delicious desserts and delightful company!

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the intensity of espresso or a smooth, creamy texture, both a latte and a cappuccino always succeed in delighting coffee drinkers. Cappuccinos excel at contrast, while lattes beautifully depict integration and polish. So, to make the perfect choice, just assess the milk, foam, and espresso ratio you prefer and place your order confidently the next time you visit a cafe in Melbourne. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a cappuccino and a latte?

The main difference between a cappuccino and a latte is the milk texture and quantity. A cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, while a latte uses more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.

Is a cappuccino stronger than a latte?

Yes, a cappuccino is often stronger than a latte, as a cappuccino uses less milk to dilute the espresso. 

Which is healthier: a cappuccino or a latte?

If you consider energy per serving, a cup of classic cappuccino is likely to have fewer calories than a cup of standard latte, as cappuccino uses less milk compared to latte.

Should I choose a cappuccino or a latte?

If you are seeking an intense espresso flavour, choose a cappuccino, while if you are looking for a creamier, smoother coffee experience, choose a latte.