Americano vs Latte: 5 Key Differences Between An Americano And A Latte

In the grand theater of coffee, espresso plays the starring role. Espresso is the intense brew that was born in the bustling cafes of early 20th century Italy. And every since, it has spawned different variations.

Among these is the big debate of americano vs latte. Both of these are crowd favorites based on espresso, but they have entirely different characteristics.

Roasty Coffee made a comparison between the two. So, if you’re more of a visual learner, take a look at this video and decide on americano vs latte:

And in this blog post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about this americano vs latte debate, starting with the basic questions of what is an americano and a latte, and moving on to differences.

1. What is an Americano?

The Americano, a drink with roots in World War II, emerged when American soldiers in Italy diluted espresso to mimic the coffee they knew from home. This simple act created a new coffee classic: the Americano.

An Americano is crafted by pulling a shot of espresso and adding hot water.

The typical ratio is 1:2 or 1:3 espresso to water, though this can be adjusted to taste. The result is a drink that has the complexity of espresso but with a volume and strength more similar to drip coffee.

The Americano still has the bold, full-bodied taste of espresso but the added water opens up these flavors. 

An Americano typically contains 60-80mg of caffeine, just as a single shot of espresso.

2. What is a Latte?

The latte, short for “caffè latte” (Italian for “milk coffee”), is a velvety smooth combination of espresso and steamed milk.

Its origins are still debated, with some tracing it back to European coffeehouses in the 17th century, while others credit American cafes in the 1950s.

A standard latte is prepared by pulling a shot of espresso and adding steamed milk in a ratio of about 1:3. The drink is typically finished with a thin layer of milk foam on top.

Lattes offer a creamy, mild coffee experience. The espresso’s intensity is tempered by the milk, so neither component overpowers the other. The steamed milk adds a slight sweetness and an amazing mouthfeel.

The typical latte contains about 60-80mg of caffeine from a single shot of espresso, but all of this can vary depending on how many shots do you or cafes use.

3. 5 differences between an americano vs latte

Now that the basics are out of the equation, let’s see the main differences between americano vs latte.

Starting with ingredients, Americanos keep things simple: just espresso and hot water. This is as straightforward as it gets.

Lattes are a bit more complex: they combine espresso with steamed milk and a touch of foam. The quality of the milk and how it’s steamed play an important part in the final product.

What about the preparation?

Well, Americanos involve pouring a shot of espresso into a cup and topping it with hot water. You might think that you can switch it up, but trust me – this order is important for preserving that ‘crema‘.

Lattes are, again, a bit more complicated. They require a bit more finesse but it’s nothing so serious you can’t do… The barista pulls an espresso shot, and all the while they steam milk to create the microfoam. The milk is then slowly poured over the espresso – it’s enough if you just pour it over in any shape: baristas often add an artistic touch.

Taste and texture-wise, Americanos offer a robust espresso flavor in a more diluted form. They’re light-bodied like drip coffee but with added complexity.

Lattes have a creamy, velvety experience with a milder coffee flavor.

For the calorie-conscious, Americanos are a great choice, containing only the trace calories from the espresso itself – typically less than 5 calories per serving.

Lattes can be very different depending on the milk used. A standard latte with whole milk can range from 120-200 calories, while skim milk reduces this to around 70 calories. So, keep this in mind when you choose your milk for your latte!

4. Which one to choose: americano vs latte?

Your choice between an Americano and a latte should be guided by none other than… yourself!

Knowing everything I just shared with you, consider what taste are you looking for, what are your dietary need, and what’s the experience you’re after.

I can put it like this:

Choose americano, if:

• You want a strong coffee flavor without added calories
• You’re looking for a drink that’s similar to drip coffee but with more complexity
• You need a straightforward caffeine boost

Choose a latte when:

• You prefer a creamy coffee experience
• You’re looking for a more substantial drink that can double as a light snack
• You enjoy the artistry of well-crafted milk foam and latte art

If you’re paying extra attention to your calorie intake, the americano is the clear winner. But if you’re looking to increase your calcium intake, a latte can be your solution with some dairy milk.

And also, don’t forget this!

Time of day can also influence your decision. An Americano works well at any time, while a latte might be more satisfying as a morning meal replacement or afternoon treat.

5. How to make americano at home

To create the perfect Americano at home, you’ll need:

• An espresso machine
• A burr grinder
• Freshly roasted coffee beans
• A scale for precision
• A thermometer (optional, but helpful)

Tips for the perfect brew:

1. Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans. Aim for a medium to dark roast for traditional Americano flavor.
2. Grind your beans just before brewing to preserve freshness and flavor.
3. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2 oz) for a standard Americano.
4. Heat your water to between 160°F and 170°F (71°C to 77°C). This temperature range helps maintain the espresso’s flavors without scalding.
5. Add 4-6 oz of hot water to your espresso. Start with less and add more to taste.
6. Experiment with different water-to-espresso ratios to find your preferred strength.

6. How to make latte at home

For cafe-quality lattes at home, you’ll need:

• An espresso machine with a steam wand
• A milk frothing pitcher
• A burr grinder
• Freshly roasted coffee beans
• A scale for precision
• A thermometer

Tips for the perfect brew:

1. Start with freshly ground, quality espresso beans. A medium roast often works well for lattes.
2. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2 oz) into your serving cup.
3. Fill your milk pitcher 1/3 full with cold milk. Whole milk creates the best microfoam, but any milk can work.
4. Steam your milk to 150-160°F (65-71°C), creating a velvety microfoam. The milk should have a glossy appearance and no large bubbles.
5. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, starting from a height of about 6 inches and bringing the pitcher closer to the cup as you pour.
6. Finish with a thin layer of foam on top. With practice, you can create latte art designs.