CAFE DRINKS EXPLAINED: Breaking down the cappuccino, flat white, cortado, latte, and more 

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@lancehedrick hearing you utter the word “shite” just doubled my appreciation of your channel. I thought only northern uk residents used such descriptive language. Thanks for explaining milk and espresso in its many ratios… and thanks for Karen

In Czech republic most cafes differentiate cappuccino and flat white by the strength of the drink, most commonly a cappuccino made from single shot and flat white from a double shot

Although I know many of these nuances I still found this video entertaining. It was hilarious and self-deprecating while still driving home the point of being respectful to front line service workers like baristas who face so much unnecessary harsh and rude criticism. Kudos for doing this Lance.

Here in Belgium, often a cappuccino is same cup as a flat white, but with a single shot (flat has double shot). And you know you're in trouble when they ask if you want a cappuccino with milk or whipped cream. 🙃

In German specialty coffee places it's mostly like this: a cappuccino here is usually the same as a latte with microfoam, latte art etc. A flat white is the same thing served in the same cups (sometimes though in a cortado glass?), but with a double shot of espresso and thus a little bit less milk. A latte here is either served in a big ceramic cup with a double shot and a lot of milk or they just make a latte macchiato in a tall glass with foamy milk first and espresso on top and call it a latte too; always a gamble. Oh and yesterday I went to one of my favorite places and they had something called "Capucin" (French pronunciation) which was mostly like a small flat white or cortado. Either way it's a mess lol

I'm from Romania, I worked as a barista for 9 years or so. In our region, latte macchiato is really wide spread. Pro tip, before you pour in the espresso, you have to wait for the foam to separate completely from the milk. And if you pour the coffee 😅n carefully enough, you'll get a triple layer drink. Milk, espresso, foam. It looks really nice. And if you put like a bit of honey or some thick syrup on the bottom of the glass, you'll get an extra layer. It's really fun!

Thank you for breaking these down! You're opening up the world of coffee for all of us beginners out here!

I work as a barista in a southern city of Spain (Málaga) where we have a specific way to name different coffees that is not used anywhere else outside of our city. I work in a third-wave style shop so I usually have to "translate" to the locals from "Malagueño" to "specialty coffee" 😂. It's confusing sometimes but always very interesting! And I love watching videos like this that help me "translate" better ;)

First of all, thank you for the great videos and content. As a Neapolitan coffee enthusiast, I have to correct you on one thing though. An espresso macchiato in Italy is indeed made with milk (i.e., micro foam) and a bit of foam. Although not all the way to the top, as you've shown. On the other hand, an espresso with only a little foam is called an espresso schiumato, which translates as a "foamed espresso". In Naples this distinction is very common and every café knows exactly what is meant. Given that both drinks are Italian, I think it is safe to say that this is the way it should be done. Correct me if I am wrong.

Finally! A concise explanation and outline of the differences between the various milk-based drinks. Thanks, Lance!

Today I learned that I serve a latte macchiato every time that someone asks for a cappuccino. Thanks Lance!!

In my experience flat white is more coffee forward beverage, usually double shot and about 200ml. Cappuccino is 150ml with single shot or 300ml with double shot. And both of them are made with micro foam.

Here in Argentina we have "capuccino a la Italiana". It's served in a large transparent cup, and you can see the three parts: coffee, milk and foam. Then they put chocolate or cinnamon on the top.

Oh my gosh, thank you SO very much for this video! We moved from the Midwest, USA to Germany while I'm in the middle of learning anything about espresso drinks and couldn't put two and two together for anything! Latte macchiato was really throwing me for a loop here, so extra thanks for including that bit of info. I'm saving this to watch on repeat for a while! ☕☕☕

Thank you so much I have just learned more in your video of 17 mins than I knew in 40 years of drinking coffee, bad on me, fantastic on you. Love your work.

Thank you for the extensive explanation on this. Will definitely have to watch this more than once.

Amazing video as usual Lance! I’ve been using a lot of your tips for my home espresso. Everything is amazing and I can’t wait to try these tips out too! 😊

In Poland, and i think in other countries in Central Europe, biggest difference between cappuccino and flat white (mostly in specialty shops, but right now in Poland it’s also integrated in many restaurants hotels etc) is milk to coffee ratio. Cappuccino is usually single/ smaller shot of espresso, and flat white double/ doppio/ bigger shot. Flat white is more like bigger cortado. Both are around 200 ml but it’s also different in many places. I’ve seen in a good coffee place both flats and capps that are 150 to 250 ml or bigger.

This is your best video yet!!! Great job explaining.

Been waiting for this video since you started the channel! I actually asked you about this on another video. Will watch as soon as I get home! Tks!

In Alaska, I don't encounter microfoam much. In Anchorage in particular we are very proud of our coffee culture and our egregious density of coffee carts. Almost all baristas seem to haphazardly get bubbles into the milk and everyone seems to like it that way. I tried bringing this up to a couple of friends and they looked at me like I was crazy.

Awesome explanation! I think being clear and asking questions of your barista is always best and just understanding that people have different opinions and expectations. It's what makes the world go 'round. Myself, I love a good fluffy cappuccino after a meal with nice biscotti to dip in it. then at the end you mix in the foam to make it all nice and milky... so tasty! Latte art is one part of the coffee world that I just really don't get, I really don't care if my coffee has it or not. I certainly don't mind presentation in the cup (or on the plate for that matter) but I don't think it should interfere with the taste or recipe of the finished product. just my opinion, but i certainly don't faulty anyone for enjoying making it, or enjoying it.

As a coffee shop owner/barista, I teach my baristas to steam milk extra thick for cappuccino It will be thick to the point that you can pretty much just do a heart or a 4 stack tulip latte art... Which means no intricate latte art Also adding cocoa powder to that for aesthetics This differentiates it with the flat white with only a cm or less thick foam similar to a caffe latte And then our caffe latte milk is steamed just like how you would for intricate latte arts but the milk to coffee ratio is more milk as compared to cappuccino or flat white I like to make it a point that cappuccino is stronger coffee than flat white (because less liquid milk and more foam) Caffe latte being the most milky And flat white becomes the in-between cappuccino and caffe latte

I have seen a Video from a german youtuber called Backyard coffee, and he said that a Flat white is a Double Ristretto with fine foam steamed milk...

You make even the more mudane topics fun! You are a great communicator. Keep it up

I would add also one amazing coffee drink I have found in some places in Italy and Austria. It’s called Console/Konsul respectively. It’s a single/double shot of espresso and whipped cream on top. Lovely!

As somebody from one of the lands down under (Australia & New Zealand), thank you Lance. I appreciate you.

This has been incredibly helpful, thank you

Loved this video, though already familiar with the content I still learnt a fair few things but especially your presentation/script. Very at ease, friendly and at times I was lol! Keep up the great content!!!

Really enjoyed this. First time seeing one of your videos. As a new home barista you made it enjoyable and easy to follow

High quality presenting, Lance!

Your intro about ordering a cappuccino is SO ACCURATE

I like this „new“ clean video aesthetic with the slightly warm off-white highkey look. You videos feel like a milky Cappuccino after a relaxing shower.

Loved it, tgx fir the milk temp tip in latte art, realy helped ❤

Thanks Lance. Another great video. What I find a bit confusing is that some ceramics manufacturers (Acme, Loveramics) sell a 150 ml version of their cups by the name Flat White but I feel like FW (even in Australia and NZ) is mostly served in 200 ml cups too. Maybe things have changed since the beginning days of the flat white, when they were made with a double ristretto . . . The 150 ml size cups are roughly what you might be served as a cappuccino in Italy, though over there no one would even consider putting a double shot in one of those.

Great video Lance!

As a New Zealander from Wellington (the home of NZ coffee) going to cafes in the early 90s when Flat Whites became a thing, I remember they came in a smaller glass cup, rather than a larger ceramic coffee cup. It used to be a single shot of espresso, with steamed but not foamed milk. Baristas would even use a spoon when pouring the milk to make sure no foam got to the cup. Because of the small glass, the ratio of espresso to milk was a lot greater than a normal latte or cappuccino. At the time NZ was transitioning from a Coffee Lounge culture where the only options were white or black filtered coffee, to italian names like espresso, cappuccino, macchiato etc. It was overwhelming for some people, so the flat white was invented as a no nonsense option of "just milk and coffee like you are used to and no funny stuff". Also capuccinos back then were nuts. At least 1/4 of the cup was foam.

Thanks for the video Lance.

Super early to this video, thanks for the breakdown. Now I can send this to all the people who expect something different when I'm making drinks.

I went to a tiny shop that sold "milk drinks" as 4 / 6 / 8 oz - no names. Genius.

One drink you forgot about is "Grober/kleiner Brauner" [its a drink from Vienna]

never been this early. love your vids man they are really helpful

Excellent as usual!

Thanks for the point about steaming milk to a lower temperature for a more coffee forward drink.

Another great video. My favourite: Soy flat white because im lactose intolerant. Flat whites are supposed to be flat in my opinion. If you're batching with a cappuccino or a mocha, you pour that first and then pour the flat white. That's how i was taught.

In Australia many places do a long macchiato with a double shot of espresso, a small amount of hot water, and then foam. I usually ask people how if they want the water or not. Communication is key!

This what we all needed!! 🎉🎉

Awesome video, Lance.

Thank you for the information ☺️

Brilliant video dude!

Lance, your videos are helpful and wonderful!

Love the DMZ shoutout!

I have a newfound love for Espresso Tonics

I really enjoy watching your videos, it's very easy to understand what are you saying... Thank you so much ❤❤❤

Brother Hedrick with yet another great topic

I worked as a barista in the far east corner of my kitchen. The way i differntiated my cappuccino vs. Flat white was that my flat whites had a thicker less dense foam.

Thank you for this explanation 😘

Lived in Japan for 6 years. Can confirm for the macchiato. Some shops in Kyoto do it the traditional way.

i know some baby baristas in australia do their dialing in with a small warm latte with strictly no latte art. i personally haven't tried to do this nor do i know if it works but each to their own but it makes sense in theory. not perfect but great for barista who usually dont drink espressos or black coffees. i usually like baristas to spend their early months slowly transitioning to espresso forward and then black coffee. also we just play detective to piece together what the customer wants and when its done right and they enjoy it, its my favourite thing about hospitality even if they don't drown u in compliments just knowing theyre satisfied is a great feeling. oh and iced drinks are another can of worms but its all a fun challenge.

This was helpful! Thank you!

This video spoke to my soul Lance 😂

My favouite kind. Thank you, Lance.

Great video Lance! Can you do a video covering espresso extraction ratio and espresso to milk ratios for these drinks. It's something that I haven't seen much of.

I live in Australia. Nsw. And a "pick" (picalo) is a half size double strength latte. So a whole shot. With the same volume of milk in a glass similar to a large shot glass.

Lance, this video makes me feel much better about my milk drinks, because apparently, making one means I can make all of them if I have the right glass! And also my latte art is non-existent which makes for more deliciousness. lol

Ive never actually considered making anything other than a cappuccino at home but I might just work my way through this list. Seems fun.

KISS - Machi or Cortado + a black coffee on offer. Sometimes I get an espresso, but that depends on who is at the bar.

I literally busted out laughing all thru this video 😂 you’re an awesome teacher!

Be kind to your local barista. Thank you Lance for the positive messages

The “Espresso for Ants” line is my absolute favorite 🤣😂 I love Zoolander

Today I actually will brew something tasty because my Onyx coffee just arrived! Super stoked to try these.

i just LOVE all your videos.But this.... this was epic ! Oh what i wanted this and u gave us this !!

I rarely drink milk drinks (cause i suck at latte art) but i just love these videos on milk drinks.

In Ireland, seemingly the main difference between a Cappuccino and a Flat White is that the Flat White has two shots espresso compared to one for the Cappuccino.

Great breakdown

Lancei just found your channel today and love all the information you give. I am looking for my first espresso machine and I would love your opinion on the coffee gator espresso machine ive seen several websites recommend.

You should also mention the breve macchiato - made with half and half which seems pretty common in speciality shops

In regards to the starbucks macchiato; to my knowledge they've always made espresso macchiato & latte macchiato, but I believe the caramel macchiato was originally designed to celebrate their 25th anniversary during the 90s and it was in such high demand that it stayed on the menu after the initial promo period. Not super related to the video, but felt it was interesting insight to where that specific drink came from.

Great video as always! Can you add links to your glassware? I need to upgrade mine and love the blue cups.

He knows Frank Lloyd Wright!!! My favourite

love your content Lance sir! 😆

Great video, Lance. Had to get my fix of silky milky vicariously today-my new Lelit Bianca V3 had an internal leak at the steam wand connection and was leaking puddles onto the internal electronics. SCG was great and are swapping it out for a new one, but I will be sans silky milky (unless I try the French press method) for a week or so. 😢

Hello from Austria! In the more traditional coffee world (coffee houses, restaurants and/or pastry shops), a Capuccino is very often either a single espresso or even a more Americano-like shot with milk and whipped cream on top. We love whipped cream here, you never now when you need those calories :) Funny thing is that we have the "Melange", a traditional coffee drink typically with milk+whipped cream; however, in many places the Cappuccino will be the one with the whipped cream, and the Melange with steamed milk, which is kinda odd 🤷‍♀ As always, asking first helps to avoid confusions. Lance, thank you for your entertaining, educative, fast-paced videos

It's all the same drink just different sizes these days. In Australia - Piccolo - 90ml glass, single shot espresso, - Cortado - 120ml glass, double shot espresso - flat white - 180ml cup double shot espresso - cappuccino - 150ml cup, single shot espresso - latte - 240ml glass, single shot espresso

Where I live chain cafes have a single shot for cappuccino and double for flat white. But in 3rd wave speciality shops theyre identical. Some people also think cappuccino should have ”more air” and flat white ”less air” in the chain cafes.

Great content. I fully agree to every single word

I didn’t know you relocated to Portugal! So cool

In italy macchiato is usuall expected to be cafe macchiato, but latte macchiato is also a thing, especially in the north. It’s two different drinks but the word has often been imported alone and one or the other drinks tagged with it. A macchiato in Germany will always be (as I understand it) be a latte macchiato, as an example. Nice vid.

In Denmark, most places (non speciality coffee shops), when you order a cortado, you get a flat white....like 7 out of 10 times 🤯🤥😳 its so frustrating 🤯

Love it! Thanks :)

Traditionally a flat white is often also made with a double ristretto, which was the standard way espresso was pulled for a long time here in Wellington, New Zealand. Although, more recently ratios have crept up, especially in cafes which serve more lightly roasted coffee.

To add from my experience in Rome a cafe latte is always served in a glass cup with a thick head of milk foam. Not once was I served anything close to latte art.

@LanceHedrick , not a waste of time :) And as an Italian, thank you for explaining why ordering "Latte" in Italy won't probably end with what you want... (or maybe it will? ;) ) Cheers!

This video makes me, a person who's had hundreds of cappuccinos and flat whites, very happy. Because I can't really tell the difference. (Except at the places that serve cappuccinos with a pile of foam on top...)

"Espresso for ants" was the highlight for me

I love Lance.

During this exceptionally hot summer, Dirty has become my favorite milk drink. Granted it's not textured milk, but I was hoping to get Lance's 2 cent on it🤤

Very helpful! 👍👍

Here in Fort Worth, we have cafes with cortados but 80% are 4oz drinks and the remainder are like 6oz. I know of a couple cafes that make the distinction of a gibraltar, but its only the glass difference