Are Cappuccino and Latte Cups the Same?
Coffee is more than just a caffeinated beverage that you drink in the mornings. It’s an entire craft—from the beans to the brew to the cup, and there are even institutions that dictate standards for it!
Now, you don’t need to do everything a certified barista would do to enjoy a proper cup of joe, but it will elevate your experience to follow these guidelines at home. One easy tip to follow is to use the right cup made by top cappuccino cup brands for each coffee drink you make, as not all cups are equal! For example, the size of a cappuccino cup is different from that of a latte cup or an espresso shot glass.
Cappuccino Versus Latte
Two of the most beloved coffee drinks are the cappuccino and the latte. They’re very similar; in fact, both have the same two main ingredients: coffee and milk. The caffeine content of a cappuccino and a latte are also generally the same, but each one is made with a different ratio, which greatly affects its flavor and consistency.
A cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink that consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth. This gives it a mildly intense coffee flavor and an airy consistency.
A latte (or caffe latte), on the other hand, is made of equal parts espresso and steamed milk finished with a touch of milk foam on top. It’s creamier and milkier than an espresso.
Can I Use the Same Cup for Both?
If you’re making a proper cappuccino or latte, you won’t use the same cup for both–a cappuccino cup is smaller than a latte cup, as the latter needs some extra wiggle room for the amount of milk.
Cappuccino Cups Versus Latte Cups
A cappuccino cup is typically five to 5.5 ounces (or 150ml to 160ml), while a latte cup is usually around eleven to fifteen ounces. The former is typically made of white porcelain, while the latter can come in white porcelain or ceramic. Cappuccino and latte cups have thick, rounded bottoms that stretch into thin, wide mouths. Both are often accompanied by a saucer.
How To Find the Best Cappuccino and Latte Cups
Finding the best cappuccino and latte cups really depends on your coffee goals, and boils down to aesthetic and function. Most baristas—amateur or professional—aim for the latter, and therefore consider design, size, and shape when searching for their perfect coffee vessel. Others prefer to focus on aesthetics, meaning the look of the cup is more important than proper function.
If you’re looking for a simple cup for your cappuccino or latte, the standard white porcelain or ceramic cups, coming in sizes between 4.5 and five ounces and eleven to fifteen ounces, respectively, will provide a classic coffee-drinking experience.