6

If I order a caffè latte from a coffee shop, will it always be the same strength? As in the same ratio of espresso to milk? For example, I think I heard that Starbucks UK use more espresso than is normal, though I can't remember if that's compared to "normal for a latte" or the other Starbuckses in the rest of the world.

Or does it vary wildly from shop to shop (and thus I need to learn or ask at each individual coffee shop)?

starsplusplus
  • 659
  • 6
  • 15

2 Answers2

5

It varies by shop and order. For instance, order a latte at Starbucks, you have a selection of sizes, and then variance in the number of shots (or espresso) you order in the drink. Since the sizes are not doubled (12, 16, 20 ounces, not 12, 24, 36) and half shots are not a thing, the ratio will vary at the order level.

Suspended User
  • 6,395
  • 19
  • 35
  • That's a good point. However, if you were to order the same size drink in two different coffee shops, would it have the same amount of espresso? You mention it varying in your first sentence but then don't really elaborate. – starsplusplus Apr 30 '15 at 10:13
  • The size of an espresso shot does have a fairly specific standard, which has been answered as another question on this site. There is some variation, most certainly, but far less than the variability in milk to espresso ratio in a latte. – Suspended User Apr 30 '15 at 16:06
  • Not sure if you got what I was asking or not - I'm not asking about how big an espresso shot is. What I meant was if you order a 16 fl oz latte in Coffee Shop A, and a same-size latte in Coffee Shop B, are they going to have roughly the same amount of espresso in? (Sorry if your above comment just answered this; I wasn't sure.) – starsplusplus Apr 30 '15 at 16:10
  • There is variance. The smaller size will generally have one shot, the largest size, two shots. I have seen the middle size go either way, with the barista often asking the customer if it should be one or two. – Suspended User Apr 30 '15 at 17:36
3

From what I have found the only rule to make latte macchiato is to use at least 200ml of milk for a 30ml espresso shot. Clearly this is mostly defined by the volume of the glass the coffee is served in and that will definitely vary from shop to shop. I would expect the coffee shops to use standart espresso shots but no one can be sure about this either.

Lamorak
  • 447
  • 3
  • 8
  • Ah, sorry. I've never heard latte being used to mean latte macchiato before, only ever caffe latte. Didn't realise there could be ambiguity. I've edited. – starsplusplus Apr 29 '15 at 20:39
  • Well I don't actually drink latte so it was probably me who messed up. Anyway the answer is still the same: the ratio is mostly defined by the volume of the cup hence it will vary – Lamorak Apr 29 '15 at 20:50