Some people have comfort food. Others have comfort coffee. Every now and then one just needs to curl up around a nice, rich, and creamy cup of caffe mocha or caffe latte. Even though these drinks may be enjoyable regardless, it does beg the question, what is the difference between these two coffee wonders? Please do not worry, we have a few handy answers for you. In this article, we will help you to understand more about mocha vs latte, its similarities and differences.
Table of Contents
What is Caffe Mocha?
While many espresso-based beverage names come from Italian and can mean rather simple things like “double“, the Caffe mocha actually refers to the Arabica coffee beans that originally made this drink. Mocha in Yemen was a hub of coffee trade and what is so special about the Arabica beans from Mocha in Yemen is that they have a natural chocolatey flavor to them! Baristas decided to try and turbocharge the chocolatey flavor of the beans by adding more chocolate to the drink. But don’t think this drink is just for dessert because it usually contains two shots of espresso, 2 ounces of hot chocolate, an ounce of steamed milk and a little extra foam to crown the top. The Caffe mocha is a potent but delicious treat and that is for certain.
What is a Caffe Latte?
The caffe latte, a whole carousel of differing and alternative names that have developed from this drink’s long history starting in the 17th century. The caffe latte is espresso and steamed milk, with a little extra foam on top. With “Caffe” meaning “coffee” in Italian and “latte” meaning “milk”. But the drink is much more than this!
The tradition of adding milk to coffee has been practiced in European households for a long time, and in cafes, drinks like the French cafe au lait (also meaning “coffee with milk”) were also featured on menus.
But the caffe latte as we know it today seems to have evolved and developed over time, at least in terms of its specific name! When it comes to caffe latte in the United States, there is also a bit of ambiguity. But some of the earliest evidence of caffe latte making landfall in America goes back to the 1950s when the Caffe Mediterraneum in Berkeley, California introduced the caffe latte to the American coffee scene.
By the 80s and 90s, the latte became a fixture of many cafes, especially those in Seattle during the second wave of coffee. Today, caffe latte is a common fixture of cafe menus and has lent itself to represent highbrow and educated culture for better or for worse in some circles! Nevertheless, caffe latte is prepared with espresso, steamed milk, and foam to be exact!
Mocha vs Latte
Now, let’s see how these two stack up. For those who have not had the pleasure of enjoying either drink, maybe you can parse out which one you’d rather order at the cafe next time based on our breakdown. Are you looking for something a bit lighter but no less tasty and rich? Then the caffe latte is your drink.
Similarity:
- Both Mocha and Latte are espresso-based coffee. In other words, they cannot be made without an espresso shot.
- Steamed milk is another crucial ingredient for making these two coffees.
Differences:
- Ingredient: Latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, while mocha is made with espresso, steamed milk and chocolate powder or chocolate syrup.
- Milk texture: although both of them have steamed milk, the texture is different. For a latte, the milk is silkier with less foam, while for mocha, the milk is usually “dry” and more foam.
- Garnish: the barista usually garnishes with some chocolate powder or chocolate syrup on top. For a latte, it is usually served as it is. Sometimes, a barista with latte art skills can create a lovely picture just by using the milk jug.
Final Thought
The amazing world of espresso never ceases to amaze. Mocha vs latte: these two drinks are somewhat similar and yet slightly different as well. Remember, those winding down for the day may want to opt for that keen caffe latte, while the sweet tooths out there should keep their eyes peeled for that chocolatey Caffe mocha!
