CoffeeForums Coffee Facts

Q: What is the difference? I just got a machine (Espresso, coffee, and milk steamer/frother) and want to know how I can make a Latte (and use the flavor syrup I bought), a French Vanilla Cappuccino, and a White Chocolate Mocha.

A: Ok, a Latte is a flavored coffee/milk drink. Generally you put your flavoring in the cup first, for a 16 oz cup, it's just short of a full shot glass. For 20oz, its a full shot. You should then steam your milk to at least 160 degrees and have a nice smooth froth on top by holding the wand just below the top of the milk. You should hear a slight sucking sound. This is what you would get at an Espresso stand. Once you get your milk steamed, pour enough in the cup to about half full. Next, you should put your coffee grinds into the piece with the handle and should tamp the coffee grinds hard enough so that when your shots of Espresso come out. They have a smooth flow to them, but it takes 15 to 20 seconds to fill a shot glass. It takes some time to adjust how hard you pack the coffee, and to find what works for you. Make sure these shots are put into your cup within 7 seconds to prevent the Espresso shots from tasting burnt or bitter. Generally, a 16oz has two shots in it, some 20oz's have 2, some have 3 shots. It depends on how strong you want the coffee. Next you should fill the cup most of the way with more milk, stir, and then top it off with some of the foam you made in the beginning. Now, a cappuccino would either be dry or wet, it all depends on how you like them. Most of the time, a Cappuccino is about 8 or 10oz from what I've experienced. Now, remember when you made the Latte, and in the beginning you frothed your milk? Well, you want to do this, but make a lot more froth. A wet Cappuccino is one that has more liquid in it, and a dry Cappuccino is one that's all foam. You want to take all the foam you've made and pour it into a cup, adding as much liquid as you'd like to it. Next you will want to make one or two shots of Espresso and pour them into the cup. You can add a slight bit of flavor if youd like ('French Vanilla' as i see you asked about). Now to the mocha. All of the mochas I've ever made have been Latte's with chocolate flavoring instead of the other flavors, so you would make it the same as a Latte, but with chocolate syrup. I have seen some places where they put vanilla into it also. some people also add whipped cream to the top, but that's depending on your preference. Source(s): My mom worked in Espresso stands for over 10 years, along with a little over a year's experience working in one myself.