Latte: Basic or Not?
A favorite of coffee enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the iconic caffe Latte offers a simple premise but complex flavor. Let’s explore its history, preparation, and the Pearl difference behind America’s favorite coffee creation!
What is This Beloved Beverage?
Great question, friend! Like the traditional Cappuccino, this Italian coffee delight combines espresso with steamed milk. Specifically, baristas craft it with a one-to-four ratio of espresso to steamed milk. Modern coffee shops gently force air into cold milk, then integrate it as it heats to 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit, creating luxurious microfoam.
Unlike the Cappuccino and other espresso-based beverages, the classic version of this drink tastes much smoother and sweeter. It’s higher milk-to-espresso ratio contributes to this. The microfoam pulls the espresso apart, allowing its more decadent qualities to shine within the milk.
Fun Fact: While classic Italian macchiatos or cappuccinos soared in popularity across Europe, many American palates found these drinks overly rich. So, early on, someone modified the cappuccino for American tourists, adding more milk and no foam. This later became commonly known as a caffe latte—quite literally, coffee milk.
The Pearl Difference
We take our classics seriously here at Pearl, and our iconic latte is no exception. To create a satisfying, rich cup, we start with fresh coffee beans. We source these beans locally from our pals at S&W Craft Roasting Ltd. For our milk-based masterpieces, we specifically feature their Guatemala Buena Esperanza Light Roast. Noe Castillo, a second-generation coffee farmer in Huehuetenango, sources this roast. It features nectarine, green grape, and pear notes with light spiced nutmeg, adding a complex yet sweet undertone to our offerings. With organic, sustainable cultivating practices, you confidently enjoy every sip.
While we think this beverage in its traditional form offers the best tasting experience, we also provide a variety of syrups. These let you customize and heighten your drinking experience. From Mocha to Caramel to even berry, the sky is the limit! Of course, no espresso-and-milk creation is complete without an iconic coffee art design, crafted by our skilled baristas.
As you can tell, this drink is more than just a basic coffee treat. It’s a nuanced espresso beverage full of rich, sweet flavors.
Come check out where we happen to be and try one of our signature lattes today!
