What is the difference between cappuccino, latte macchiato, and flat white?
Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam (150–180 ml). Latte macchiato: lots of milk with foam, espresso poured on top, three layers. Flat white: double espresso with fine microfoam, less milk — espresso-forward and velvety.
Why that is
All three are espresso-milk drinks, but they differ significantly in milk volume, foam type, espresso intensity, and cup size. The differences are not arbitrary — they stem from the traditions of different coffee cultures.
Cappuccino (Italy):
- Classic ratio: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 hot milk, 1/3 milk foam.
- Cup: 150–180 ml, ceramic.
- Espresso and milk are well balanced — you can taste both.
- In the specialty scene, fine microfoam is used instead of stiff foam, often with latte art.
- A breakfast drink in Italy — they don't drink cappuccinos after lunch.
Latte macchiato (Italy/Germany):
- Lots of hot milk (200–300 ml) with milk foam, into which an espresso is poured slowly.
- Served in a glass so the three layers are visible: milk at the bottom, espresso in the middle, foam on top.
- Very milk-heavy — the espresso almost gets lost.
- One of the most popular coffee drinks in Germany, rather rarely ordered in Italy.
Flat white (Australia/New Zealand):
- Double espresso (ristretto) with a thin layer of the finest microfoam.
- Cup: 150–180 ml (similar to a cappuccino, but with more espresso and less foam).
- Espresso-forward — the milk complements the coffee but doesn't overpower it.
- Velvety mouthfeel due to the microfoam.
- In the specialty scene, it's the standard for anyone who likes espresso with milk but wants the coffee to take center stage.
Summary:
| Cappuccino | Latte macchiato | Flat white | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Single | Single | Double |
| Milk | Medium | A lot | A little |
| Foam | A lot | A lot | A little, fine |
| Size | 150–180 ml | 250–350 ml | 150–180 ml |
| Character | Balanced | Milk-heavy | Espresso-forward |
In practice at Green Wall Coffee
At Sophienstraße 27, we serve cappuccino and flat white as our milk drink standards. The flat white is one of our most ordered drinks — Berlin coffee drinkers like it espresso-forward.
You'll find us at Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Monday to Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.
Further reading
Related questions:
- What distinguishes a latte from a café au lait?
- What is an Americano and how is it different from a lungo?
- What is a cortado?
Also relevant:
- What is microfoam? — Milk, Milk Foam & Latte Art
- Which milk is best for cappuccino? — Milk, Milk Foam & Latte Art
All questions in this topic: Coffee Drinks & Specialties