Lattes are a popular coffee drink worldwide, but the Americanized versions found in franchised cafes differ from the traditional Italian style. Chai lattes are also popular, and making a latte at home requires adding milk first. The controversial “ghetto latte” is made by adding cream and extras to shots of espresso over ice.
The introduction of franchised cafes in America and around the world made latte a household word. Like most American slang, it is a shortened version of its original; the Italian cafellatte, which is simply coffee and milk. The name itself is simply Italian for “milk.” Traditionally, a latte is a double-strength coffee, made in a Moka, poured over steamed milk. In Italy, it is considered a breakfast drink. A wide variety of coffees and teas are available as well as lattes, some hot, some cold, and available throughout the day.
Lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and espressos are considered part of most international cafe menus. However, in franchised cafes, these drinks are mostly Americanized. Until recently, most baristas in Italy and other European countries served a very different style of coffee drink. Latexes have more milk and less foam than a cappuccino.
Rising costs of the chain’s popular cafes have introduced a new drink, unofficially on the menu. Ghetto latte might just be one of the most hated, at least by baristas, of coffee drinks. This drink is simply two or three shots of espresso, over ice and without water. The customer then adds cream and extras, such as sugar, from the condiment bar. The savings for the customer can be nearly 50% off the same size of latte. The blogger buzz has baristas and coffee drinkers arguing about the “morality” of this drink for the past couple of years.
While coffee and milk go hand in hand, tea vendors shouldn’t be left out. Chai tea is especially popular as a latte. However, chai lattes may be popularized today, but they have been around for a long time. In India, parts of Africa and other parts of the world, chai is made from different spices and strong black tea that is diluted with milk and sugar.
If you’re making a latte at home, remember to add the milk first and pour the coffee last. Steaming or heating the milk before adding the coffee helps prevent curdling, as well as keeping the coffee or tea from cooling. Starting the day with this drink can be a special pleasure.
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