Coffee, Espresso, Latte + What’s The Diff?

By SD Wentworth

As we are all working women in this new era of empowerment, our morning jolt of caffeine has become all the more essential to our everyday survival. Below, I give you a brief synopsis into the difference between Coffee, Latte, & Espresso, which may help tons when your standing in line at Starbucks wondering what the hell a venti grande is when ordering your drink.

Espresso

There are no special beans for espresso, rather it’s all in the method of preparation. The beans are grinded into a finer consistency than coffee, and it finishes in three parts: the heart (bottom), body (center), and crema (frothy top). Also, after 10 seconds, its practically gross, which explains why it comes in a shot glass: you simply cannot afford to drink it slow.

Coffee

Unlike finely milled beans for espresso, coffee only needs a medium grind texture (think sand) in order to be produced. It’s also commonplace, and therefore a lot easier to make, especially at home for on the go workers. You can add creamers, flavor enhancements or nothing at all: the choice is literally yours to make. Lastly, and most important, coffee can last up to two hours post production, which is a very good thing for office workers. Coffee = nobody dies that day, and that’s always a good thing.

Lattes

A lattee is merely an espresso with steamed milk, not frothy like..well..an espresso. Prepared in the exact same fashion as espresso, one nearly steams milk (preferably skim milk) while the coffee works itself out and then you add it to the espresso to serve. As well, you can get more creative with a lattee, adding options like shaved chocolate or powdered cinnamon on top of your delicious and milky dome.

All in all, no matter how you caffeinate in the mornings, it all simply depends on how much time you have..which is why coffee often wins the war on sleeplessness. Happy jolting!