How to make a latte, cappuccino & flat white at home
Latte, cappuccino and flat white all start with the same thing — espresso and milk — but the ratio and the milk texture make each one distinct. Here's how to get them right at home.
The difference in one line each
- Latte: espresso + lots of steamed milk + a thin layer of foam. Mild and milky.
- Cappuccino: equal parts espresso, steamed milk and thick foam. Stronger, airier.
- Flat white: espresso + a smaller amount of silky microfoam. Strong, smooth, less foamy.
Making them with a Nespresso®
Pull a strong espresso (a higher-intensity pod works well), then froth your milk with a separate frother — more foam for a cappuccino, silky microfoam for a flat white, more volume for a latte. A creamer or milk pod makes it even easier; see the milk options in the Nespresso® range.
Making them with a Dolce Gusto®
Dolce Gusto® makes it effortless — many milky drinks come as a coffee pod plus a milk pod, so you get a cappuccino or latte in one go, no frothing needed. Explore the Dolce Gusto® range, including cappuccino and milk pods.
Tips for café-quality results
- Use fresh, well-roasted coffee — it's the base of everything. Stale pods make flat milk drinks.
- Whole or barista milk froths best; many plant milks work well too.
- Warm your cup so the drink stays hot.
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