What exactly is the difference between a latte and an espresso?

Espresso:

* Preparation: Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure.

* Proportions: A single shot of espresso is typically 1 ounce (30ml), made with 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds.

* Flavor: Espresso has a strong, concentrated flavor, with a rich crema (a layer of foam) on top.

Latte:

* Preparation: A latte is made by combining espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.

* Proportions: A latte typically consists of 1-2 shots of espresso and 6-8 ounces (170-240ml) of steamed milk.

* Flavor: Lattes have a milder, more balanced flavor, with the espresso flavor being balanced by the creamy milk.

In essence:

* Espresso is the foundation, a highly concentrated coffee shot.

* Latte is a coffee drink that uses espresso as a base, but dilutes its intensity with steamed milk.

Here's a simple analogy:

* Espresso: Imagine a strong, dark coffee concentrate.

* Latte: Imagine diluting that concentrate with milk and adding a touch of sweetness.

Other points to consider:

* Variations: While latte is a standard term, there are variations like "cappuccino" which uses more foam, and "macchiato" which has a smaller milk portion.

* Personal preference: Ultimately, the best choice between latte and espresso depends on your personal taste and desired level of caffeine.