The piccolo latte is one of those drinks that’s easy to overlook, but it’s a delicious option for your morning caffeine fix. It combines the high-octane taste of espresso with just enough milk to add a sweet and creamy flavor without the heaviness of a caffè latte. The piccolo latte may be small in stature, but it delivers big on taste!
Piccolo latte (or Picco) is a short shot of espresso combined with a small amount of warm milk. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the unique and delicate flavors that result from the precise proportions of coffee and steamed milk.
The Origins
Australians created the piccolo latte in the early 2000s. It made its first appearance on Starbucks menus in 2013.
The drink is essentially a caffè latte with less milk and no foam. Order it hot or cold at your local coffee shop!
Flavor Profile
It may seem like a miniature version of a caffè latte, but its flavor profile is more similar to that of espresso, only slightly sweeter due to the addition of just a dash of milk.
How to Make Piccolo Latte?
Piccolos are made by steaming and frothing milk instead of pouring it over the espresso. This helps keep the drink warm without making it too hot. The proportions are also different: 1 part espresso and 1 part steamed milk, whereas caffè lattes generally use equal parts (1:1). Finally, piccolos should be served at least tepid—and ideally warm—for optimal enjoyment.
Serving Piccolo Latte
Unlike regular lattes, piccolo lattes are served in demitasse cups instead of coffee mugs. The size of the cup is important—it’s a key part of the experience. Once you have tried it and fallen in love with this experience, you can order a larger cup.
Piccolo lattes are made with a 1-ounce shot of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk in one cup at a time (using special equipment).
A piccolo latte can be a great shortcut to the perfect morning drink without committing yourself to 12 ounces of heavy black coffee.
The piccolo latte isn’t actually made from espresso; To make a caffè latte, a barista brews concentrated espresso and then mixes it with steamed milk.
Piccolo lattes are about half the size of regular lattes. This may be your best choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy coffee drink without committing yourself to a large, heavy black coffee every morning.
