What’s the Difference Between an Americano and a Latte?

Americanos and lattes are two of the most common espresso based coffee drinks, but they are completely different in flavor, texture, and overall experience. While both begin with espresso, the ingredients added afterward create two very distinct styles of coffee.

Understanding the difference between an Americano and a latte can help you choose the right drink based on how strong, creamy, or smooth you want your coffee to taste.

What Both Drinks Have in Common

Both drinks start with espresso shots as the base.

Espresso is concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure.

After that, the preparation changes significantly.

What Is an Americano

An Americano is made by combining:

Espresso

Hot water

The added water dilutes the espresso, creating a coffee that is less intense than straight espresso but still strong and coffee forward.

Americanos contain no milk by default.

What Is a Latte

A latte is made using:

Espresso

Steamed milk

A thin layer of milk foam

Because it contains much more milk, a latte tastes smoother, creamier, and milder than an Americano.

The Biggest Difference: Milk vs Water

The core difference between the two drinks is what gets added to the espresso.

Americano

Uses hot water.

Latte

Uses steamed milk.

This single difference changes nearly everything about the flavor and texture.

Flavor Differences

Americano Flavor

Americanos taste:

Bold

Rich

Coffee focused

Slightly bitter depending on roast

Because there is no milk to soften the espresso, the coffee flavor remains very noticeable.

Latte Flavor

Lattes taste:

Creamy

Smooth

Milder

Slightly sweet naturally from milk

The milk reduces espresso intensity and creates a softer drinking experience.

Texture Differences

Americano Texture

Thin and similar to regular brewed coffee.

Latte Texture

Creamy and velvety because of steamed milk.

Appearance Differences

Americano

Dark brown liquid with little or no foam.

Latte

Lighter color with milk foam on top and often latte art.

Which Drink Has More Caffeine

This depends mostly on the number of espresso shots used.

A standard Americano and latte may contain similar caffeine amounts if they use the same espresso quantity.

However, Americanos often feel stronger because there is no milk diluting the flavor.

Which Drink Is Stronger

In Flavor

Americanos taste stronger because espresso remains dominant.

In Caffeine

Caffeine can be similar depending on espresso shot count.

Which Drink Is Better for Beginners

Lattes are often easier for beginners because milk softens bitterness and creates a smoother taste.

People new to espresso drinks frequently start with lattes before developing a taste for stronger coffee styles.

Which Drink Is Lower in Calories

Americanos are usually much lower in calories because they contain only espresso and water.

Lattes contain more calories because of the milk content.

Best Situations for Each Drink

Choose an Americano If You Want

Strong coffee flavor

Low calorie coffee

Something similar to brewed coffee

No milk

Choose a Latte If You Want

Creamy texture

Milder flavor

Milk based drinks

Comfort style coffee

Popular Variations

Americano Variations

Iced Americano

Long black

Flavored Americano

Latte Variations

Vanilla latte

Caramel latte

Mocha latte

Oat milk latte

Pumpkin spice latte

Can You Make Them at Home

Yes.

Both drinks are simple to make with espresso and a few basic tools.

Americano at Home

Brew espresso and add hot water.

Latte at Home

Brew espresso and combine it with steamed or frothed milk.

Quick Comparison Table

Why People Often Compare Them

Both drinks use espresso as the foundation, so they are commonly grouped together on café menus.

However, they appeal to very different coffee preferences.

An Americano highlights espresso itself, while a latte focuses more on balance and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

The difference between an Americano and a latte comes down to one key factor: water versus milk. Americanos deliver a bold and coffee forward experience, while lattes provide a smoother and creamier texture with softer espresso flavor.

Neither drink is better universally. The right choice depends entirely on whether you prefer strong black coffee or a richer milk based experience. Understanding these differences helps you order more confidently and appreciate the variety within espresso based coffee culture.