Espresso with Milk Explained: Beyond Lattes and Cappuccinos

Espresso with milk is a world of flavor, texture, and creativity, far beyond just lattes or cappuccino espresso.

Whether you love a classic creamy drink or want to try plant-based options, this guide will help you understand every type of espresso with milk, from traditional favorites to modern café trends like oatmilk espresso drinks.

Discover how different milk types, ratios, and preparation methods create unique experiences, and learn how you can craft the perfect espresso drinks at home or order like a pro at your favorite coffee shop.

What Is Espresso with Milk?

Espresso with milk simply means combining a shot of espresso with milk in various forms—steamed milk, foamed milk, cold milk, or even plant-based milk.

This pairing balances espresso’s strong flavor, adds sweetness, and creates a smooth, creamy texture. Many espresso drinks use different ratios of espresso and milk, so you can choose a stronger coffee flavor or a milder, milkier experience.

Classic and Modern Espresso with Milk Drinks

Let’s break down the most popular and trending espresso drinks with milk, including plant-based options and global favorites. Use this table to compare at a glance:

Drink Name	Espresso/Milk Ratio	Milk Type	Temperature	Key Features
Cappuccino Espresso	1:1:1 (espresso:steamed:foam)	Steamed + milk foam	Hot	Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam; rich and frothy
Espresso Macchiato	2:1 (espresso:milk foam)	Milk foam	Hot	Espresso “stained” with a dollop of foam; stronger coffee flavor
Latte Espresso	1:3–5 (espresso:steamed milk)	Steamed milk	Hot	Creamy drink, more steamed milk, light foam, perfect for latte art
Flat White	1:2 (espresso:steamed milk)	Steamed milk	Hot	Silky microfoam, stronger coffee flavor than a latte
Cortado	1:1 (espresso:steamed milk)	Steamed milk	Hot	Equal parts espresso and milk, smooth and balanced
Mocha Espresso	1:3 (espresso:steamed milk)	Steamed milk + chocolate syrup	Hot	Espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk, topped with whipped cream
Latte Macchiato	1:3 (milk:espresso)	Steamed milk	Hot	Milk first, then espresso for a layered effect
Dirty Coffee	1–2:3 (hot espresso:cold milk)	Cold milk	Hot/cold	Hot espresso poured over cold milk, beautiful layers
Iced Latte	1:3 (espresso:cold milk)	Cold milk	Cold	Espresso over ice and cold milk, refreshing and customizable
Espresso con Panna	1:1 (espresso:whipped cream)	Whipped cream	Hot	Espresso topped with whipped cream, rich and indulgent
Affogato	1:1 (espresso:ice cream)	Ice cream	Hot/cold	Hot espresso poured over cold ice cream, dessert-like
Oatmilk Espresso Drinks	1:3 (espresso:plant milk)	Oat milk	Hot/cold	Plant-based, creamy, and dairy-free, popular at Starbucks and coffee shops
Black Tie	2:3 (espresso:Thai tea + milk)	Thai tea + milk	Hot/cold	Espresso with Thai tea and milk, sweet and bold
Dirty Chai	1:3 (espresso:chai latte)	Steamed milk	Hot	Chai latte with a shot of espresso, spicy and energizing

Modern Trends: Plant-Based and Oatmilk Espresso Drinks

Plant-based espresso drinks are booming, especially with oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk. Oatmilk espresso drinks, like the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, are now top sellers at Starbucks and independent coffee shops. Oat milk is popular because it creates a creamy drink with excellent steamed milk texture and foamed milk for latte art, while being dairy-free and suitable for vegans or those with allergies.

Why choose plant-based milk for your espresso drinks?

• Oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk steam well and create stable milk foam.
• They offer unique flavors that pair beautifully with espresso.
• Plant-based milks are lower in saturated fat and often more sustainable.
• Many espresso drinks can be made vegan by swapping dairy for plant-based milk.

Popular plant-based espresso with milk drinks:

• Oatmilk latte espresso
• Almond or soy flat white
• Coconut milk iced latte
• Iced brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso
• Honey oatmilk latte (swap honey for vegan syrup if needed)

How Milk Type and Ratio Change Your Espresso Drink

The ratio of espresso to milk and the milk type you choose have a big impact on flavor and mouthfeel:

• More steamed milk (latte, iced latte): Creates a mild, creamy drink with subtle coffee notes.
• Equal parts espresso and milk (cortado, flat white): Stronger coffee flavor, balanced by smooth milk.
• Less milk, more foam (cappuccino, macchiato): Bold espresso taste, airy texture from milk foam.
• Chocolate syrup (mocha espresso): Adds sweetness and richness, perfect for dessert lovers.
• Cold milk (dirty coffee, iced drinks): Refreshing and visually striking, with layered flavors.

 

How to Steam Milk and Pour Latte Art

Perfect steamed milk is key for many espresso drinks. Here’s how to get it right, whether you use dairy or plant-based milk:

• Start with cold milk for the best microfoam.
• Use your espresso machine’s steam wand to introduce air, then swirl to create silky, smooth steamed milk.
• For cappuccino espresso, add more air for thicker milk foam.
• For latte espresso or flat white, aim for fine microfoam for pouring latte art.
• Pour steamed milk into your espresso shot, adjusting how much milk and foam for your chosen drink.
• Practice latte art by pouring slowly and using gentle wrist movements for hearts or rosettas.

Previously, we explained how to steam milk for latte art with HiBrew's espresso machine, check it out.

 

Pro Tips for Making Espresso with Milk at Home

• Use a high-quality espresso machine with steam wand, like the HiBREW H10 Plus.
• If you don't have an espresso machine, check out a standalone milk frother instead.
• Experiment with different milk types—whole, skim, oat, almond, soy—to find your favorite.
• Adjust how much milk you use for a stronger coffee flavor or a creamier texture.
• Add flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate for a custom touch.
• For cold drinks, combine hot espresso with cold milk and ice for a refreshing twist.

Ready to craft your own espresso with milk creations? Explore our semi-automatic espresso machine collection for home baristas and start experimenting with classic, modern, and plant-based espresso drinks today.