Espresso-Based Drinks
When discussing coffee drinks and their relative level of milkiness, it is important to note the major divisions in types. Without a doubt, the biggest difference between drinks lies between espresso-based and brewed/filter drinks.
Espresso-based drinks have become very popular in recent years; this is partly due to the widening availability of delicious espresso machines and partly due to being higher in strength than other types. The espresso itself is made using relatively finely-ground coffee beans, with boiling water forced (or ‘pressed’) through it. This can create some quite intense flavor profiles.
When looking at milk-based drinks, espresso-based drinks typically have the most. Using semi-skimmed or foamed/steamed milk with the espresso shots forms the backbone of classic drinks like latte and cappuccino. This ratio of milk to espresso can be adjusted however, meaning that you can have your latte with more shots for a less milky version or more milk for a frothier, creamier drink.
For those looking for something with even more milk, the flat white is a good option. A flat white consists of two espresso shots with smooth textured, creamy milk, making it slightly more intense than a cappuccino. It is has become so popular in recent years that it is now a staple option at many high-street coffee chains.
Taken as a whole, espresso-based drinks are the go-to option for those looking for something milkier. The espresso-based drinks commonly have more milk, creating a sweeter and more flavoursome drink. It is also far easier to adjust the milk-espresso ratio in an espresso-based drink to taste.
Brewed/Filter Drinks
Brewed or filter coffees are generally a lot gentler and more mellow than espresso based drinks. Here the freshly ground beans are steeped (or brewed) in hot water before being served. Aligning with this more subtle taste, brewed/filter drinks usually have much less milk than espresso-based drinks.
Served ‘black’ or hot there is very little milk in these drinks, with some particular variations like the Americano offering a splash with a single espresso shot and a lot of hot water. Here this splash of milk serves to cut through some of the acidity of the espresso, making the drink much more mellow.
Another type of brewed/filter drink is the café au lait. Here two-thirds of the drink is composed of a mild filter coffee (or sometimes tea) and a third from steamed milk. This still means that it is less milky than an espresso-based latte, however it still has a creamy texture that makes it more luxurious than a traditional filter coffee.
Brewed/filter drinks will not hit that creamy and sweet note of an espresso-based drinks, but they still have their place as a more mellow, traditional coffee drink. That being said, all coffee drinks should be customized to your personal taste, so if you are looking for more milk in your filter coffee then by all means ask for it!
Latte Alternatives
Due to the nature of espresso-based drinks, the latte remains one of the most popular coffee drinks. However, if you are looking for something with a different taste or texture then there are a few healthy alternatives out there.
The first option is the Oat Macchiato or Caramel Macchiato. These are based on the same espresso-and-milk structure as the latte, but instead of using regular milk the casing is made from fully foamed oat milk. The result is a silky and contrasted drink that brings out the sweet syrup and the roasted espresso flavors.
The other option is the ‘nitro latte’. Here the same espresso-milk mix is combined with nitrogen gas causing a creamy bitter foam. The gas extracts all the sweet flavors otherwise hidden in the traditional shots and results in a delicate, thick and slightly foamier drink than a classic latte. Overall this is an interesting way to enjoy coffee and offers an alternative to a classic espresso-based latte.
Specialty Drinks
In the specialty coffee world, drinks can get a bit more complex. Such complexity often involves adding a base such as almond or coconut milk, or even yogurt and cream. Such additions to espresso-based drinks can create a range of delectably creamy concoctions that really stand out.
The ‘Honey Latte’ is a great example of a drink mixing almond milk and espresso shots. This latte is sweetened with only a tiny amount of caramelized honey, meaning that it is relatively healthy and still has a bold espresso base.
Another popular example is the ‘Golden Latte’. This contains turmeric, cinnamon, and milk, creating a subtly creamy gelato-like texture when served. This drink is packed full of antioxidants creating a delicious and nutritious speciality drink.
In addition to combining interesting bases with espresso shots, specialty coffee also explores flavors that are not traditionally associated with coffee. Such drinks can contain a range of ingredients both savory and sweet, such as cardamom and rose water. Topping off such drinks with whipped cream or foamed milk makes them quite a hearty and indulgent experience!
Milk Ratios
Milk content in coffee drinks is largely adjusted according to taste and event type. What is considered ‘milky’ at a cafe may be considered ‘watery’ at home, or vice versa. It is also worth noting that different cultures traditionally consume more milky coffee than others, with the Italian espresso-based drinks having the highest ratios.
There are also ways of making drinks less milky to count, such as lowering the amount of semi-skimmed used, switching to whole milk, or even using alternative milks like soy or oat.
These adjustments mean that the question of which coffee drink has the most milk should almost always be met with the answer ‘it depends’. Outside of the espresso-based drinks, it is impossible to accurately compare relative milkyness. The best advice is to ask your favorite barista for advice, as they should be able to customize something to your tastes.
Summary
When looking for coffee drinks with the most milk, the espresso-based drinks like the cappuccino, flat white and latte are your best bet. These can be adjusted according to taste, allowing you to get the desired level of milkyness. Meanwhile the brewed/filter drinks are more mellow and usually have significantly less milk than espresso-based drinks.
Lastly, specialty coffee drinks can offer a wider range of flavors and bases, such as oat and almond milk, adding even more creamy, indulgent options to the milky coffee experience.
