A latte is a popular coffee drink made with espresso (strong, concentrated coffee) and steamed milk. The word comes from the Italian caffè latte, which simply means “milk coffee.”

When a barista makes a latte, they start with a shot or two of espresso, then add lots of smooth, creamy steamed milk, usually topped with just a thin layer of foam. The result is a mild, creamy coffee drink that's less intense than straight espresso but stronger than regular coffee with milk added.

Lattes are milder than cappuccinos, which use more foam and less milk, making them taste more strongly of coffee. Many coffee shops offer flavored lattes like vanilla or caramel, and latte art has become popular, where baristas pour the milk in patterns to create designs like hearts or leaves on top of the drink.

You might hear someone say they're “going out for a latte,” meaning they're heading to a coffee shop for a drink and maybe some time to relax or chat with friends. While lattes traditionally contain coffee, some places now offer versions made with tea or other bases for people who don't drink coffee.