Espresso, cappuccino, latte: the complete guide to Italian coffees according to Carrera Café

April 24, 2026Carrera Café

Coffee & Barista · Coffee Education

Espresso, cappuccino, latte: the complete guide to Italian coffees according to Carrera Café

You’re in front of the menu and hesitating between a tight espresso, a foamy cappuccino, or a smooth latte? This guide is made for you. The barista at Carrera Café explains everything, without jargon.

READING · 5 MIN  |  CATEGORY · COFFEE & BARISTA  |  LEVEL · BEGINNER TO EXPERT

Espresso · The Foundation

It all starts here. Espresso is the foundation on which all other coffee-based drinks rest.


An espresso is 7 to 9 grams of finely ground coffee, 25 to 30 ml of water at 93°C, 9 bars of pressure, and about 25 seconds of extraction. It is both simple and extraordinarily precise.

The result: a small amount of concentrated coffee, with a golden crema on top, complex aromas, and a finish that lasts several minutes. At Carrera Café, espresso is prepared on an exceptional Italian machine, with beans selected for their dark chocolate and dried fruit notes.

The Cappuccino · The Golden Rule

One third espresso, one third hot milk, one third foam. The holy trinity of Italian coffee.


The cappuccino follows a strict rule in Italy: perfect equality between espresso, milk, and foam. It is drunk in the morning, never after 11 a.m. according to tradition. Italians do not order cappuccino after a meal. At Carrera, we respect this tradition while adapting it to the Quebec palate.

❤︎ Morning Favorite

The Scuderia · Signature Cappuccino

Double espresso, whole milk steamed to perfection, dense and silky foam. Served in a preheated cup. The cappuccino as it should always be.

Volume150–180 ml
Intensity★★★☆☆
MomentMorning

The Latte · Volume and Velvet

Bigger, smoother, more accessible. The latte is the gateway to specialty coffee for many people.


✽ All levels

The Paddock · Signature latte art

Double espresso drowned in a generous volume of silky steamed milk. Fine foam on top, latte art at the heart. Smooth, enveloping, perfect at any time.

Volume240–300 ml
Intensity★★☆☆☆
OptionPlant-based milk

The Americano · The stretched espresso


☕ Lengthened

The Americano · Espresso lengthened with hot water

One or two shots of espresso lengthened with hot water. Less intense than pure espresso, but with a depth of flavor that filter coffee never reaches. Ideal for those who want to take their time.

Volume120–180 ml
Intensity★★★☆☆
Without milkYes

The Flat White · The art of concentration


❖ Specialty

The Flat White · Ristretto espresso + microfoamed milk

Smaller than a latte, more concentrated in coffee, with ultra-silky microfoamed milk. The flat white is the drink for discerning lovers who want the softness of milk without losing the intensity of the espresso.

Volume160 ml
Intensity★★★★☆
Coffee ratioRaised

How to choose according to your taste?


❖ The barista’s tip

Tell us what you like, we’ll take care of the rest

You like intense and direct flavors: order a double espresso or a flat white.

You love coffee but prefer something smooth and generous: the latte is your ally.

You want the best balance between coffee and milk, Italy’s most iconic drink: cappuccino, without hesitation.

You want something big and hot without too much milk: the americano.

Our current selection

Every drink at Carrera Café is prepared with the same care, the same attention to detail. Coffee is always the star.


Your next coffee is waiting for you

Come taste the difference

Espresso, cappuccino, or latte, every cup at Carrera Café is a statement of intent. Come discover which one is made for you.

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