What is the correct milk level for a short latte?

A short latte is characterized by its specific size and milk ratio. For a short latte, the correct milk level is to the first line on the cup. This is because a short latte is typically made with one shot of espresso and consists of a smaller volume of steamed milk compared to larger sizes.

The first line represents the appropriate amount of milk needed to create a balanced drink that maintains the rich flavor of the espresso without overwhelming it. This ensures that the latte retains its intended creamy texture while keeping the coffee flavor prominent. Larger size lattes would require more milk, but since the short latte is smaller, the first line is adequate for that size. Understanding this helps baristas accurately prepare drinks according to customer preferences and the Starbucks recipe standards.