A ghetto latte is a word used to describe an iced espresso filled up with free milk. After a customer orders and pays for a shot of espresso poured over ice, the customer fills the cup with milk, cream, or half-and half, making an iced latte or breve. This process can save the customer and cost the coffee shop a considerable amount of money. The iced espresso is ordered in a larger to-go cup, the traditional espresso cup being too small.
Ghetto lattes are also known as "bootleg lattes."[1]
The drink has spawned debate between customers and baristas - particularly those who work at Starbucks.[2] Many people, wishing to save money and cheat establishment owners (an iced espresso costs an average of $2.00 and a 16-ounce iced-latte costs an average of $4.00) have taken to this pirate-style system. Controversy exists over what the ethical usage of condiments is—in this case, how much milk is allowed to go into coffee beverages. Starbucks' official position is that "We provide condiments to our customers so they can make their drinks to their liking... We trust our customers to make the choices that are right for them."[3][4] Many baristas who work at smaller coffee shops that support local roasteries and brew single-origin coffees consider the ghetto latte to be unfair and inconsiderate.[5]
References
- ^ Charles Leroux. 2006. The bootleg latte: Would you make one? October 5. Chicago Tribune.
- ^ Glaister, Dan (18 September 2006). "Ghetto-lattes have baristas in a froth". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/sep/18/usa.foodanddrink. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
- ^ McKinnell, Julie (30 October 2006). "A latte people stick it to Starbucks". Macleans.ca. http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20061030_135378_135378. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
- ^ And I Am Not Lying blog post.
- ^ Murky Coffee controversy.
- Joe Heim. 2008. Espresso, Extra Bitter. July 17. Washington Post.
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