Here’s how you can brew your own latte at home. This latte coffee has the creamiest body and frothiest milk: it tastes better than a coffee shop.
What is a latte or latte coffee?
A latte is a coffee beverage made with espresso, steamed milk, and froth on top. What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a latte? A cappuccino is made up of 13 parts espresso, heated milk, and foam. A latte is made with 13 percent espresso and 2/3 heated milk, topped with a thin coating of froth. A macchiato, by the way, is simply espresso with a larger coating of foam on top. (Here’s a diagram that explains it.)
One thing to keep in mind while ordering a latte is the type of foam you desire. You want the milk to have a “wet-paint” texture, which baristas refer to as microfoam. Without a steamer, getting that texture can be difficult, so we’ll teach you how to mimic it with some common household items.
How to make a latte coffee at home!
After you’ve acquired your espresso and your equipment, it’s time to go to work! The most vital skill to master is foaming milk; everything else is a breeze. Before you begin, we strongly advise you to read How to Froth Milk. To prepare a latte at home, follow these steps:
- Use an espresso machine, an espresso maker, or an Aeropress to make the espresso.
Steam the milk (with an espresso machine): To steam the milk and make microfoam, follow the instructions in the section above. - Alternatively, froth the milk after heating it on the stovetop. A temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal: the milk should be warm to the touch, but not boiling. Then froth the milk according to your preference until it is frothed into little, even bubbles. Allow 30 seconds to 1 minute for the foam to integrate into the milk sufficiently to make the drink creamy.
Overall, try a few different methods
to find the one that works best for you. Everyone has various latte equipment and varied latte preferences. Experiment with the process until you find something that works for you!
Latte art basics
Do you want to learn how to make latte art? At home, you may learn to make some easy designs on the tops of your lattes. It should be noted that an espresso machine is required. Here’s our Latte Art Basics tutorial!
Latte flavors
To make variants on the latte coffee, add flavorings and use different kinds of milk. Here are a few possibilities:
- Lavender Latte, use lavender syrup.
- Vanilla Latte, use vanilla syrup.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte, add pumpkin spices.
- Perfect Iced Latte, add ice.
- For an Oat Milk Latte or an Almond Milk Latte, use non-dairy milk.
This recipe is…
Ingredients for latte coffee
- 2 espresso shots (2 ounces)(coffee sache)
- 4 ounces (½ cup) fresh whole milk
Instructions
- Make the espresso: Use an espresso machine or manual espresso maker to make two shots of espresso and pour it into a mug.
- Steaming method (espresso machine): Place the milk in a pitcher. Hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size. This makes foamy froth. Then, move the steaming wand lower and near the side of the pitcher to create a spiral vortex. This makes the silky smooth microfoam bubbles and wet-paint texture that’s characteristic of a latte. Steam until the milk reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit (use a thermometer or you can approximate by testing with your finger.
- OR, heat the milk to scalding and foam it (without espresso machine): Heat the milk to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot to the touch but not simmering. Measure with a food thermometer, or you can approximate by testing with your finger. Use a milk frother, French press or whisk to froth milk into small, even bubbles. For a latte you’ll want small bubbles and lightly thickened milk. For the French press method, note that it’s useful to have at least 1 cup to have more milk to work with: this makes enough for 2 drinks. We highly recommend reading How to Froth Milk if this is your first time frothing. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute to get the foam to incorporate into the milk and separate slightly (exact timing depends on your foaming method).
- Serve: Tap the milk container on counter and swirl it to break down any large bubbles. Pour milk into center of the espresso, ending with light foam.
Notes
Whole milk works best; milk that is a few weeks old may not froth. You can also use oat milk for a vegan latte. The milk frother works well; for the French press, pump vigorously until frothy, about 25 times. Do not overwhip, as the foam will deflate!
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