Coffee Drink Recipes, Coffee Recipes

How To Make Caffe Latte

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

Coffee Holli Top Pick

Here is the thing.

Amongst all the twenty-plus espresso milk combos, the caffe latte is the most ordered in both the US and UK. 

But most don’t know they can make this drink at home and it only takes a few minutes.

The best thing is that you can make it even if you don’t have an espresso machine. 

That’s what this post is about – a simple step-by-step latte recipe.

About Caffe Latte

OriginItaly 
PopularityMost popular espresso drink in the US
Ingredients 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk, and 1 cm foam.
Amount of espresso 1 or 2 shots 
Amount of milk8-15 ounces 
Foam 1 cm foam
Amount of ground coffee7-9 grams for 1 shot 
Serving 240 ml cup or mug
Taste Sweet milky taste
Popular Latte FlavorsVanilla LatteHazelnut LatteCaramel LatteCinnamon LatteMocha LattesAlmond joyPumpkin Spice LatteGingerbread latte
Caffeine amount 63 mg for latte prepared with 1 shot126 mg for latte prepared with double shot
Serving TemperatureHot
Best time Before 11 am

Caffe Latte Trivia

  • Latte contains the most milk amongst all other espresso-based drinks
  • The latte is prepared with 1-2 shots of espresso and 8-15 oz of steamed milk
  • The Caffe latte is the most popular espresso drink in both the UK and the US.
  • Italians drink latte before 11 am.
  • To order a latte in Italy don’t say latte since latte means milk. Instead, say caffè latte.
  • The word latte is derived from the word cafe latte
  • Latte was invented in Italy back in the 17th Century but only got in the US in the 1950s
  • Latte is called Café Crème in French
  • David Schomer is credited with popularizing latte art in the US
  • You can make a latte with or without an espresso machine
  • October 7th is National Latte Day in the US
  • Latte made with 1 shot of espresso has about 60 mg of caffeine
  • Latte is supposed to be served in an 8-15 oz latte glass or cup.
  • Latte art is a visual complement to showcase passion

Caffe Latte Recipe – Step by Step 

Ingredient

  • Coffee beans
  • Whole milk
  • Favorite flavorings

Equipment 

  • Coffee grinder
  • Espresso machine
  • Frothing pitcher
  • Milk jug
  • Thermometer
  • Latte cup
  • Scale

How To Make Caffe Latte Step By Step

Step 1: Ground the coffee beans

Fact.

The best cup of latte comes from freshly ground coffee beans. You can use a burr grinder, blade grinder, or manual grinder. 

For the best results use a burr grinder as you can easily adjust the grind size to a fine grind, which is ideal for brewing espresso. 

The number of coffee beans to grind will depend on whether you are brewing 1 or 2 shots of espresso. 1 shot of espresso requires 7 grams and 14 grams for 2 shots. 

Step 2: Make 1 or 2 shots of espresso

The next step is to brew espresso. 

Here you have several options. Espresso machine, Moka pot, French press, and Aeropress. While the best option is the espresso machine, you can use any of the other brewing methods. 

When brewing espresso, be careful not to under-extract or over-extract the ground coffee. Under extraction occurs when very few flavors and compounds are extracted from the ground coffee, while over-extraction is when excess flavors and compounds are extracted, so you end up with bitter-tasting espresso 

Step 3. Time to steam or froth the milk

Now, milk is the major component in a latte

For the best results, you will require fresh whole milk. You can also use milk alternatives such as almond, soy, and oat milk. 

While the best way to steam milk for a latte is using a steam wand or milk frother, you can also use a microwave, blender, or a mason jar. 

For a steam wand, pour the milk into a pitcher and plunge in the steam wand until the milk attains a temperature of between 130 and 150ºF. 

Step 4: Prepare the latte

Pour the espresso into the latte cup and add the milk you just steamed. This will be between 8 and 15 ounces and then top the latte with a one cm foam or your favorite flavorings. 

You can go a step further and make latte art. 

And that is it, a perfect homemade cup of latte. 

While it may be overwhelming for the first time, it only takes a couple of tries to get it right. The key thing is mastering how to grind the coffee beans, brew the espresso, and steam the milk.

Conclusion

If you have the right supplies and gear, you can prepare a delicious cup of latte at home. You only need freshly ground coffee and fresh milk. It only takes a few minutes and it’s super easy. 


Frequently Asked Questions on How to Make a Caffe Latte

How To Make Caffe Latte

Making a caffe latte is simple. Brew one or two shots of espresso using freshly ground coffee and then steam whole milk. Pour one shot of espresso into a latte cup and add between 8 and 15 ounces of steamed milk.

What is in a cafe latte?

Caffe latte is made of espresso and steamed milk. Amongst all the other espresso-based coffee drinks, the latte is made with the most milk. 8 to 15 ounces of steamed milk are added in 1 shot of espresso.

How do you make a caffe latte?

You make a caffe latte by adding 8 to 15 ounces of milk into a shot of espresso. You can make latte art on top or add your favorite flavorings. Latte is best served in a latte cup or mug.

What is the ratio of milk to coffee in a latte?

Caffe latte is made with a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of espresso and milk. Since the milk amount is more than espresso, the latte is sweeter and has a milky taste which is why most people love it.

How do you make a latte without a machine?

If you don’t have a fancy espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot, French press, or an Aeropress to brew the espresso. Also, if you don’t have a milk frother, you can use a microwave, whisk, or blender.

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

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