How to make Latte

Do you know how to make latte? Though it is one of the most popular coffee drinks, most people associate it with well-known coffee chains. But you can learn how to make a coffee latte at home very easily. 

Caffe Latte originated in Italy and has traditionally been served only at breakfast.  It is made from espresso using a Moka pot with hot milk added.  However, if you order a "latte" from a restaurant or coffeehouse in Italy, you'll get only a glass of milk! 

Only in the U.S. has the term "latte" come to be understood as the shortened version of a caffe latte!  This popular coffee drink is usually made with 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk with froth on top.

Many coffee shops, though, can't seem to distinguish the difference between a cappuccino and a latte. But if you make it yourself, you will know what makes each different.

Equipment and ingredients

You'll need an espresso machine, a metal pitcher for steaming milk, a steam wand, a thermometer and either a coffee mug or a clear glass to serve it in. 

If you like your latte flavored you should buy the syrup of your choice. You can find a decent selection of latte equipment by exploring this link. You may even be lucky enough to find that you already have most of what you need!

Obviously, you will have to pull a shot of espresso for your latte (see other methods for making espresso).  You will need about 10 ounces of milk which you steam with the steam wand, using a thermometer to bring it to a temperature between 155-165°. 

How to Make Latte

If you want foam in your latte, steam the milk then position the wand so it just touches the top of the milk. 

Keep it in place until you get the amount of foam that you want.  The milk will be more velvety if you take care not to make big bubbles in your foam. 

You can also achieve a better texture if you steam it with the wand on the side of the pitcher as you rotate it counterclockwise.  Let the milk/foam settle for about 20 seconds before adding it to your espresso.

The 'Art of the Latte'

There are no absolutes when learning how to make latte; you can have as much espresso and milk as you wish.  After all, it's your treat and you can have more or less milk or espresso to suit your taste. 

If you don't have an espresso machine you can always make cafe au lait, which is brewed coffee with hot milk. 

If you want to flavor your latte, be sure to add the syrup to the milk while it is still cold.  If you add it to the espresso you will lose a lot of the rich flavor of the coffee. 

You can also experiment with latte art and become quite creative with some practice.  To make a heart, swirl the espresso and tilt it toward you.  Pour the steamed milk just a bit slowly, starting in the middle of the cup. 

As you pour, allow the cup to settle onto your countertop and that motion will cause the milk to make a heart shape.  You can have a lot of fun with latte art! 

From whence it came

Caffe latte was introduced in Seattle in the mid-1970's.  There are some more modern variations, including the popular "Flat White" that has no froth.  In French it is sometimes called café au lait, in Spain it is café con leche and in Portugal they call it café com leite.  It is fun to learn how to make latte at home and it is also very friendly to your budget!

Video: Making Coffee Latte

Flavored and Commercial Latte products

I've tried some of the different commercial products (the packets of dried coffee), to find out how similar they were to the home-made or coffeeshop product. You may find some of the coffee flavorings or coffee syrups are ideal for your coffee drinks, but you will need to do your own experiments. I can't say that I have found any 3-in-1 coffee packets that I would ever try again!

And finally...

Wherever you are, remember "Only Coffee Beans Make Great Coffee"! And enjoy that cup of coffee!

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