How to Make a Caffee Latte

A cafe latte, (or caffee latte in Italian) is an Americanized version of a traditional Italian breakfast drink. The Italians made this drink at home and did not use true espresso or froth in their milk. However, with the advent of home espresso machines, the average person can now make a professional cafe latte at home.

Tips

• Start with your stainless steel pitcher chilled to give you more time to work with the milk while steaming
• Keep a rotation going so that the milk swirls while steaming
• Add your flavoring first before espresso or milk
• Be careful not to burn yourself on the steam or the wand

 

Introduction

To make a true cafe latte, you will need an espresso machine with a steam wand. Variants that are close but not an actual cafe latte will be discussed at the end of this article for those without an espresso machine.

For each cafe latte you will need:

• Stainless steel pitcher (chilled)
• Cup or glass that can withstand a hot beverage
• Thermometer
• Spoon
• 1 to 1-1/2 oz Espresso
• 3/4 to 1 cup milk
• flavoring (optional)

Makes one cafe latte.

It only takes a few minutes to make this drink from start to finish, and it is not difficult. Read all the way through the directions once to make sure you understand before beginning. 

Step 1: Pull The Espresso.

First you will want to pull a single shot of espresso using your espresso machine. Take care to follow the instructions for your machine and remember it is hot. A double shot of espresso is not necessary for this drink.

Step 2: Steam Your Milk

Pour your milk into the chilled stainless steel pitcher and place under steam wand. Steam the milk until it is between 155 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Of Special Note: Your milk should swirl around in a circle while steaming. Put the wand near the bottom for less froth and just under the top of the milk for more froth. You want to keep the milk liquid but have a nice head of froth on the top. To do this begin with the wand near the top and when the milk begins to warm move it lower. 

Step 3: Assemble The Drink

If you are using flavoring, put it in the bottom of your cup, then add your espresso shot.
Adding the Steamed Milk

• Roll your milk around in the pitcher a bit until the top is glossy. Begin to slowly pour the milk into the cup while holding back the foam with your spoon. Release the foam when the liquid is 1/4 in from the top of the cup. This should give you a nice white center in your lovely light brown latte.

Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.