How to Make a Latte

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Strong espresso coffee is an Italian tradition enjoyed around the world. Perhaps the most popular of the coffee concoctions that use espresso is the latte. Lattes are made from espresso and steamed milk. Lattes can be very expensive to buy every day, but you can make them at home with a simple setup called AeroPress. If you really love lattes, you can also buy an espresso machine with a milk frother.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Latte with an Espresso Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    Espresso uses a very finely ground coffee. [1] The coffee grounds should be about the size of the grains of table salt. The coffee grounds will clump and stick together when they are the correct size.
    • Once you become more experienced with making espresso drinks, you can experiment with the grind of your coffee to get the exact flavor you like.
    • Grind the espresso beans in a burr grinder for added freshness and control. Burr grinders will let you control how fine or coarse your espresso grounds turn out, and will result in a more consistent grind.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    For a single, small latte you will need about 6 ounces of milk. A good rule to follow is that you will need 6 ounces of milk per ounce of brewed espresso.
    • Nonfat milk is the easiest to make foam but doesn't taste as decadent as milk with more fat.
    • Two percent milk produces foam nicely, while adding a little bit of creaminess to your drink.
    • Whole milk is the hardest milk to foam, but makes a more flavorful latte due to its higher fat content.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    Pour your desired amount of milk into a metal pitcher. Insert the steam wand diagonally into the milk, resting it just below the surface. This will create the froth necessary for a good latte by allowing air to get into the mix along with the steam.
    • Grasp the handle of the pitcher with a towel to prevent your hand from getting scorched as the pitcher heats up.
    • Open up the steam hatch by turning the appropriate knob on your espresso machine. This is often a dial you need to twist.
    • Using a thermometer, steam milk until it reaches a temperature between 150ºF and 155ºF. Be careful not to steam the milk above 170ºF or it will scorch.
    • Aim for small, light bubbles (called microfoam) instead of big, soapy bubbles. The foam should have lightness without sacrificing the body.
  4. Each espresso shot will need to have a specific amount of coffee. Most lattes are made using a double shot of espresso, which means two shots.
    • For each shot of espresso measure out 18-21 grams of ground coffee. You can do this by putting the espresso machine's portafilter on a kitchen scale.
    • Zero the machine with the empty portafilter on it.
    • Carefully add 18-21 grams of coffee per espresso shot.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    This is when you compress the ground espresso into the machine's portafilter using an espresso tamper. [2] This looks like a small weight with a little handle on top.
    • To tamp the coffee, grasp the tamp handle with your fingers. Position your hand, elbow, and forearm directly above the portafilter and push down.
    • Tamp down using an even twisting motion. Apply between 30 lbs of pressure for an ideal tamp. [3]
    • Press down on a bathroom or kitchen scale to get a sense of how hard you'll have to press on the portafilter.
    • Tamping will create a "puck" of coffee. This must be evenly compressed so the espresso will brew evenly.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    Lock the portafilter into the group head on the espresso machine. Press the brewing button on the machine to start making the shots.
    • A perfect shot has a dark to medium brown with a minimum body and a small amount of cream (crema) or foam on its surface.
    • A shot is brewed in about 30 seconds, but this will depend on both your grind and your machine. [4]
    • Taking too long to brew the espresso may result in bitterness, whereas not taking enough time will result in losing some of the flavor. [5]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    The froth will pour smoothly and blend with the espresso cream.
    • When pouring, use a spoon to regulate the flow of the foam. Make sure no foam enters the drink until you are about 1/4 in. from the top, where you can remove your spoon.
    • The result should be a nice creamy brown drink base with a thin frothy top.
    • Now is the time to make latte art if you're adventurous. This is entirely optional.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making a Latte Without an Espresso Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is a pour-over type of coffee making device that makes strong coffee. [6]
    • Boil some water. You will need 1 to 2 cups.
    • Let it sit for 1 minute to cool slightly.
    • Ideally, the water should be between 175 and 195 degrees rather than at boiling temperature.
    • Measure out two Aeropress scoops of coffee. Grind the coffee with an electric grinder.
    • For an espresso based drink like a latte, make the grinds very fine (as fine as table salt). The grinds will stick together and clump when they are finely ground. This is what you should watch for when grinding.
    • Assemble the filter in the Aeropress cap. Wet the filter in the Aeropress. This will prepare the filter and remove any paper taste from your coffee.
    • Place the Aeropress on top of your cup.
    • Make the coffee. You will need to add the coffee and water to the Aeropress.
    • Add ground coffee to the cup using the funnel. Add hot water up to the fill line on the Aeropress.
    • Use the paddle stirrer or a spoon to mix the coffee and water.
    • Insert the plunger onto the Aeropress and press down until you hear a long hiss.
    • Taste the coffee. If it is too strong you can add some hot water to dilute it.
  2. If you don't have a pour over device like an Aeropress, you can use a regular filter coffee maker.
    • Use 1-2 scoops of coffee per cup of coffee made. You will want the coffee to be very strong to make a latte.
    • Preferably, you can grind the coffee yourself to a finer grind.
    • You will need 1-2 cups of coffee for a latte.
  3. It is a common misconception that you need a milk steamer to froth milk! You can do this using your microwave: [7]
    • Use non-fat milk, such as 2 percent, for best results.
    • Pour some cold milk into a jar with a lid. Do not fill the jar more than halfway.
    • Seal the lid tightly.
    • Shake the milk in the jar vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, until the volume has doubled.
    • Take the lid off of the jar.
    • Microwave the milk on high for 30 seconds.
    • The foam will rise to the top.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Latte
    Then add the milk to your coffee.
    • Use a spoon to keep the foam back when pouring your milk in.
    • Once you have enough milk into your latte, add a spoon of foam on top.
    • Enjoy your homemade latte!
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making Other Types of Lattes

PDF download Download Article
  1. You will need espresso, milk, and vanilla flavored syrup for this.
  2. You can do this using an espresso machine, Aeropress, or make strong coffee with a traditional filter machine.
    • You will need 1.5 fluid ounces of espresso for this recipe.
    • If you have an espresso machine, froth 1.5 cups of milk. 2% or whole milk is better for frothing. You will want the milk to be between 145 and 155 degrees.
    • Otherwise, froth your milk in the microwave by putting it into a jar. Shake it for 30-60 seconds and then microwave for 30 seconds without a lid.
    • Measure 2 tablespoons of vanilla flavored syrup into a mug.
    • Add the espresso to the mug.
    • Pour in the milk, holding back the froth with a spoon. Add a spoonful of foam on top of your latte.
  3. You will need strong brewed coffee, caramel flavored syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream, and caramel flavored sundae syrup to do this.
    • Put 1/2 cup of milk into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes.
    • Whisk the hot milk until it is frothy.
    • Pour 3-4 tablespoons of caramel flavored syrup into a coffee mug.
    • Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
    • Add 1/4 cup of hot coffee to the mug and stir well.
    • Add the steamed milk to the mug.
    • If you prefer, you can add a small amount of whipped cream and caramel syrup drizzle to the top.
  4. You can use espresso or brewed coffee for this recipe. You will also need milk and ice.
    • Prepare 2 cups of espresso, if you prefer espresso based drinks.
    • If you don't have an espresso maker or Aeropress, you should make a strong brewed coffee.
    • To make a strong brewed coffee for this latte, make filter coffee from 1/3 cup of coffee grounds and 2 cups of cold water.
    • Combine the hot coffee or espresso with 3 cups of milk. Stir well or shake to combine.
    • Pour over ice in individual glasses.
    • If you want, you can add a flavored syrup to the milk and coffee mixture to make a flavored drink.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I make matcha latte?
    Community Answer
    Sift a teaspoon of matcha into a cup. Add a bit of hot water and stir until the matcha becomes a smooth paste. Transfer the matcha tea into a cup. Pour steamed milk over matcha tea. Scoop foamy milk on top.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Is powdered froth good?
    Community Answer
    It’s good, but it is not as good as homemade froth. However, it is also completely up to your personal preference.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What the heck is an Aeropress?
    Michele
    Top Answerer
    An Aeropress is similar to a French press, but much faster, making 1 - 3 cups in about a minute and espresso in 30 seconds. It's worked directly into the cup. You can find them on Amazon and elsewhere.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Cappuccino
      How to
      Make Iced Coffee
      How to
      Make Latte Art: Steps & Design Ideas
      How to
      Make Perfect Coffee
      7 Different Ways to Steam Milk for Lattes, Cappuccinos & More
      The Best Way to Descale Your Breville Espresso Machine
      How to
      Fix a Blinking Orange Light on an Original or Vertuo Nespresso
      How to
      Drink Baileys Espresso Creme
      How to
      Drink Espresso
      How to
      Make Cappuccino Foam
      How to
      Make a Cappuccino with Instant Coffee
      How to
      Make an Espresso (Espresso Machine Coffee)
      How to
      Drink a Cappuccino
      How to
      Make Espresso Without a Machine
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://prima-coffee.com/learn/article/making-espresso
      2. ↑ https://prima-coffee.com/learn/article/making-espresso
      3. ↑ https://prima-coffee.com/learn/article/making-espresso
      4. ↑ https://prima-coffee.com/learn/article/making-espresso
      5. ↑ https://prima-coffee.com/learn/article/making-espresso
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-aeropress-coffee-two-ways-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-210815
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-froth-milk-for-cappuccinos-in-the-microwave-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-100716

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a latte without an espresso machine, first brew a pot of strong black coffee. Then, fill a microwave-safe jar or dish halfway with milk. Put the lid on the jar, then shake it to froth the milk inside. Take the lid off and microwave the milk for 30 seconds. Next, pour the black coffee into a mug, and pour the hot milk in while holding the foam back with a spoon. Finally, spoon the foam onto the top of your latte and enjoy. To make a latte with an espresso machine, first brew a double shot of espresso and pour it into your mug or glass. Then, fill your frothing pitcher one-third of the way with milk, and steam the milk using the steaming wand on your machine until it has about doubled in size. Finally, slowly pour the steamed milk and foam into your mug with the espresso. For additional help grinding the coffee and preparing the milk, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,010,382 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Ria Stone

        Jul 24, 2021

        "Thank you for providing multiple methods to make a latte. I used the regular coffee maker method using a cup, a ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement