What You’ll Need:
Cup – Ceramic or paper
Milk – Fresh, organic whole milk
Espresso Machine – With a steam wand
Pitcher – Stainless steel
Thermometer – For accurate temperature control
How to Create:
Fill the Pitcher – Use a 12-ounce pitcher and pour in approximately 10 ounces of milk.
Position the Pitcher – Tilt the pitcher slightly, ensuring the steam wand is angled diagonally into the lower right side of the milk.
Steam Wand Placement – Submerge the tip of the steam wand about 1–2 centimeters below the surface of the milk, then turn it on.
Create a Whirlpool Effect – Fully submerge the wand to generate a whirlpool motion, essential for forming smooth microfoam.
Heat to the Right Temperature – Steam the milk until it reaches 140–145°F, then turn off the steam wand.
Eliminate Bubbles – Tap the pitcher on a flat surface to remove any remaining bubbles.
Pour with Precision – For beautiful latte art, pour the milk slowly and steadily.
What is a Café Latte?
A café latte is a classic coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, finished with a light layer of milk foam. You can keep it simple with traditional foam or create a smooth, “wet-paint” texture known as microfoam. Many recognize the signature heart-shaped designs in latte art—and we can't get enough of them!
What’s in a Café Latte?
A latte consists of rich espresso topped with steamed milk. Fresh dairy milk creates the best froth, but oat milk is a great non-dairy alternative, offering a smooth texture and delicious flavor. Lattes can be enjoyed as is or enhanced with flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, or seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice.
How to Make an Iced Café Latte
Enjoy a refreshing iced latte without sacrificing flavor! Start by pulling two shots of espresso and allowing them to cool slightly to prevent dilution. Pour the espresso over ice, then add steamed milk for a smooth, creamy texture. Finish with a touch of velvety milk froth, and savor your perfectly chilled coffee creation.
Café Latte vs. Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?
A cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, served in distinct layers. In contrast, a café latte blends espresso with steamed milk and is topped with a light layer of milk froth. The higher milk-to-espresso ratio in a latte creates a smoother, creamier coffee experience.
How to Serve a Café Latte
The ideal cup for a latte is an 8.5-ounce latte cup, designed to hold the perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. If you don’t have a latte cup, a standard coffee mug works just as well—leaving plenty of space to experiment with milk foam art!