How To Make A Latte In The Comfort Of Your Own Kitchen

This latte is an espresso-based drink that is popular among many coffee lovers, and we will show how to make it yourself. It is simple and a staple for iced or hot weather and this article will go over the steps on how to make a latte from the comfort of your kitchen.

So, What’s In A Latte?

A latte is a coffee drink that contains espresso and steamed milk. What makes a latte special is a type of foam on top, which should be called "microfoam." This texture can be difficult to achieve without a steamer, but our guide provides instructions for those who have the tools available. We also provide alternative methods for people who do not have access to a steamer.

Ingredients

• 2 espresso shots 
• 4 ounces fresh whole milk. You can also use oat milk for a vegan latte as it is the only plant-based milk that froths a lot.

The Espresso

When making a latte, use espresso instead of regular coffee- the flavour will be much more intense and complex. To make excellent espresso, you'll need beans that are roasted to perfection to bring out the drink's natural bitterness. For the best espresso, we recommend using the French Roast blend from the best coffee brand in India. This coffee is bitter and intense, with a hint of cocoa – perfect for espresso lovers.

The Milk

The best type of milk to use in a cafe latte is whole milk. This is because whole milk produces the most foam due to its higher fat content. 2% works well too, but there's a loss of richness. An essential part about the milk: ensure it's fresh! Milk close to expiring doesn't foam as much.

Perfect Latte On An Espresso Machine

An espresso machine that comes with a steamer usually creates the best micro-foam, giving your latte that "wet-paint" like texture. Steaming milk also enhances the sweetness and creaminess of the flavour. Espresso machines can be costly but if you have access to one, then you can froth your milk using this method:

• Hold the steaming wand slightly below the surface of the milk. Doing this will double its size and create foamy froth.
• For achieving a latte's signature wet-paint texture and smooth microfoam bubbles, move the wand lower near the side of the pitcher to create a spiral vortex.
• To steam the milk, continue heating it until it reaches the temperature when the pitcher is too hot to hold in your hand for more than a few seconds, until it's ready.

Frothing Milk Without An Espresso Maker

Although an espresso maker produces the best latte, you can still make a great one without one. You simply need to heat and froth the milk until it's unnoticeably different. To do so, there are a few tools at your disposal that you can use to froth milk for a latte:

• Handheld Milk Frother: A handheld milk frother is a low-cost alternative that works perfectly. It produces an ultra-frothy consistency, making it easy to create drinks like a macchiato or cappuccino. A latte might take slightly more effort, but it's by no means impossible.
• French Press: If you enjoy making coffee with a French press, then you'll be pleased to know that it also makes great foam for your cappuccinos and lattes! It produces a frothy foam with bubbles that are slightly larger than what you would get from using a milk frother.
• Whisk: A whisk can get the job done too! This convenient tool whips up milk quite well but has slightly larger bubbles than other methods with less foam.

The Recipe Of How To Make A Latte

Now that you've got your espresso and tools, it's time to get started! The most crucial skill to learn when making a latte is how to foam the milk properly but we have you covered there! And other than that, making a latte at home is a piece of cake! Here's how:

Step 1

For the first step, you need to make an espresso for which you would require an espresso machine, espresso maker, etc. Make the perfect espresso shot at home by following Our Guide To Home Espresso.

Step 2

The second step is for you to steam and froth the milk. You can do that by using the steps mentioned above if you have an espresso machine. However, if you do not have access to an espresso machine, then you can also do the same at home by heating the milk on the stovetop before frothing it. 

The best temperature for frothing milk is around the temperature when the pitcher is too hot to hold in your hand for more than a few seconds. This is because if the milk is too hot, it will start to simmer. To create small, even bubbles, use your desired method of frothing (mentioned before) until the drink is creamy enough which should take about 30 seconds to a minute.

Step 3

For the last step, break down any large bubbles in the milk by swirling it around in the container on the counter. Then, pour it into the centre of the espresso slowly, and finish with a light foam. Congratulations! You have successfully made yourself a delicious cup of latte at home!