There are many ways you can enjoy your morning coffee. Cappuccino, espresso, macchiato or flat white? But today, we're going to talk about the popular milky coffee that everyone is drinking. Introducing ... the latte! You want to make a latte at home? I'm going to show you how to make a latte, even if you don't own a fancy espresso machine.
Why are Lattes so Popular?
The way that a latte is prepared affects how you taste it. Unlike a latte macchiato, the milk and espresso are mixed well, providing a more balanced flavor. The latte is finished with light foam for a delicate first sip.
Many baristas love to get fancy with lattes! One study found that consumers are willing to pay 11 to 13% more for latte art with their drinks. Latte art consists of designs that are carved or sprinkled into the foam on top.
For some coffee drinkers, a latte is too weak. It can taste like hot milk with just a hint of that coffee flavor. If you're looking for an intense coffee hit, this probably isn't the drink for you. It's a great option for a relaxing, social drink that you can sip with friends in your local cafe.
How to Make a Latte with an Espresso Machine
Q: What is a latte?
A: A latte is composed of a double shot of espresso, steamed milk and 1cm of micro foam.
This latte recipe will show you how to make a latte using that espresso machine you have sitting at home.
You will need:
- 2 oz espresso
- 8oz - 12oz milk
- Espresso machine with built-in milk steamer
- Cup
The Method |
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Pull the espresso. Your machine may be able to grind the coffee beans for you, which saves you a step! Use your machine to add a double shot of espresso to an 8oz - 12 oz cup. |
Steam the milk. This process is also called "stretching" or "texturing" milk. Doing this properly serves two purposes, heating the milk and creating foam. The micro foam is created when you incorporate air into the milk and you notice that hissing sound. |
Pour the milk. Pour the milk into the center of the espresso and swirl outwards. Top with the micro foam and move the jug to create a pattern of your own! |
How to Make a Latte without an Espresso Machine
What if you don't have an espresso machine? You don't have to miss out on a milky cup of deliciousness! I'm going to show you how to make a latte except an espresso machine. There are a few extra steps involved, but you'll be able to make the drink wherever you are.
You will need:
- 2 tbs of dark roast coffee
- 1 cup of milk
- Drip coffee maker
- Small saucepan
- Milk frother or microwavable jar
- Cup
The Method |
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Heat the milk. 1. Heat the milk in your saucepan over medium heat. Don't allow it to boil, but let it simmer until you see bubbles at the edge of the pan. Take it off the heat and set it aside. |
Get the froth. The step of making the milk frothy is an important one. If you have a whisk, use this to thicken the milk. If not, pour it into a jar and close it. Shake the jar for 30-60 seconds until the milk doubles in volume. Then microwave for 30 seconds. If the foam rises to the top, you've done it perfectly. |
Brew the coffee. If using instant coffee, making the espresso base is much easier and you don't have to grind yourself. Brew 2 tbs of dark roast coffee and pour it into a cup. |
Pour the milk. Pour the milk, followed by the foam, into the center of your espresso. If it helps, use a spoon to hold back the foam and release when needed. |
Garnish and drink. For cafe-quality, sprinkle some chocolate powder or nutmeg onto the foam. Then try your DIY latte! How was it? |
Types of Latte
Flavored Latte
A flavored latte is simply a normal latte with some flavor syrup or powder. They are a popular and seasonal drink, everyone has heard of the rise of the pumpkin latte each fall! 23% of people that have been to Starbucks say they have tried the famous pumpkin spice latte.
The milk acts as a blank canvas and you can flavor it with vanilla, peppermint, hazelnut, raspberry and many more! The easiest way to create a flavored latte is to add syrup to the espresso before adding milk. That way, the flavors will blend with the milk in the same way the coffee does.
Festive Latte
Picture the scene. Christmas is approaching, carolers are singing and you're wrapped up against the cold in need of a hot drink. The only thing that would make the day better is a Christmas-flavored latte!
You can purchase festive latte flavors from many chain and independent coffee shops. Options like chestnut praline, gingerbread and Crème Brûlée lattes are all available. Festive lattes may be topped with whipped cream instead of micro foam as an extra treat. (Because calories don't count at Christmas!)
Soy Latte
You can replace the milk in your latte to suit your taste. Why not opt for soy milk or almond milk for a change? Swapping dairy milk for soy milk can be good if you're lactose intolerant. Soy is a big business, and soy food sales increased from $300 million to nearly $4 billion between 1992 and 2006.
However, there are some dangers associated with soy. It is high in phytic acid which can cause growth problems in children. It also increases the body's requirement for Vitamin D and contains high levels of aluminum.
Latte Nutritional Facts
We know that coffee provides us with antioxidants and other health benefits. It even improves our memory and cognitive function! Pregnant women are advised to minimize their caffeine intake, so let's look at the nutritional facts of lattes.
Latte calories | 153 |
Fat | 5.51g |
Carbohydrates | 12.36g |
Protein | 8.81g |
Cholesterol | 20mg |
Potassium | 555mg |
Protein | 8.81g |
The Bottom Line
Making a latte is easy when you know how! The amazing thing about this drink is the way you can customize it to suit you. Add fancy latte art or flavors to turn it into a great fall or winter drink!
So now, whether or not you have an espresso machine, you'll be able to whip up a milky coffee whenever you please.
