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Latte coffee is a classic among coffees. This espresso based drink typically contains a good amount of milk and sometimes foam that make it creamy and smooth and can be served both hot and cold. The best coffee latte recipe needs a pure and precise amount of ingredients. Garnishing with nuts, spices or whipped cream is totally optional and up to you. Let’s start with the recipe of hot caffe latte.
Latte Coffee Recipe
Looking for that ideal combination of robust coffee taste and velvety milk texture? This recipe lets you make a classic latte as good as any coffee shop variation. The secret lies in obtaining your milk temperature precisely right and creating that silky microfoam.
Time and Serving
| Prep Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
| 3 minutes | 5 minutes | 1 large latte | Easy |
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Fresh espresso | 2 shots (2 oz) | Use freshly ground coffee beans |
| Whole milk | 6 oz | Cold milk works best for steaming |
| Sugar or sweetener | Optional | Add to taste |
Step by Step Process
- Brew your espresso shots – Pull 2 fresh shots of espresso directly into your latte cup. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use 1/2 cup of strong coffee instead.
- Pour cold milk into a steaming pitcher – Use 6 oz of cold whole milk. The cold temperature helps create better foam when steamed.
- Steam the milk – Heat milk to 150-160°F while creating microfoam. If using a steam wand, keep the tip just below the surface for the first few seconds, then plunge deeper.
- Create the microfoam – You want silky, paint-like milk with tiny bubbles. Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to break up large bubbles.
- Pour the milk – Start pouring from a height of about 3 inches to break through the crema, then bring the pitcher closer to create latte art if desired.
- Serve immediately – Your latte is best enjoyed right away while the milk is still hot and creamy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving | Daily Value |
| Calories | 190 | 10% |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 120mg | 5% |
| Total Carbs | 14g | 5% |
| Sugars | 14g | – |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Caffeine | 126mg | – |
By adding these you can make pumpkin spice latte, gingerbread latte, mocha latte, vanilla latte, caramel latte, matcha latte, iced latte and cinnamon latte. These variations are also called flavored lattes. Most of the variations are available in coffee shops but you can make all these at home by following the recipes respectively.
The Best Coffee Beans for Latte
Choosing the right coffee beans is important for the taste and flavor of a coffee. It is also important to select the right roast level and grind size. The light roast level makes the drink less bitter and nearly sweetened.
For a bold and bitter taste you can use the dark roast. Medium roast can be used almost in all recipes for smooth textures and tastes. Grind size also matters in the case of coffee. Here are our recommendations about all the aspects while making a latte at home.
The best Latte ingredients:
- Beans: Arabica Beans
- Roast Level: Medium-dark
- Grind Size: Super Fine
- Milk Type: Whole Milk
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The following mistakes are made while making latte coffee, please try to avoid these mistakes to get the best out of latte recipes:
- Wrong type of milk
- Overheating milk
- Waiting too long for pouring the milk into the cups
- Pouring milk too slow or too fast
- Misplacing milk frother/wand while making foam
Conclusion
To make the best latte coffee at home, always use high quality ingredients with the precise measurements. Select the right type of coffee beans, roast level and grind size. The milk type must be chosen carefully as well. It also plays a crucial role in the flavor and taste of the resulting drink.
FAQs
How do I make a latte at home?
To make a latte at home, you need only a few key ingredients: Espresso (8 oz for a small latte) and Milk (1 cup). Froth milk while heating it up. Pour espresso in the cup and pour the milk over it. Garnish with milk foam or whipped cream for better taste
Does milk or coffee go first in a latte?
While making a latte, it is recommended to pour espresso before the milk in cups.
What is the coffee to milk ratio in a latte?
The best ratio of coffee to milk in a latte is 1:3 or 1:4. However, you can change it according to your desired taste after a few experiments.
What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?
The key difference between a cappuccino and a latte is the amount of foam and steamed milk in them. In cappuccino the amount of milk and foam is equal to the amount of espresso. On the other hand, in latte the ideal ratio of coffee to milk in a latte is 1:3 or 1:4.
