How to Make a Latte Coffee

A latte is made by combining espresso with steamed milk to create a smooth, creamy coffee drink. A typical latte uses about 2 ounces of espresso with the rest made up of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.

Basic ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso, or 3 to 4 ounces of strongly brewed coffee
• 6 to 8 ounces of milk
• Optional sweetener or flavouring

Method with an espresso machine

1. Brew the espresso. Pull two shots of espresso into your cup. See Breville's latte guide.
2. Steam and froth the milk. Pour milk into a frothing pitcher, place the steam wand just below the surface, and heat the milk until it is hot and silky. See Breville's latte guide.
3. Remove large bubbles. Tap the pitcher gently on the bench to settle the milk texture. See Breville's latte guide.
4. Pour the milk into the espresso. Pour steadily so the milk and coffee combine evenly. See Breville's latte guide and this YouTube latte tutorial.

Method without an espresso machine

1. Brew strong coffee. Make a concentrated coffee as a substitute for espresso. A home method is described in this homemade latte guide and Coffee Hero's guide.
2. Heat the milk. Warm the milk until hot but not boiling. See Allrecipes cafe latte recipe and this homemade latte guide.
3. Froth the milk. You can whisk it, blend it, or shake it in a sealed jar. Examples are shown in Allrecipes cafe latte recipe, Boots & Hooves Homestead, and Coffee Hero's guide.
4. Combine and finish. Pour the coffee first, add the milk, then spoon foam on top. See Allrecipes cafe latte recipe and Boots & Hooves Homestead.

Quick tips

• Whole milk usually gives the creamiest texture and most stable foam, though other milks can also work well. See Boots & Hooves Homestead and this homemade latte guide.
• A latte is typically milk-forward, so adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio if you want a stronger taste. See Barista Courses Australia.