Coffee Latte Recipe (Caffè Latte)
A caffè latte is a smooth, milky coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It's creamier and larger than a cappuccino, with just a small layer of foam. This comforting coffee is perfect when you want a mellow, less intense espresso drink that’s still rich and satisfying.
Servings 1
Calories 150kcal
Equipment
- 1 Espresso machine or moka pot
- 1 milk steamer or frother
- 1 large mug (8–12 oz)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso (one double shot)
- 8 ounces whole milk
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Prepare a double shot of espresso using your machine or moka pot. Pour the hot espresso into the bottom of a large coffee mug.
- Steam the milk: Steam the milk with the steam wand until it is hot and has a tiny layer of foam (not as much foam as a cappuccino, just a little). If you don’t have a steamer, heat the milk in the microwave or stovetop until almost boiling, then froth it lightly by shaking it in a jar or whisking – you want it creamy with a bit of microfoam.
- Pour milk into espresso: Slowly pour the steamed milk into the mug with the espresso. Aim to pour most of the liquid milk while holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Finish with a touch of foam: Spoon a small dollop of the remaining milk foam on top of the latte. The cup should be mostly filled with milk and espresso, topped with just a thin cap of foam. Enjoy your latte hot.
Notes
The word “latte” literally means milk in Italian. That’s where the name comes from-and where the confusion begins. Order a “latte” in Italy, and you might just get a glass of milk. To get the coffee drink you’re after, you need to say caffè latte! That one is creamier and less strong than a cappuccino, with a coffee flavor that’s milder. That’s why it’s such an excellent canvas for added flavors: you can stir in a spoonful of flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut… you name it) to create your own unique latte. Lattes are the go-to drink for latte art because of that smooth microfoam. Enjoy it plain or sweetened, a homemade latte is a wonderfully comforting way to savor that shot of espresso-you know, the good stuff.
