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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.