Latte Or Cappuccino Recipe

Grind and dose

Weigh 18 g of fresh coffee beans. Grind to a fine espresso grind (texture like fine sand) immediately before brewing.

Tamp and brew

Distribute grounds evenly in a 18–20 g basket, tamp with about 30 pounds (13 kg) of pressure to create a level puck. Lock the portafilter into a preheated espresso machine and brew a single shot (approximately 36 ml) into a preheated cup. Aim for a 25–35 second extraction; adjust grind if extraction is too fast or slow.

Choose milk and prepare pitcher

Select whole milk for best texture or an alternative milk if preferred. Pour about 6 oz (180 ml) into a chilled milk pitcher. This amount yields a single latte or cappuccino (adjust for cup size).

Purge wand and begin steaming

Purge the steam wand for 1 second to remove condensation. Submerge the tip just below the surface of the milk and begin steaming with the wand angled slightly to create a whirlpool.

Texturing for latte

For a latte: keep the steam wand tip just below the surface for ~3–5 seconds to introduce small microfoam, then submerge slightly deeper to heat. Aim for milk temperature of 60–65°C (140–149°F). The milk should be silky with fine microfoam and minimal visible bubbles.

Texturing for cappuccino

For a cappuccino: introduce more air in the first 4–6 seconds to create thicker foam, then roll the milk to integrate. Finish heating to 65–70°C (149–158°F). The milk should be noticeably frothier with a thicker foam layer (about 1–1.5 cm).

Tap, swirl, and purge

Tap the pitcher on the counter and give it a few swirls to remove large bubbles and settle the texture. Wipe and purge the steam wand immediately.

Pour

Pour the espresso into your cup if not already brewed into it. For a latte: hold the pitcher higher to begin, then lower and bring it close to the cup to create latte art, finishing with a thin layer of microfoam. For a cappuccino: pour more slowly and keep the foam layer thick, aiming to have roughly equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

Taste and sweeten if desired. Stir in up to 1 tsp sugar or 1/2–1 tsp simple syrup to taste, or add 1/4 tsp vanilla extract before pouring milk for a flavored base.

Dust with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam if desired.