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Ingredients
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For one latte
Method
For one latte
Prepare espresso
Brew two shots of espresso (about 2 fl oz combined) directly into the serving cup. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 2 oz very strong coffee using an Aeropress or Moka pot.
Sweeten espresso
If you want a sweet latte, add the teaspoon of granulated sugar (or 1/2 tablespoon vanilla syrup instead of sugar) to the hot espresso and stir until dissolved.
Steam the milk
Pour 10 oz cold whole milk into a stainless steel steaming pitcher. Purge the steam wand briefly, then insert the wand tip just below the surface and start steaming. Keep the pitcher tilted slightly to create a whirlpool and stretch the milk by allowing a small amount of air in for 3–5 seconds to produce microfoam. Continue heating until the milk reaches 140–150°F (60–65°C). Aim for silky, velvety microfoam with small bubbles. If you don't have a steam wand, heat milk on the stovetop until hot (not boiling) and froth vigorously with a handheld frother or by shaking in a sealed jar for 30–45 seconds—then tap the container on the counter to settle large bubbles.
Combine and finish
Hold back the foam with a spoon and pour the steamed milk into the cup over the espresso, filling to the desired level (for a 12 oz latte use about 10 oz milk; for a 16 oz latte increase milk to ~14 oz and use a slightly larger espresso dose if desired). Spoon a thin layer of microfoam on top and, if desired, sprinkle a pinch (about 1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon or cocoa on the foam as garnish.
Serve
Serve immediately while hot. Optionally provide a small stirrer so the drinker can mix any syrup or garnish through the latte.