Latte Recipe

Prepare machine and dose

Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter by running a short blank shot (no coffee) for about 5–10 seconds. Weigh 18 g of freshly ground espresso (medium-fine grind) and distribute evenly in the portafilter basket.

Tamp and brew

Tamp the grounds evenly with about 20–30 lbs of pressure to create a level puck. Lock the portafilter into the group head and pull a double espresso aiming for about 36 ml in 25–30 seconds. Adjust grind or dose if extraction time is too short or long.

Choose milk and pitcher

Use cold milk and a chilled stainless-steel steaming pitcher (approx. 12–20 oz capacity for a 10 fl oz latte). If using a milk alternative, note that steam behavior may differ; oat typically froths best among alternatives.

Purge steam wand and position

Purge the steam wand for 1–2 seconds to remove condensation. Submerge the tip just below the milk surface and position the pitcher so the wand is slightly off-center to create a gentle whirlpool.

Stretch and texture milk

Start steaming with the tip near the surface for 2–4 seconds to introduce a small amount of air (stretching) — you should hear a soft hissing sound. Then lower the pitcher so the tip is deeper and continue steaming to heat and create a smooth microfoam. Aim for a final milk temperature of 60–65°C (140–149°F). Total steam time ~20–40 seconds depending on machine power.

Polish milk

Turn off steam, wipe and purge the wand immediately. Tap the pitcher gently on the counter and swirl the milk to remove any large bubbles and to polish the texture into glossy microfoam.

Pour the espresso into a warmed 10–12 oz cup. If you like your latte sweetened, add 1 tsp sugar or simple syrup to the espresso and stir to dissolve.

Hold the pitcher a few inches above the cup and begin pouring the milk slowly into the center of the espresso to combine. As the cup fills and the crema rises, move the pitcher closer and pour with slightly more speed while making small back-and-forth motions or a controlled heart/rosette to create latte art if desired.

Finish by raising the pitcher for a thin stream to create a defined surface pattern. Serve immediately. Optionally dust with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon.