Latte Recipe

Time10m

Serves1

Make Latte Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat your espresso portafilter and cup by running a blank shot or pouring hot water into the cup, then discard the water. This helps maintain temperature when brewing.
2
Dose, distribute, and tamp
Weigh 18 g of finely ground espresso into a clean portafilter basket. Distribute the grounds evenly and tamp with 30 pounds (approx. 13.6 kg) of pressure to create a level coffee puck.
3
Brew espresso
Brew a double shot aiming for about 36 ml of espresso in 25–30 seconds (adjust grind and dose as needed). The shot should have a golden crema on top. If using a home espresso machine without a scale, pull a shot of about 1–1.5 oz.

4
Pour milk and purge steam wand
Pour 8 oz (plus a spare ounce for losses) of cold whole milk into a stainless-steel steaming pitcher. Purge any water from the steam wand briefly.
5
Position and stretch
Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface and turn on the steam to create a gentle hissing (introduce air) for 3–4 seconds to add microfoam. Then lower the pitcher so the wand is deeper and continue steaming to heat the milk to 60–65°C (140–149°F). Aim for glossy, velvety microfoam with very small bubbles.
6
Texture and polish
Turn off the steam, wipe the wand with a damp cloth and purge. Tap the pitcher gently on the counter and swirl the milk to eliminate larger bubbles and integrate foam for a silky consistency.

7
Combine espresso and milk
Place the preheated cup with the shot of espresso on a level surface. Begin pouring the steamed milk from a few inches above the cup to incorporate milk and crema, then move the pitcher closer and pour steadily to create a thin layer of microfoam on top. Aim for a total drink volume of about 10–10.5 oz (espresso + milk).
8
Add optional sweetener or flavor
If desired, stir in 1 tsp granulated sugar or 1 tsp simple syrup into the espresso before pouring milk to sweeten, or add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 pump (about 10 ml) flavored syrup to the milk/pitcher and mix.
9
Garnish and serve
Optionally dust the top with a pinch of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder. Serve immediately while hot.