Latte Recipe
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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Espresso
Milk
Garnish (optional)
Method
Espresso
- 1
Preheat equipment
If using an espresso machine, turn it on and allow it to fully heat (group head and portafilter) for 15–30 minutes. If using a stovetop espresso maker (moka pot) or Aeropress, preheat by rinsing with hot water.
- 2
Dose and tamp
Weigh 18 g of freshly ground espresso beans (fine grind appropriate for your method). Distribute evenly in the portafilter basket and tamp firmly and level to create an even puck.
- 3
Pull the shot
Lock the portafilter in and start the shot. Aim for approximately 36 ml of espresso in 25–35 seconds (adjust grind and dose as needed). For a double espresso/latte base, you should have about 1–1.25 oz (36 ml) of concentrated espresso.
Milk
- 4
Prepare milk
Pour 8 oz (about 240 ml) of whole milk into a chilled stainless-steel steaming pitcher. If you want a sweeter latte, add the optional 1 tsp sweetener to the pitcher now so it dissolves during steaming.
- 5
Texture the milk
Purge the steam wand briefly, then submerge it just below the surface of the milk and turn on steam to introduce air for 3–6 seconds (creating microfoam). After the initial stretch, lower the pitcher slightly to fully submerge the wand and continue steaming until the pitcher feels hot to the touch (approx. 60–65°C / 140–150°F). The milk should be velvety and have fine, glossy microfoam with no large bubbles.
- 6
Polish milk
Turn off the steam, wipe and purge the wand. Swirl and tap the pitcher on the counter to remove any remaining large bubbles and to integrate foam and liquid milk into a smooth, glossy texture suitable for latte art.
Assembly & Garnish
- 7
Combine
Pour the pulled espresso into a warmed 10–12 oz latte cup. Slowly tilt the cup and begin pouring the steamed milk from about 3–4 inches above the cup to incorporate the milk with the espresso. As the cup fills and the foam becomes visible, lower the pitcher and pour with controlled wrist movement to create a smooth surface.
- 8
Finish and garnish
If desired, finish with a dusting of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (about 1 tsp) over the foam. Serve immediately.