Caffe Latte (flavoured) Recipe

Pull two shots (about 60 ml) of espresso using an espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew 60–90 ml of very strong coffee (use 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio) and keep it hot.

If the espresso has cooled, warm with 30 ml hot water or reheat briefly so it’s 65–70°C (149–158°F). Set aside in the serving cup to preserve crema and temperature.

Add your chosen flavour(s) and sweetener directly to the serving cup: for a standard flavored latte use 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or hazelnut syrup, or 1 teaspoon caramel sauce (plus 1 tsp sugar/simple syrup if you want it sweeter). Stir the syrup/sauce with the hot espresso to dissolve fully.

Taste and adjust: add up to 1 more teaspoon syrup or sauce if you prefer stronger flavour. Remember that cold milk will mute flavour, so err slightly stronger if you like pronounced flavour.

Measure and prepare

Pour 10 oz (about 300 ml) of 2% milk into a metal steaming pitcher. Leave some headroom for expansion and foam (use the extra 2 oz if needed).

Steam technique

Purge the steam wand and submerge tip just below the surface. Start with the wand near the surface for 2–4 seconds to introduce microfoam, then lower the pitcher so the tip is deeper to heat the milk to 60–65°C (140–149°F). Aim for silky microfoam with tiny bubbles, not thick foam. Total steaming time ~20–40 seconds depending on equipment.

Texture check

Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to integrate foam and milk into a glossy texture. The milk should be velvety and pourable.

Combine

Slowly pour steamed milk into the cup containing the espresso and flavouring. Start high to mix milk and espresso, then move closer and pour more intentionally to create a thin layer of foam on top. For a 12 oz drink, aim for about 1 cm of foam.

If desired, top with a small dollop (1 tablespoon) of whipped cream for a richer treat, then dust 0.5 tsp cocoa powder or 1 tsp cinnamon over the foam. For caramel lattes, drizzle a small line (¼–½ tsp) of caramel sauce on top.

Serve immediately with a stirrer so the drinker can re-mix as flavours settle. Provide a lid if taking away.