Luscious Latte Recipe

Time10m

Serves1

Make Luscious 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
Measure and grind
Weigh 18 g of whole espresso beans and grind to a fine, consistent espresso grind (looks like fine sand).
2
Tamp and brew
Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter, tamp with steady 20–30 lb pressure to create a flat puck. Lock into the espresso machine and brew a 36 ml (approx. 1.2 oz) double shot. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction yielding rich crema. If using an alternate method (aeropress or moka), produce a strong 36 ml espresso-equivalent concentrate.

3
Prepare milk and syrups
Measure 10 oz whole milk and pour into a chilled steaming pitcher. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar to the milk. Swirl gently to dissolve sugar and distribute syrup.
4
Steam milk
Purge the steam wand, then position wand tip just below the surface of the milk and turn on steam to introduce microfoam. Stretch milk for 3–6 seconds until it expands slightly, then submerge the wand to heat milk to 60–65°C (140–149°F) for best sweetness and texture. Aim for silky microfoam with small, glossy bubbles. If you don't have a steam wand, heat milk to 60–65°C on the stove without boiling and froth using a handheld frother for 20–30 seconds.
5
Integrate and texture
Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to eliminate large bubbles and integrate foam. The milk should have a velvety, pourable texture with about 1 cm of foam on top.

6
Preheat your latte cup (8–12 oz) by rinsing with hot water, then pour the 36 ml double espresso into the warmed cup.
7
Hold the pitcher about 1–2 cm above the espresso and begin pouring milk steadily into the center to combine. As the cup fills, move the pitcher closer and use controlled wrist motion to create a small heart or rosette if desired. Stop pouring when the cup is full, leaving approximately 1 cm of foam on top.
8
Lightly sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and/or cocoa powder over the foam if desired, and add chocolate shavings for a richer finish.
9
Serve immediately with a small spoon. Stir before drinking if extra sweetness was added to taste.