Latte Recipe

Preheat and dose

Turn on the espresso machine to fully heat (group head and portafilter) about 15–20 minutes before brewing. While it heats, weigh 18 g of espresso beans and grind to a fine setting suitable for espresso (should feel like fine sand).

Preparation

Purge the group head briefly to clear cool water. Place the portafilter on a scale, add the 18 g ground coffee, level, and tamp evenly with firm pressure to create a flat puck.

Brew

Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the shot. Aim for a 36 ml yield in about 25–30 seconds. Adjust grind if the shot is too fast or slow. Set the extracted espresso aside in a warmed cup.

Pour and prepare pitcher

Pour 8 fl oz (about 240 ml) of whole milk into a cold milk pitcher. The pitcher should be no more than half full to allow room for steaming and stretching.

Steam (using steam wand)

Purge the steam wand briefly, then submerge the tip just below the surface of the milk and turn on steam. Start with the tip near the surface to introduce a small amount of air for 2–4 seconds to create microfoam, then submerge the tip deeper to heat. Maintain a gentle whirlpool motion. Heat until the pitcher reads 60–65°C (140–150°F) or the pitcher is too hot to comfortably touch for more than a couple seconds.

Alternative: No steam wand

If you don't have a steam wand, heat milk on the stove or in the microwave to 60–65°C (140–150°F), then froth using a handheld milk frother or by vigorously shaking in a tightly sealed jar until microfoam forms.

Settle and swirl

Tap the pitcher gently on the counter and swirl to remove larger bubbles and integrate foam into silky microfoam. Spoon or pour off any excess foam if you prefer less foam.

Sweeten (optional)

If using sugar or syrup, add 1 tsp (or preferred amount) to the espresso and stir to dissolve before pouring milk.

Pour the steamed milk into the espresso: hold the cup of espresso at a slight angle and start pouring from about 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) above the cup to combine milk and espresso. When the cup is nearly full and you want to create latte art, move the pitcher closer and pour more steadily to draw patterns. Aim for a final drink volume of about 10–12 fl oz including crema and foam.

Serve immediately. Enjoy your latte while hot.