Sep 04 2026

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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Espresso

Method

Espresso

  1. 1

    Prepare and dose

    Weigh 18 g of freshly roasted coffee and grind to a fine espresso grind. Distribute grounds evenly in a clean portafilter and tamp with firm, even pressure to create a level puck.

  2. 2

    Brew espresso

    Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine. Brew a double shot targeting about 36 ml of espresso in 25–30 seconds at ~9 bar pressure. Adjust grind if extraction is too fast or slow. Pour the espresso into a warmed 10–12 oz latte cup.

Milk

  1. 3

    Purge and position steam wand

    Purge the steam wand briefly to expel water. Fill a chilled 12–16 oz stainless frothing pitcher with 10 oz cold whole milk (plus optional 2 oz if you want more foam for latte art).

  2. 4

    Stretch and texture milk

    Submerge the steam tip just below the surface and turn on the steam to introduce air for 2–4 seconds until the milk volume increases slightly (creating microfoam). Then lower the pitcher so the tip is deeper and position to create a whirlpool. Continue steaming until the pitcher feels just too hot to hold for more than a second (between 60–65°C / 140–149°F). Aim for glossy, velvety microfoam with very small bubbles.

  3. 5

    Polish milk

    Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to remove larger bubbles and integrate foam into the milk. Wipe and purge the steam wand immediately.

  4. 6

    Pour milk

    Hold the cup with the espresso at a slight angle. Begin pouring from about 3–4 inches above the cup to incorporate milk with espresso, then lower the pitcher close to the surface and gently wiggle to create a small, simple latte art pattern (heart or rosette). Fill to about 1 cm below the rim.

Finishing

  1. 7

    Sweeten and garnish

    If desired, stir in up to 1 teaspoon of sugar or sweetener into the espresso before pouring milk, or sprinkle cinnamon/cocoa on top after pouring. Serve immediately.