Little Bear Latte Recipe
Make Little Bear 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 / Coffee base
Milk & foam
Sweetener & flavor (Little Bear style)
Garnish
Method
Espresso / Coffee base
Brew
Brew two shots of espresso (about 2 fl oz total). If you do not have an espresso machine, brew 2 oz of very strong coffee (use 1:6 coffee to water by weight) and add 2 oz hot water to reach espresso-like volume. Pour the hot espresso into a pre-warmed 10–12 oz latte cup.
Sweetener & flavor (Little Bear style)
In the cup with the hot espresso, add 1 tablespoon brown sugar simple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Stir until the syrup dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed. Tasting: adjust sweetness by adding up to 1 additional teaspoon syrup if desired.
Milk & foam
Steam and froth milk
Pour 8 oz whole milk (plus the optional 2 oz if you want more microfoam) into a metal steaming pitcher. Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface and turn on to create a steady whirlpool; position the tip near the surface for the first 5–8 seconds to introduce air and create microfoam, then lower the wand a little deeper to heat the milk. Heat until the pitcher feels just too hot to touch on the outside (about 150–155°F / 65–68°C). Aim for smooth, velvety microfoam with small, glossy bubbles.
Alternative (no steam wand)
If you don’t have a steam wand, heat the milk on the stovetop or microwave to about 150°F (do not boil). Froth by using a handheld milk frother for 20–30 seconds or shake vigorously in a jar (with a tight lid) for 30–60 seconds, then swirl to smooth the foam. Let foam settle slightly before pouring.
Combine
Hold back the foam with a spoon and pour the steamed milk into the cup with the flavored espresso, starting with the liquid milk to integrate the flavors. Once the cup is about 3/4 full, spoon or gently pour the microfoam on top to create a 1/2–3/4 inch cap of foam. If you practice latte art, use the finishing pour to draw a simple heart or bear face outline.
Garnish
Dust the foam lightly with cocoa powder or extra ground cinnamon using a small sieve for an even finish. Top with a mini bear-shaped marshmallow or chocolate bear on the foam or on the saucer for a whimsical touch.
Serve
Serve immediately while hot. Provide a small spoon for the marshmallow and a napkin. Enjoy the Little Bear Latte warm.