Restaurants›Poppy & Claro›Latte Recipe

Latte Recipe

Inspired by Poppy & Claro
Time8m
Serves1

Make Latte Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Espresso

Milk & Foam

Garnish (optional)

Method

Espresso

1

Preheat and dose

Preheat your espresso machine by running a blank shot (no coffee) for 10–15 seconds. While it heats, weigh 18 g of freshly ground espresso (fine grind) and distribute evenly in the portafilter.

2

Tamp and brew

Tamp the coffee with consistent pressure (about 30 lb/13 kg) to create a level puck. Lock the portafilter into the group head and brew a double shot of espresso (about 36 ml) directly into your serving cup. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction (from the moment you start the shot to stop).

Milk & Foam

3

Prepare milk pitcher

Pour 10 oz whole milk into a chilled stainless-steel milk pitcher. If you prefer a slightly larger drink or more foam, use the additional 1 oz as needed.

4

Purge steam wand

Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth and purge briefly (1–2 seconds) to clear residual water before steaming.

5

Steam milk

Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface and turn on the steam. Create a small whirlpool and introduce air for the first 2–4 seconds to produce microfoam (you should hear a gentle hissing, not loud screeching). Then lower the pitcher slightly to fully texturize and heat the milk to 60–65°C (140–149°F). Aim for silky, velvety microfoam with tiny bubbles.

6

Wipe and purge

Turn off the steam, wipe the wand immediately with a damp cloth and purge briefly again to remove milk residue.

7

Polish milk

Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to integrate foam and milk for a smooth pour.

8

Sweeten (optional)

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

9

Combine

Hold the cup with espresso at a slight angle. Begin pouring steamed milk from about 3–4 inches above the cup to combine milk and espresso, then lower the pitcher and pour more steadily to allow microfoam to rise and form a thin layer of foam on top (about 1/4 inch). Finish with a controlled wiggle or lift for a simple latte art heart or leave plain.

Garnish (optional)

10

Lightly dust the top of the latte with 1 tsp cocoa powder or ground cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.