Latte Recipe
Creamy steamed milk combined with espresso.
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Ingredients
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Espresso
Milk
Garnish (optional)
Method
Espresso
Prepare machine
Fill the espresso machine's water reservoir and ensure it is warmed up. Flush the group head briefly to stabilize temperature (about 5–10 seconds).
Dose and tamp
Dose 18 g of freshly ground espresso into a clean portafilter basket. Distribute grounds evenly and tamp with consistent pressure until the surface is smooth and level.
Brew espresso
Lock the portafilter into the machine and start extraction. Brew approximately 36 ml of espresso (single ristretto/short double) aiming for a 25–30 second extraction time from the moment water first contacts the puck. Pour the espresso into a warmed latte cup (10–12 oz).
Milk
Purge steam wand
Purge the steam wand for 1–2 seconds to remove condensation, then wipe the tip clean with a damp cloth.
Steam milk
Pour 10 oz (about 300 ml) whole milk into a chilled stainless-steel steaming pitcher (fill to just below the spout). Submerge the steam wand tip just below the surface and start steaming to introduce a small amount of microfoam: you should hear a soft 'paper-tearing' sound for the first 2–4 seconds. Then lower the pitcher slightly so the tip goes deeper to heat the milk without adding more air. Continue until the pitcher reaches 60–65°C (140–150°F) on a thermometer, and milk has a glossy, velvety texture with fine microfoam on top (about 20–30 seconds total steaming). Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to integrate foam and remove large bubbles.
Add syrup (optional)
If using flavored syrup, add 1 tsp to the warmed cup before pouring milk so it dissolves into the espresso.
Pour and combine
Hold the cup with the espresso at a slight angle. Begin pouring milk from about 2–3 inches above the cup to integrate milk and espresso, then lower the pitcher and pour more steadily to create a smooth layer of microfoam on top. Aim for a 1:3 to 1:5 espresso-to-milk ratio (this recipe makes a standard latte). Finish with a gentle wiggle or circular motion to create a simple latte art pattern if desired.
Garnish
Lightly dust the top of the latte with a pinch (about 1 tsp) of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately.