Café Latte Recipe

Time10m

Serves1

Make Café 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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1
Prepare machine and dose
Preheat the espresso machine by running water through the group head and portafilter. Weigh 18 g of freshly ground fine espresso coffee and distribute evenly in the portafilter basket.
2
Tamp
Use a tamper to compress the coffee evenly and firmly to create a level puck. Wipe any grounds from the portafilter rim.
3
Brew espresso
Lock the portafilter into the group head and start extraction. Aim for a 1:2 brew ratio (about 36 ml) over 25–30 seconds. Stop the shot when you reach roughly 36 ml of espresso (double shot). Pour the espresso into a warmed 12–16 oz (350–475 ml) cup.

4
Purge steam wand and fill pitcher
Purge the steam wand briefly to remove water. Pour 240 ml whole milk into a stainless-steel steaming pitcher. Use an extra 30 ml if you prefer a slightly larger volume or more microfoam.
5
Position steam wand
Submerge the steam wand tip just below the milk surface and position the pitcher so the wand is slightly off-center. Turn on the steam to create a gentle whirlpool; this incorporates air and stretches the milk for microfoam.
6
Aerate and texture milk
For the first 3–6 seconds, keep the tip near the surface to introduce a small amount of air (you should hear a subtle hissing sound). After that, lower the pitcher slightly so the wand is fully submerged to continue heating and create a smooth, velvety microfoam. Target milk temperature 60–65°C (140–149°F).
7
Polish milk
Turn off the steam, wipe and purge the wand. Tap the pitcher on the counter a couple times and swirl gently to pop any large bubbles and polish the milk into glossy microfoam.
8
Combine
Hold the cup with espresso at a slight angle. Begin pouring milk slowly from a few inches above to integrate milk and espresso; when cup is about half full, lower the pitcher and pour with a controlled wiggle or steady stream to create a thin layer of foam and, if desired, simple latte art.

9
If desired, add up to 1 tsp sugar or simple syrup to the espresso before pouring milk and stir. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon over the foam.