Cafe Latte Recipe

Time8m

Serves1

12 oz

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Ingredients

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1
Prepare machine and grind
Preheat your espresso machine by running a blank shot (no coffee) for about 5–10 seconds to warm the portafilter and group head. Meanwhile, grind 18 g of fresh espresso beans to a fine grind suitable for your machine (should feel slightly gritty, not powdery).
2
Dose, tamp and extract
Place the 18 g of ground coffee into a clean, dry portafilter. Distribute evenly and tamp with about 30 lbs (13.6 kg) of pressure to create a level puck. Lock the portafilter into the group head and start extraction. Aim for a 36 ml yield of espresso in about 25–30 seconds (this yields a 1:2 brew ratio). If extraction is too fast or slow, adjust grind accordingly.

3
Steam milk
Pour 8 oz whole milk into a chilled 12–16 oz stainless steel steaming pitcher (fill to about one-third). Purge the steam wand, then position the wand tip just below the milk surface and start steaming at full pressure. Stretch the milk by keeping the tip just below the surface for the first 3–6 seconds to introduce microfoam, then submerge the wand slightly to heat. Aim for a final temperature of 60–65°C (140–149°F). The milk should have a glossy, velvety microfoam with very small bubbles.
4
Polish milk
Tap the pitcher gently on the counter to remove any larger bubbles and swirl to integrate foam and liquid milk into a smooth texture suitable for pouring latte art or a smooth top.

5
Pour the espresso into a preheated 12 oz cup. If you prefer the latte sweetened, add 1 tsp of granulated sugar or the equivalent simple syrup now and stir to dissolve while the espresso is hot.
6
Immediately pour the steamed milk into the center of the espresso. Start from a higher point to sink the liquid milk, then bring the pitcher closer and pour with a gentle wiggle to create a thin layer of microfoam on top. Aim to fill the cup to 12 oz, leaving a small 1⁄4 inch of foam on top.
7
Optional: dust the top lightly with 1/4 tsp cocoa powder or ground cinnamon for garnish.
8
Serve immediately. Clean and purge the steam wand and wipe the portafilter.