Latte Recipe

Time10m

Serves1

Make 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
Preheat cup and prepare machine
Preheat a 10–12 oz latte cup or glass by rinsing with hot water. If using an espresso machine, make sure the portafilter, basket, and group head are clean and warmed.
2
Measure and grind 18–20 g of fresh coffee (medium-fine espresso grind) and distribute evenly in the portafilter. Tamp with firm, even pressure.
3
Brew two 1-oz espresso shots (approximately 18–36 seconds extraction depending on your machine) into the preheated cup. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 60 ml strong coffee using an Aeropress or Moka pot and use it as the espresso base.

4
Steam and texture milk
Pour 8 oz (about 240 ml) cold whole milk into a clean metal steaming pitcher. Insert the steam wand tip just below the surface and turn on steam to create microfoam: introduce a small amount of air for 3–5 seconds (you'll hear a gentle hissing), then submerge the tip and continue steaming to heat the milk to 55–65°C (130–150°F). Aim for silky, velvety microfoam with very small bubbles.
5
If you don't have a steam wand, heat 8 oz milk on the stovetop to about 60°C (do not boil) and froth vigorously with a handheld frother or by shaking in a tightly sealed jar for 30–60 seconds until foamy. Let foam settle slightly so it's smooth and pourable.
6
If the milk seems too thick, stir in up to 1 oz additional milk to reach a smooth pouring consistency.

7
Hold the cup with the espresso at a slight angle. Begin pouring the steamed milk from about 2–3 inches above the cup to integrate milk and espresso — pour steadily until the cup is about three-quarters full.
8
Lower the pitcher close to the surface and pour more deliberately to allow the microfoam to come forward and create a thin layer of velvety foam on top. If desired, finish with a simple latte art pour (heart or rosette) by a gentle wiggle and a quick pull-through motion.
9
Taste the latte and, if desired, stir in 1 tsp granulated sugar or 1 tsp simple syrup for sweetness, or 1/4 tsp vanilla extract for flavor. Sprinkle a pinch (about 1 tsp) of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top as a garnish if you like.