A latte, also known as a caffe latte, comprises a single or double shot of espresso with steamed milk and a layer of foam on the top. And for a pleasant look and smooth texture, the typical ratio between a latte and milk is 1:2. So buckle up your sleeves to learn how you can make a latte with an espresso machine and in a perfect way.
Note: due to the massive increase in popularity, the latte preparation also varies as everyone makes it their way, but it usually revolves around soft and silky foam.
What Do You Need to Make a Latte?
Having things get done before you get into the process of making a latte will make it 10x more straightforward and faster for you.
So, let’s find out what you need to make a latte.
1- Coffee beans:
The first essential thing you need is coffee beans, and of course, coffee is the main ingredient; without it, it’s just milk.
And every espresso machine must have a coffee bean grinder in it. In case you don’t have it, you can grind coffee beans from a grocery store, but we usually recommend getting it from a local coffee store because it’s always a new and better option to opt for.
Tip: Always recommended to use perfectly grind beans for espresso, especially if you are a beginner, but if you have some experience, you can try other combinations too.
2- Milk:
Of course, the second essential you will need is milk, but what type of milk you use is something that matters because it usually affects the taste of coffee. There are several milk types for coffee, like skimmed, non-skimmed or nonfat, and you can use any of them.
But, as a matter of fact, with nonfat milk, it would be easy to make foam for you; meanwhile, with whole milk, it’s hardest to make foam on your coffee, but for sure, you will get a better taste and latte from it due to higher fat in it.
3- An espresso machine:
Since we are talking about what you need to make a latte, skipping an espresso machine from the list is unfair.
You probably already have it, so you searched for it. And if you don’t have an espresso maker, we recommend getting it because investing in an espresso machine would be worth the cost. You will get a perfect latte because brewing is more accessible, and a steam wand in it will surely help you steam milk up to the ideal temperature without the fear of getting burnt.
Related article: How to Clean your DeLonghi espresso machine in a Perfect Way?
4- A Mug or glass:
Yes, most of you wouldn’t consider it essential, but it’s vital as it will help you to measure the amount and quantity of milk you need to pour.
Because having perfect measurement would save you from the excessiveness of anything, and as a result, you will get a better taste away from bitterness or anything else.
How to Make a Latte with an Espresso Machine?
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use AeroPress, or there are some other ways that you can give them a try. Please read our detailed guide on making espresso with a machine.
Step 1: Create a double shot of espresso – only if you want a strong coffee go for two shots; otherwise a single shot is also enough. And for this, you need to pull your portafilter, fill it with coffee beans, and lock it to the machine. You can also pull the espresso directly into the mug.
Step 2: Next, use your steam wand to steam and froth the milk, and you can do this until you feel uncomfortable to touch. And when you swirl it, you will see it sticks to the side a little bit but not too much, with a lovely sheen and good microfoam.
Step 3: Go ahead and pour it – Now, the espresso mug and steam froth milk are in your hand. Start pouring milk. Keep it just 3 or 4 inches above and start filling it up, and then once it starts getting up, take your milk close to the pitcher and pour it around.
That’s it! Your latte is ready to enjoy.
FAQ:
Well, to some extent, it’s true, especially if you are from or in Italy because here they would also call milk a latte.
Let’s say you have told someone to have a latte. You will end up getting a glass of milk and nothing else. So, make sure to say caffe latte, not only latte, especially if you are in Italy.
Of course, yes! With that, if you have an espresso machine, you do not need to worry because a steam wand will make it much more manageable. And for it, all you need is perfectly sized grind coffee beans and an espresso maker. That’s it!
Yes, you can, but it will need more struggle and work for it and patience too.
To do it manually, all you need is a sealed jar, put your milk in it, start shaking it as hard as you can, and then microwave it for a minute.
Yes, espresso is a much healthier choice than regular coffee. It also has less caffeine, making it a better choice for your stomach.
And just because of the shorter brewing time, the coffee will not be more stomach-friendly but also a better digestible offer.
So, you can give an energy boost to yourself with a much healthier option without damaging your health.
Final Verdict for How to Make a Latte with an Espresso Machine:
This quick guide lets you know that you can make a latte in just 3 quick steps. All you need is to pull a shot, steam the milk and then pour it into the mug.Making a latte is not as difficult as it seems; it’s just espresso with milk. Whereas, traditionally the quantity of coffee beans is 8 to 12 ounces but not more than this.
Now, you can also make lattes at home without any worry, and of course, you will not get a perfect one as it’s your first try, so don’t lose hope and keep trying for better results.
Till Next!