How to make a latte

The Doorstep Deliveries Guide to The Perfect Latte

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly crafted latte to start your day off on the right foot. But what exactly goes into making the perfect latte?

In this guide, your very own Doorstep Deliveries barista will cover everything you need to know to craft the perfect latte, including ingredients, equipment, and technique.

What is a Latte?

A latte is a coffee drink that originated in Italy and is made with espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam.

It’s different from other coffee drinks like a cappuccino, which has equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, and a latte macchiato, which has layers of steamed milk and foam, with a shot of espresso on top.

Ingredients

To make a latte, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Espresso: A strong, concentrated coffee that’s made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. Use high-quality beans and make sure the espresso is brewed less than 30 seconds after the water is poured.
• Milk: For the best latte, use whole milk or 2% milk from a locally sourced dairy. The high-fat content will create a creamy and velvety texture.
• Foam: The foam on top of a latte adds a touch of sweetness and gives the drink a pleasant texture. The foam should be thick and creamy, not too airy or bubbly.

Equipment

To make a latte, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment:

• Espresso machine: A machine that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee beans to make espresso.
• Milk steaming pitcher: A pitcher specifically designed for steaming and frothing milk. It has a spout that’s angled for pouring and a thermometer to measure the temperature of the milk.
• Thermometer: A thermometer is used to ensure the milk is heated to the right temperature, which is between 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give the milk the perfect texture for latte making.

The Steps

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment, it’s time to learn the technique for making the perfect latte:

1. Prepare an espresso and pour directly into a latte glass
2. Fill your milk jug with enough milk— whole milk is recommended
3. Purge your steam arm prior to attempting to steam your milk
4. Foam your milk prior to brewing your espresso, paying attention to creating a nice smooth microfoam
5. Start by heating the milk to the desired temperature. Then, hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk and begin to steam the milk.
6. As the milk begins to froth, lower the wand deeper into the milk, creating a whirlpool motion. This will create the perfect foam for your latte.
7. After foaming your milk, gently tap the jug or bump on a table to remove any unwanted large air bubbles
8. Begin pouring the frothed milk to your espresso from a relatively high position
9. Continue to pour whilst lowering the milk and steepening your pouring angle
10. Ensure a small amount of stiff milk foam sits on top after pouring
11. Enjoy your Latte!

Latte Art

Now that you know how to make the perfect latte, it’s time to get creative and learn how to create latte art – just like they do in your favourite local coffee shop:

• Basic designs: Start with basic designs like hearts or leaves, and work your way up to more complex designs like rosettas or tulips.
• Tips for creating latte art: To create latte art, it’s important to have the right foam consistency, the right pouring technique, and a steady hand. Also, it’s helpful to practice on a small scale before trying it on a full latte.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making the perfect latte requires the right ingredients, equipment, and technique.

By following this quick guide, you’ll be able to craft the perfect latte every time.

Remember to pay attention to the temperature, steaming, and frothing of the milk, as well as the pouring and shaping of the latte.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at creating some latte art. With practice and patience, you’ll be a latte pro in no time.

In future blogs, we will take a look at how to make an iced latte for those warmer summer days, how to make a latte without an espresso machine and even how to make a latte with instant coffee, so stay tuned!