How to make a latte at home

How to Make a Cafe Style Latte at Home

A well-made latte is smooth, balanced, and rich—just the way it should be. With the right technique, you can create a perfectly textured, café-quality latte at home.

What You’ll Need:

• 18g of freshly ground coffee (for a double espresso)

• 250ml milk of choice (full-fat recommended for best texture)

• A cup (ceramic, to retain heat)

The Method:

1. Brew a Double Espresso Using an espresso machine, pull a double shot (around 36-40ml) with 18g of coffee. Aim for a balanced extraction—rich, full-bodied, and not too bitter.

2. Steam Your Milk Pour cold milk into your steaming jug, filling it to just below the spout. Submerge the steam wand slightly and introduce air gently until the milk expands by about a third. Then, angle the jug to create a whirlpool effect, heating the milk to around 60–65°C. The goal is a silky, glossy microfoam with no large bubbles.

3. Pour and Finish Tap the milk jug on the counter to remove any air bubbles, then swirl to keep the texture even. Slowly pour the milk into the espresso, starting from a higher position, then moving lower to blend seamlessly. If you’re feeling confident, try a simple latte art pattern.

Tips for a Better Latte:

• Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans – They make all the difference.

• Purge the steam wand before and after use – This ensures clean, smooth milk.

• Perfect your milk texture – A good latte should have velvety microfoam, not frothy bubbles.

Master this method, and you’ll never need to leave home for the perfect latte again.