📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to a sun-drenched piazza in Milan with this impeccably balanced Caffè Latte. This classic Italian staple marries the intense, chocolatey depth of a double-shot of espresso with the silky, micro-foamed sweetness of steamed milk. It is a comforting ritual in a cup, characterized by its smooth texture and a delicate layer of foam that invites the first sip of the day.
🥗 Ingredients
The Coffee Base
- 18-20 grams Freshly roasted espresso beans (Medium to dark roast preferred; finely ground)
- 2 ounces Filtered water (Heated to 195°F-205°F for extraction)
The Dairy & Texture
- 8-10 ounces Whole milk (Cold, straight from the refrigerator for best foaming)
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste (Optional, for a subtle aromatic sweetness)
Garnish & Finishing
- 1 pinch Cocoa powder (For dusting)
- 1 pinch Cinnamon (Optional aromatic topping)
- 1 teaspoon Raw sugar or Demerara sugar (To taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your latte mug (approximately 12 oz capacity) by filling it with hot water; a warm vessel ensures your drink stays at the perfect temperature longer.
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2
Grind your fresh espresso beans to a fine, powdery consistency, similar to table salt, and dose 18-20 grams into a clean portafilter.
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3
Distribute the coffee grounds evenly and tamp with firm, level pressure (about 30 lbs) to create a flat, uniform puck.
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4
Discard the warming water from your mug and wipe it dry. Place the mug under the group head of your espresso machine.
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5
Initiate the extraction. Your double shot (2 oz) should pour in approximately 25-30 seconds, beginning with a dark drip and ending in a golden-brown 'crema'.
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6
While the espresso is pulling, pour 8-10 ounces of cold whole milk into a stainless steel steaming pitcher, filling it just below the spout's indentation.
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7
Purge the steam wand of your machine to remove any condensation. Submerge the tip of the wand just below the surface of the milk.
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8
Turn on the steam and 'stretch' the milk for only 2-3 seconds by keeping the tip near the surface to create a small amount of aeration (listen for paper-tearing sounds).
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9
Lower the wand deeper into the pitcher and tilt it slightly to create a vortex or 'whirlpool' effect. This incorporates the bubbles into a silky micro-foam.
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10
Continue steaming until the pitcher is almost too hot to touch (about 150°F-155°F). Do not exceed 160°F or the milk will lose its sweetness and scald.
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11
Turn off the steam, wipe the wand immediately with a damp cloth, and purge it again. Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl it to eliminate any large bubbles until the milk looks like wet paint.
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12
If using vanilla paste or sugar, stir it into the hot espresso now so it dissolves completely.
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13
Hold the mug at a slight angle and pour the steamed milk into the center of the espresso from a height of about 3 inches, allowing the milk to dive under the crema.
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14
As the mug fills, bring the pitcher closer to the surface to allow a thin layer of foam to settle on top. If you're feeling artistic, use a gentle wrist wiggle to create a heart or rosetta pattern.
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15
Finish with a very light dusting of cocoa powder if desired, and serve immediately while the micro-foam is at its peak density.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use fresh, cold whole milk; the fat and protein content are essential for that creamy, stable micro-foam. Never re-steam milk that has already been heated, as the proteins have broken down and it will taste flat. If you don't have an espresso machine, use a Moka pot for a concentrated coffee base and a handheld frother for the milk. Ensure your espresso grind is consistent; if the shot runs too fast (under 20 seconds), grind finer; if it's too slow, grind coarser. Keep your equipment meticulously clean, as old coffee oils can turn rancid and ruin the delicate flavor of the latte.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a buttery, flaky croissant or a pain au chocolat for the ultimate continental breakfast. Serve alongside a small glass of sparkling water to cleanse the palate between sips. Enjoy with a side of almond biscotti for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture. For a seasonal twist, serve with a small plate of fresh berries or a lemon zest shortbread cookie. Accompany with a piece of high-quality dark chocolate to enhance the roasted notes of the espresso.