Latte - how to make it?

Latte is one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world. It combines rich espresso with smooth, creamy milk, creating the perfect balance between strength and softness. If you also want to make a latte at home like a real barista – this article is for you.

☕ What is a latte?

Latte, or caffè latte, means "coffee with milk" in Italian. Traditionally, it consists of:

• 1/3 espresso
• 2/3 steamed milk
• A small layer of milk foam

It is softer than a cappuccino, because there is more milk, and it is not as strong as pure espresso.

🧰 What will you need?

To make a quality latte at home, you will need:

• Espresso machine (or moka pot / strong coffee)
• Coffee beans or ground espresso coffee
• Milk frother
• Milk
• Coffee mug (approx. 250–300 ml)
  
  

👨🍳 How to make a latte step by step?

1. Make an espresso
Use freshly ground coffee beans (e.g. from WayCoffee) and make one or two shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a moka pot or strong French press coffee.

2. Heat and froth the milk
Heat the milk to ~60–65°C (hot enough, but not boiling). Use a milk frother to get a silky, slightly frothy texture. The goal is not to thicken the foam like a cappuccino, but to create a smooth and creamy consistency.

3. Mix the espresso with the milk
Pour the espresso into a mug and slowly add the warm milk. Add ~0.5–1 cm of milk foam on top.

🎨 Want to make it special?

• Latte art: If you’re creative, you can learn to make hearts or leaves out of milk foam.
• Flavored latte: Add vanilla, caramel or cinnamon syrup for a special flavor.
• Plant-based milk latte: Use oat, almond, or soy milk if you avoid dairy.

💡 Tips from WayCoffee:

• Use medium-roasted coffee beans for a balanced flavor.
• If possible, froth the milk each time instead of reheating.
• Grind the coffee beans as needed – freshness makes all the difference.