--- slug: how_to_make_a_latte_at_home category_path: home_kitchen/kitchen_dining/coffee_tea_espresso/milk_frothers type: informational title: "How to Make a Latte at Home" lead: "A latte is a shot of espresso (or strong coffee) topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam — brew a strong, small coffee, froth milk to a glossy microfoam at about 60–65°C, then pour it in. No espresso machine is needed: a moka pot or AeroPress plus a handheld frother or a French press will get you there." recommendation: name: "Strong small coffee, glossy steamed milk at ~60–65°C, poured with a thin foam on top" reason: "A latte is really just two things done well: a concentrated coffee base and smooth, warm, lightly foamed milk. Start with a strong shot — espresso if you have a machine, or a moka pot or AeroPress brew, aiming for about 30–60ml of intense coffee in the bottom of the cup. Then the milk: whole milk froths best because its fat and protein make a stable, glossy 'microfoam'; heat and froth it to around 60–65°C, which is hot but not boiling, since boiling scalds milk and collapses the foam. With a steam wand, keep the tip just under the surface to add air, then submerge it to spin the milk smooth. Without one, warm the milk and use a handheld frother, pump it in a French press, or shake it hot in a sealed jar. Pour the milk into the coffee holding the foam back with a spoon, then top with the foam — a latte is milky, roughly one part coffee to three or four parts milk, so it's gentler than a cappuccino. Stir, or try a simple heart if you're pouring latte art, and sweeten or flavour to taste." published: 2026-07-09 updated: 2026-07-09 ---