How to Make a Latte at Home

"After countless recipe tests, I've discovered the secrets to making lattes that rival anything from Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop! A latte is simply espresso combined with steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam on top. The nice thing about making this espresso drink at home is that you can control every element to make a smooth, creamy latte at the fraction of a price of your average coffee shop drink."

"A classic latte ratio is one-third espresso to two-thirds milk, which makes a smooth, creamy coffee drink that's slightly less intense than a cappuccino. What makes it special is the silky microfoam, a layer of foam made by steaming the milk until it has a "wet-paint" like texture. It can be tricky to get to that texture without a steamer, but I'll show you how to do it with various tools."

"Barista-quality results: I'll show you how to make a latte whether you have an espresso machine or just have basic kitchen tools. Flexibility: You don't need a fancy coffee maker (though that does help!). I'll show you how to make strong coffee that mimics espresso using a French press or Moka pot. Budget-friendly: A Starbucks latte costs about $5, which can add up! The ingredients cost a fraction of the price: and you get the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself."

Latte combines espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam, typically one-third espresso to two-thirds milk. Silky microfoam is achieved by steaming milk to a 'wet-paint' texture; alternative tools can approximate this without a steamer. Strong coffee from a French press or Moka pot can substitute for espresso. Whole milk yields the creamiest texture. Making lattes at home allows control over strength, milk texture, and cost, producing barista-quality results while saving money compared with shop-bought drinks. Key ingredients include two shots (about 2 ounces) of espresso or strong coffee and 4–6 ounces of fresh milk.

Read at A Couple Cooks