Lattes are delicious – this is a fact. If you don't agree with this statement be aware that you are in a minority since a great percentage of the world's population adores this beverage. Good coffee, wonderfully steamed milk, and skillful hands of a barista are the factors needed for a perfect latte.
However, what if you are not in the mood to run over to your nearest Starbucks or a local coffee shop, but you really feel like having a cup of L.? Or, maybe you do not wish to spend money on overpriced coffee anymore?
The only remaining option is to prepare one yourself, and as intimidating as this may sound, we assure you that making a latte at home is super easy. So let's not waste time and get into some practical information.
More...
About Lattes
Caffe latte is an Italian invention and essentially consists of espresso and steamed milk. Mix the two up into a cup and – voilà, you have a latte!
I know what you're thinking "Good espresso makers are expensive." Yes, in most cases this is true, but there are plenty of affordable, decent quality products that will do the job very well.
If you do not wish to spend money on a brand new appliance, know that this is not necessary as there are a few other methods of preparing lattes that provide excellent results.
On the other hand, those who want a quick, hassle-free process, and are willing to throw down some cash can always go for a latte machine which can prepare this drink with a press of a button.
How To Make A Latte?
Since we've already mentioned that lattes can be made in several ways, in this section, we will elaborate further on this topic.
To make things simpler, the process will be divided into two parts – coffee preparation and milk steaming. So without further ado, let's get to it.
The Coffee
Method 1 – Espresso
There's not much wisdom in it really, all you need to do is brew a shot of espresso using your espresso machine. Of course, there are a few nuances that will affect the flavor, such as the quality of the beans as well as the type of grind.
Our recommendation is very finely ground coffee, but you can experiment with it, and as you gain more experience, you'll see which factors give the best flavor.
Those who don't own an espresso maker and wish to buy one should know that there are two main types – super-automatic and semi-automatic. The latter is what most coffee shops traditionally use. It is slower and brews higher quality espresso than the super automatic kind. However, if you're not a coffee geek, feel free to go for either of these, and you'll do just fine.
One last tip, it would be advisable to buy a machine that has a steam pipe because you can use it for the latte milk preparation.
Method 2 – Aeropress
People who aren't interested in espresso makers can go for a much cheaper option – an aeropress. This is a simple, pour over method that brews relatively strong coffee which is used for latte preparation as well.
Here's how it works:
Method 3 – Moka Pot
This is another, more affordable way to make espresso-like coffee. A moka pot consists of three parts:
Simply place all the necessary ingredients (coffee and water) into their adequate containers and place the pot on medium-high heat. After a few minutes, you will see steam and the coffee will start to brew into the top chamber.
The Milk
When it comes to the milk, it is best to use whole fat cow's milk since it gives the creamiest and most delicious results. For vegans or those with lactose intolerance, soy or almond milk are the best options.
Method 1 – Espresso Maker Steam Wand
Take a metal spout and pour in a desirable amount of milk into it. Tilt the spout diagonally and dip the top of the steam pipe into the milk.
Open the steam hatch and let it do its business. It is a good idea to measure the milk's temperature to make sure that it doesn't get scorched, so make sure not to heat it up over 155 F. The result should be small and light bubbles.
Method 2 – Microwave
In case you do not have a steamer, you can simply use your microwave to froth the milk. Pour a cup of milk into a jar with a lid and seal it tight. Shake the jar for about 30 seconds or until the amount of milk seems to have doubled.
Take the lid off, place the jar in the microwave and let it heat up for about 30 seconds. Keep a watchful eye on the milk because it will rise as it heats up, and if you leave it in the microwave for too long it may spill over.
Putting It All Together
Finally, when you have your coffee brewed and milk all nice and steamed, it is time to create the latte. If you've made the coffee in a small shot cup, transfer it to a mid to large-sized mug. Take the milk and start pouring it into the coffee mug.
Make sure to use a spoon to hold back the foam from getting into the whole mixture. After you've added your desired amount of milk, scoop over some foam and on top of the latte and – there you go!
Flavors: Flavored lattes can also be easily prepared. Get a syrup of your desired flavor (caramel, vanilla, etc.), drizzle it inside the mug and microwave it for 20 seconds. After that, mix in the hot coffee and the rest of the process is the same as instructed above.
Conclusion
So as you can conclude from today's article, preparing a latte at home isn't as difficult as it may seem. If you are a lover of this great drink, then I urge you to try and make one at home.
This process may have some initial costs, but it will pay off in the long run since you won't have to waste your hard earned money on overpriced coffee anymore. Experiment with the amounts of coffee, different brewing styles, as well as milk steaming options and find a combination that works perfectly for you.
Having a relaxing afternoon in your house has never tasted so good!
