How to Make a Cafè Latte
Let’s learn how to make a perfect latte at home! If you’ve got the gear, you’ve got to give it a try. Not only is this homemade latte recipe very simple, but I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a mid-day coffee break, this latte hits all the right notes. The strong and rich espresso is balanced with smooth and creamy milk. Add a coffee syrup and you’ve got a flavored latte.
It’s always a good morning for a latte. ☕
There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering your own latte at home. It’s warm, cozy, and customizable so it’s just how you like it.
I can make an excellent latte, but do not have the latte art to prove it. I have taken a latte art class and can still not do any form of latte art. So just keep that in mind, if you’re trying. 😉 Like all the classic espresso drinks, it comes down to the ratio. Technically speaking, a latte is an espresso and milk drink that has a 1:3 ratio. One part espresso to three parts steamed milk, and it’s topped with a thin layer of milk foam.
☕ Cafe vibes at home: Skip the drive-thru — you can make a better latte in your own kitchen.
🛒 Just 2 ingredients: Espresso and milk is all you need; everything else is optional.
💸 Budget-friendly: Save serious money on your morning cup over time.
😋 Smooth & balanced: Rich espresso meets creamy steamed milk in the best ratio.
🎨 Totally customizable: Use any milk you like and add a syrup to make it your own flavored latte.
🕒 Ready in 5 minutes: Faster than the drive-thru line.
If you love coffee drinks at home, a dirty chai latte is a bold, spiced twist worth trying next. For warm weather, an iced latte comes together just as fast. And if you want to branch out, a classic cappuccino uses the same equipment with a slightly different milk ratio — great to have in your back pocket.
Ingredient Notes
A latte is a simple combo of milk and espresso. That’s it! If you’d like to add a syrup or sugar, add to your mug or shot glass before pulling your espresso shot.
- Espresso: Grab your favorite coffee beans in an espresso roast. I use a few different varieties, which are all local to me, so they are the freshest beans. The espresso roasts are designed to be paired with milk. Since I love light roast coffee, I will also sometimes experiment with a lighter, more subtle roast, and I love that too. You can also make a café latte with a nespresso machine, but you’ll still want to use high-quality pods.
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Pro tip: The ratio is everything — 1 part espresso to 3 parts steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. Get that right and the flavor takes care of itself. For steaming, aim for mostly microfoam (silky smooth, not bubbly) and stop around 150°F. The milk should feel just barely too hot to hold your hand against the pitcher.
- Variations: You can easily make this a vegan or plant-based latte. We stock whole milk, so that’s what I use for my coffee drinks, but you can really use whatever your favorite milk is. Cow’s milk has a naturally sweet flavor and gives a little protein boost, but you can also use oat milk, almond milk, or any other non-dairy milk alternative. I would recommend using the “barista versions” of the milk alternatives so that they steam and foam like dairy milk.
- Additions: This latte is a blank slate and adding flavor is so simple. Use your favorite homemade or store bought syrup. (I have a ton of ideas for you below.)
Cheater Latte Art
Ok, while learning how to create beautiful images with steamed milk is on my to-learn list, I’m not there yet! I actually think steaming milk is one of the harder parts of espresso machines to master.
But, I do have a cheater method! Pour the foam in a small circle. With a toothpick, drag through the top of the circle, down through the bottom and it will create a faker heart. It works. 🙂
Classic Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Espresso Machine
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make a perfect latte at home with just espresso and milk. Simple steps, the right ratio, and tips for perfectly steamed milk every time.
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso
- 6 ounces milk
- flavored syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Prep espresso if necessary.
- Steam milk for a latte (mostly microfoam steamed milk with a small layer of foam for top).
- Brew espresso.
- Pour brewed espresso over syrup (if using) in a mug and gently stir.
- Pour steamed milk into mug and top with foam.
Notes
Storage: Best enjoyed immediately.
Ingredient notes: Grab your favorite coffee beans in an espresso roast. I use a few different varieties, which are all local to me, so they are the freshest beans. The espresso roasts are designed to be paired with milk. Since I love light roast coffee, I will also sometimes experiment with a lighter, more subtle roast, and I love that too. You can also make a café latte with a Nespresso machine, but you’ll still want to use high-quality pods.
Prep ahead: Brew coffee fresh for best flavor, or in advance and reheat if needed, but froth milk fresh for the best texture.
Special tools: Espresso machine, moka pot, or strong coffee maker; handheld milk frother, steam wand, or French press for frothing milk.
Serve with: Ricotta toast, protein overnight oats, or sourdough French toast.
Serving Suggestions
Your morning latte deserves something to go with it. Avocado toast or ricotta toast are the easiest go-tos — quick, satisfying, and they don’t compete with your coffee. If you want something more substantial, protein overnight oats or meal prep breakfast boxes are great to have ready to go.
FAQs
A Nespresso latte recipe is essentially the same, though you will probably have an automatic milk frother instead of a steaming wand. Prep the milk, then brew your espresso into your mug and pour steamed milk over the top.
You can use a moka pot, AeroPress, or even a French press to make strong coffee at home — it won’t be true espresso, but it works well in a latte.
Coffee shops use a professional-grade steam wand, and many at-home espresso makers also have a steam wand to use. But if you don’t have one of those, you have other options. The easiest way is to use a frothing pitcher, but if you don’t have one of those, gently warm your milk and then use a handheld milk frother or a mason jar (with lid!) and shake the warm milk until it’s a bit frothy. It won’t be a traditional latte, but it will still be simple, creamy, and delicious.
The process to make a homemade iced latte is virtually the same, but even easier, because you don’t have to steam the milk. Pour milk over ice in a glass, adding syrup if you’re using, brew the espresso, and pour over the milk. Stir and sip.
Yes, of course! Here are some ideas:
– Vanilla bean
– Lavender
– Caramel or salted caramel
– Rose and cardamom
– Apple spice
– Pumpkin spice
– Brown Sugar Cinnamon
– Pistachio
– Toasted marshmallow
– Holiday syrup sampler
About the Author
This recipe was developed by Emily Dingmann, founder and contributor to My Everyday Table. Emily specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and nearly 20 years of experience, she shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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