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. I’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 oz. 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
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer and founder of My Everyday Table, where she helps busy families take the stress out of weeknight dinners. With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and almost 20 years of experience, Emily specializes in simple, nourishing recipes and weekly meal plans that actually work for everyday life. She’s a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who believes delicious food and good nutrition go hand in hand.
Get started: Weeknight Dinners Guide | Weekly Meal Plans | About Emily
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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