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 at home!
🛒 Made with simple ingredients: Just espresso and milk, this drink is simple and easy to master.
💸 Budget-friendly: Save big on your morning cup!
😋 Seriously delicious: Smooth, rich, and balanced, it’s always a good day for a latte.
🎨 Customizable: Use your preferred milk, and add syrups or sugar if desired to sweetener it up.
🕒 Quick and easy: Just a few minutes to latte bliss
Also try my dirty chai latte, iced latte, classic cappuccino, shaken espresso.
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: Cafè latte or caffè latte translates to coffee and milk! (Which is why if you try to order a latte in Italy, they will give you a glass of milk!) 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.
- 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.)
Serving Suggestions
Your breakfast coffee needs some food! Try one of these quick, easy, and nutritious meals – they are staples at our house.
- Toasts – Avocado, ricotta, hummus
- Yogurts and Smoothies – Greek yogurt parfait, peanut butter chocolate smoothie
- Meal Prep – Protein overnight oats, meal prep breakfast boxes
How to Make a Latte at Home
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Espresso Machine
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Let’s learn how to make a perfect cafè latte at home! This homemade latte recipe is simple, and I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
I haven’t personally made a latte at home without a machine, but this article outlines how you can use an aero press, moka pot, or even a French press to make espresso at home. You could also use strong coffee for a similar alternative.
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.
You have so many milk options that you can use in your own latte. You can use soy milk, coconut milk, skim milk, whole milk, and virtually any milk in between. 🙂 I also share other options above in the ingredient list.
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
More Espresso Recipes
If you’ve got an espresso machine, it’s time to play! Here are some more espresso drinks to master.
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer, nutrition expert, and founder of My Everyday Table. She specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily’s approach to everyday cooking and nutrition here.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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