Caffe Latte Recipe: How to Make a Latte at Home

This caffe latte recipe brings the coffee shop home, no barista badge required. A latte pairs a bold espresso shot with silky steamed milk. Steamed milk gives the cup its signature creamy body. The word latte simply means milk in Italian. Lattes lead the menu at any coffee bar.

Curiously, the drink most of us call a latte does not exist in Italy. Order a latte there and you might well get a glass of plain milk. Its name travels better than the exact drink does.

Caffe Latte Recipe at a Glance

The whole thing takes about five minutes. Here is the drink at a glance before you steam and pour.

A rich, fresh espresso roast makes the best base. Freshness beats any fancy machine every time. Grind the beans right before you brew. Browse our premium whole bean coffee to find one.

The Traditional Caffe Latte Recipe : From Italy to Your Kitchen

In Italy, milk-based coffee drinks belong to the morning, usually with breakfast. Italians reach for a latte macchiato, a smaller, similar cup. In the U.S., people sip lattes to go at any hour of the day. Milk-forward drinks feel gentle enough for any moment. The classic version marries espresso with skillfully steamed or frothed milk. A gentle pour turns the surface into a small canvas for latte art. Latte art has grown into a skill all its own. The ritual crossed the ocean and took on new life.

Caffe Latte Recipe Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso, about 2 ounces
• 6 ounces milk, steamed and frothed
• Sugar or flavored syrup, to taste (optional)

Tools

• An espresso maker or strong brewer
• A milk frother or steam wand
• A heavy 8-ounce latte cup

How to Make This Caffe Latte Recipe

Warm your cup first so the drink holds its heat. Pour soon after pulling the shot, before the crema fades. A little practice makes each pour smoother.

1. Pull a single espresso shot, about 2 ounces, into a warm cup.
2. Steam and froth 6 ounces of milk until glossy and smooth.
3. Pour the hot milk slowly over the espresso.
4. Move the pitcher gently to draw a simple pattern on top.
5. Sweeten to taste, then serve right away.

Caffe Latte Recipe Ingredients and Tools

For a 16-ounce latte, double the shot and the milk. Whole milk froths into the creamiest, most stable foam. Oat milk is a great dairy-free swap and steams beautifully. Add a flavored syrup for a vanilla, caramel, or mocha twist. Pour over ice with cold milk for a refreshing iced latte. Warm the milk to about 150 degrees for the sweetest taste. A wide, shallow cup shows off latte art best. One extra shot deepens the coffee flavor. Want less milk and more foam? Aim for a cappuccino instead.

FAQ: Caffe Latte

A caffe latte is espresso topped with steamed, frothed milk. Latte means milk in Italian. The drink is mostly milk over a bold espresso base. Its balance leans creamy, not sharp.

A classic latte runs about one part espresso to three parts milk. One shot pairs with roughly 6 ounces of milk. Add more milk for a milder cup. Adjust the ratio to match your mood.

A latte uses more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Its cousin the cappuccino carries equal parts espresso, milk, and thick foam. The latte tastes creamier and milder. Both start from the same espresso shot.

A strong stovetop or AeroPress brew stands in for espresso. Froth the milk with a handheld frother or a sealed jar. The result comes close and still tastes great. Heat the milk gently on the stove.

Whole milk froths into the richest, most stable foam. Oat milk is the top dairy-free choice for froth. Cold, fresh milk whips up best. Steam the milk only until the pitcher feels warm.

Fresh Espresso Beans

A great latte starts with great espresso beans. Browse our premium whole bean coffee, roasted fresh and shipped within 1 to 2 business days.

Our bold dark roast pulls a rich shot. See our roast levels guide to pick the right beans for espresso.

No machine yet? Follow our AeroPress how-to guide for a strong, latte-ready base at home.

Subscribe with the Blackout Coffee Club and save 19% on every order. Pair your latte with our coffee and breakfast pairing or coffee and dessert pairing guides.

Explore our flavored coffee, grab coffee pods for a fast base, or stock up with bulk coffee. Keep beans fresh with our coffee freshness guide. Learn more on our About Blackout Coffee page, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.