A latte is more correctly known as a "Cafe Latte", though most large-scale commercial chains will make a cafe latte by default when you ask for a latte. The exception to this will be true Italian or other European restaurants, where ordering a “latte” will literally get you just a glass of steamed milk.
The milk used for the Caffe Latte is steamed and frothed to create a creamy, velvety texture that blends well with the intensely concentrated and flavorful espresso creating a harmony of flavors. The frothing of the milk is done using the steam wand of the espresso machine.
WHAT IS A
LATTE?
THE PERFECT LATTE
But the question remains: What sets a latte apart from other coffee drinks? It's all about the ingredients and the preparation process. A typical latte is made with six to eight ounces of steamed milk and one shot of espresso. Larger lattes are often made with a double shot of espresso. The beverage may also be topped with foam for both flavor and presentation.
A latte is similar to a cappuccino, but it has less foamed milk and more steamed milk. A macchiato has no steamed milk whatsoever, but it does have the latte's familiar espresso and foamed milk.
Then, of course, there's the iced latte, which is just chilled milk and espresso served over ice. The ice can be blended for a more even consistency. Sugar is also added for flavor.
MAKE YOUR VERY OWN
INSTRUCTIONS
Make your espresso or strongly brewed coffee: Any strongly brewed espresso from a home espresso maker or a capsule machine like a Nespresso will do. Or use strongly brewed coffee from an Aeropress, not diluted with any water. I usually start with about 1/3 cup espresso, but this is up to you.
Froth the milk: Pour milk into the jar. Fill no more than halfway. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar as hard as you can until the milk is frothy and has doubled in volume, 30 to 60 seconds.
Microwave the milk: Take the lid off the jar and microwave uncovered for 30 seconds. The foam will rise to the top of the milk and the heat from the microwave will help stabilize it.
Pour warm milk into the espresso: Pour the espresso or coffee into a wide, shallow coffee cup. Use a large spoon to hold back the milk foam and pour as much warm milk as you would like into the espresso.
Add foam: Spoon as much milk foam as you would like onto your latte. Garnish, if desired, with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or nutmeg on top of the foam. Sip immediately!
RECIPE NOTES
Flavoring the latte: If you want a sweetened or flavored latte, stir in some syrup with the warm milk, before adding the foam.