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Perfect Morning Latte (Your Choice of Milk)
A smooth, comforting morning latte with bold espresso and velvety steamed milk. Make it just like your favorite café, with your choice of dairy or plant-based milk, ready in under 10 minutes.
For 1 serving
- prep
Grind the coffee beans.
Grind 18g of coffee beans to a fine espresso consistency. The texture should feel like powdered sugar. Fresh grinding right before brewing makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- other · ~1 min
Pull a double shot of espresso.
1.Tamp the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter with firm, level pressure.2.Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine and start the extraction.3.Brew 60ml (2 oz) double espresso, aiming for 25-30 seconds extraction time. - steam · ~1 min
Steam and froth the milk.
1.Pour 240ml cold milk into the frothing pitcher.2.Purge the steam wand briefly, then submerge the tip just below the milk surface.3.Steam until the milk reaches 60-65°C (140-150°F) — the pitcher should feel hot to touch but not scalding.4.Tap the pitcher on the counter to pop large bubbles, then swirl to create a glossy, velvety microfoam.TIPKeep the steam wand tip near the surface for the first few seconds to introduce air, then submerge deeper to heat. Aim for a vortex swirl. - assemble
Assemble the latte.
1.Pour the double espresso shot into a pre-warmed 300-350ml latte glass or mug.2.Tilt the glass slightly and pour the steamed milk slowly from the center.3.As the cup fills, lower the pitcher and gently shake the wrist to create a thin layer of foam on top and, if desired, a simple latte art pattern. - serve
Serve immediately and enjoy.
The latte should be smooth and creamy with a perfect balance of bold espresso and sweet steamed milk. Sip right away.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best crema, use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind just before brewing.
- 2Chill the frothing pitcher before steaming to keep the milk cold longer for better microfoam.
- 3If using plant-based milk, barista blends (with added stabilisers) froth much better than standard versions.
- 4Pre-warm your mug or glass with hot water to keep the latte hot for longer.
- 5Don't let the milk exceed 65°C (150°F) — overheating kills sweetness and creates a burnt flavour.
- 6Tap the pitcher firmly on the counter after steaming to break large bubbles, then swirl for a glossy finish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Oat milk latte
Swap whole milk for a barista oat milk — it creates thick, creamy microfoam and has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that complements espresso beautifully.
iced latteIced latte
Pull the espresso over ice, then pour cold (not hot) milk on top. For extra richness, use a double-strength brew or cold brew concentrate.
vanilla latteVanilla latte
Add 10–15ml of vanilla syrup to the espresso before pouring the milk for a sweet, aromatic twist that café fans love.
high proteinHigh-protein
Replace half the milk with unsweetened soy milk or use a high-protein dairy milk — both add protein without compromising the creamy texture.
low fatLow-fat
Use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce fat and calories; the latte will be lighter but still smooth if steamed properly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Natural Antioxidants
Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid and other antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Calcium from Milk
Both dairy and fortified plant-based milks provide calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Low Added Sugar
Made without any added sweeteners, this latte's sweetness comes purely from the milk's natural sugars and the caramel notes of the espresso.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Use a Moka pot, Aeropress, or strong brewed coffee (double-strength) as a substitute. The texture won't be identical, but the flavor will still be delicious.
