Last Updated on December 22, 2022 by Timothy Byron Smith
Do you wish for a steamy mug of a delicious latte? Maybe you’re in the mood for a caramel or mocha latte?
These kinds of cravings don’t always win out against laziness. Even though you want it, you don’t want to go out and grab it. You may learn how to use an espresso machine to prepare a latte in just a few simple and straightforward steps by following our guide.
A latte is a simple drink to make but incredibly delicious. But if you have an espresso maker, you can quickly brew a cup that is good enough to be served and enjoy with family.
Prerequisites to Making a Latte with an Espresso Machine
In order to make a luxurious latte at home with an espresso machine, you will need a couple of essentials. Nothing too extra or hassle-some. Just gather the following items and ready set go!
1. Espresso Beans:
No coffee without the beans, right? You definitely do not want to be drinking plain milk in the name of a latte.
So, get yourself some good coffee beans. If you prefer grinding them yourself you can easily do that with a reliable espresso grinder. But, if you don’t have a grinder don’t start stressing! You can conveniently purchase ground coffee from any local store near you.
Pro Tip: Ground coffee from a local store will be fresher than that from a grocery store
Since a latte is an espresso drink, you should ideally get dark-roasted coffee beans for a great latte. However, medium-roasted coffee will also offer you a grand latte experience. They have their own distinct flavor.
2. Milk:
Now milk is your key ingredient for a latte. So, the kind of milk you get will really influence the richness and flavor of your latte.
If you prefer your latte rich and creamy in consistency then we suggest you get whole milk. Almond, cashew, or other flavored kinds of milk will add a distinct taste to your latte. However, if the kind of milk you use is not your big concern, you can get any type you like! Any milk that you have available will do.
3. Latte Cup or Latte Glass:
Find yourself a cup or glass to pour the delicious liquid in. Ideally, a latte glass or cup should be 240ml or 80 ounces. A proper-sized cup is necessary to help you add an adequately measured quantity of milk.
4. Espresso Machine:
This is where the magic happens. Where the coffee will brew and all the separate ingredients will combine to create a delicacy. Keep your best espresso machine ready and make sure you know how to maneuver it.
It’s a bonus if your espresso machine has a steam wand. You will be able to steam your milk to that optimal temperature to make the perfect homemade latte!
5. Toppings, Syrups, and Extras:
If you are in the mood to be lavish and create the grandest latte, you can do a lot with the drink! From adding cinnamon and a touch of lavender to giving it a chocolaty flavor, you can perk your drink up any way you like!
How to Make a Latte with an Espresso Machine
An espresso shot and some milk is all you need to make this exquisite drink. But, there is a proper way to go about it. The process is very important for a good cup of latte. So, follow these steps to make your favorite drink!
Step 1: Warm up your Espresso Machine ahead of its use
It is very important that you preheat your automatic espresso machine. Switch it on at least 15 minutes prior to its use. That is how long a typical espresso machine takes to properly heat up its coil and become fully functional.
Espresso machines often have indicators. Like a green light that flashes to indicate that the machine is ready for you.
You can even warm up your latte cup to enjoy a perfectly steaming cup of latte. Simply place the cup in the space on top of the machine designated for cup warming.
Step 2: Grind the Brewed Beans and insert them in the Portafilter
Grind your coffee beans finely. Imagine salt grains, that’s how minute they must be. When you use an espresso machine to make a latte, there’s a perk. Some machines have a built-in grinder you can easily use. Otherwise, grind them in a separate grinder. You are done when the ground coffee clusters and begins to stick together.
Now detach the portafilter handle and add a measured amount of ground coffee to the cup attached to it. Skim off the excess ground and tamper it by pressing on it firmly. Insert the portafilter back in its place securely. You will know it’s perfectly locked when the handle sticks out in front of the machine.
Step 3: Extract the Espresso
Once the portafilter is in place all you have to do is press the right button and the coffee will start brewing. It will take around thirty seconds for your coffee to brew. Next, place your latte cup on the tray and watch your espresso pour into it. Gently remove the cup after extracting the espresso from the machine.
Step 4: Froth your Milk
This is the part that requires great precision and care. Pour your milk into the frothing pitcher and submerge the steam wand in it. Turn the steamer on to start the frothing. Ideally, you should maintain the temperature at 150℉ so the milk doesn’t burn.
Once the frothing is complete it’s time to pour. Pour the frothed milk into your latte cup. Make sure you pour slowly so the milk flows in first and the foam comes at the end!
FAQs
Also, you can froth by pouring the milk into a jar. Secure the lid very tight and shake like a madman for around a minute! Your milk will be frother when you see it has doubled in volume.
You can use a spoon to hold the froth as you pour the milk. Make sure to pour the froth at the end.
Summing Up
There isn’t much you need to do to make the perfect latte right at home. If it’s your favorite drink then you have every right to treat yourself to it.
All you have to do is gather the right equipment and ingredients. Now that you have learned how to make a latte with an espresso machine at home, making this delicious combination of coffee and milk will never be difficult for you!
