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Latte (Caffè Latte)

Region: Italy
Brewing Time: 3 minutes (for espresso)
Total Time: 5 minutes
Indulgence: ☕️☕️ (Medium)
The Story:
Meaning "milk coffee" in Italian, the latte is a cornerstone of coffee culture. In Italy, it's primarily a morning drink consumed at home. Outside of Italy, it became the canvas for the modern coffee shop, known for its creamy texture and potential for latte art. It has a higher milk-to-espresso ratio than a cappuccino, with a thin layer of microfoam.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Brewing time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 shots espresso
  • 6-8 oz steamed milk with ~1cm of microfoam

Equipment

  • 1 Espresso machine (with steam wand)

Method
 

  1. Pull espresso shots into a large (12 oz) cup.
  2. Steam the milk, creating a smooth, velvety microfoam with minimal larger bubbles.
  3. Gently pour the steamed milk into the center of the espresso, finishing by lifting the pitcher to layer the foam on top.
  4. Pro Tip: To create basic latte art (like a heart), start pouring from a height to integrate the milk and espresso, then bring the pitcher spout close to the surface of the drink and pour faster at the end.
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