How to Make a Latte at Home | Bye-Bye Spendy Starbucks!
Ever wondered how to make a latte drink just like the fancy coffee shops? Read our tips!
Tired of paying for Starbucks coffee?
I know, I know, I agree coffee is LIFE! I was spending about $6 a few times a week grabbing a coffee shop latte and that adds up quickly, to the tune of over $312 per year. 😳
Learning how to make a latte at home is a great way to save and also up your coffee-making skills. I am by no means a barista, but I do enjoy learning how to brew quality coffee drinks in my own kitchen.
What is a cafe latte?
A latte is one shot of espresso mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of steamed milk, then topped with foam. The correct ratio is about 1 part espresso to 3 parts milk for a latte. It has Italian origins and can also be flavored and sweetened with various syrups to taste. A warm creamy vanilla latte with steamed milk is one of my favorite drinks ever!
There are so many ways to make a latte and cater to your needs and price point.
I personally make mine using a Diavillito espresso pod with my Breville Nespresso machine poured with warm steamed milk from the frother that came with it. At around $250, my Nespresso has been one of the best investments as I rarely stop at Starbucks or specialty coffee shops anymore, and have used mine every day for several years!
I know many prefer to use espresso grounds with a dedicated espresso maker, which is always amazing to have on hand as well!
Let’s talk about what ingredients are needed to make an amazing frothy latte:
Start with brewed espresso from espresso beans.
The first element and must-have ingredient to a latte is brewed espresso from espresso beans, which is much bolder tasting than traditional American coffee. Brewing can be done using a French press, an espresso machine, or of course using a Nespresso as I do. Even a Keurig using an espresso k-cup could work too.
In a pinch, strongly brewed coffee can work if you brew using less water in a drip machine. It may not have that bold coffee flavor espresso has, however.
Looking for an espresso machine?! Many Hip2Save teammates own this Breville Barista Express espresso maker and think it’s the BEST EVER, including Collin!
Now let’s talk about steamed milk.
You can use whichever type of milk you prefer here according to taste and dietary needs. I use the Nespresso milk steamer that came with my machine and skim milk. Here is a highly-rated milk frother via Amazon.online that looks similar. Whole milk would yield a thicker creamier latte, it’s all up to you. Non-dairy oat milk and almond milk are also popular choices!
Iced Latte Tip: My steamer can froth cold milk for an iced latte experience as well if cold drinks are your jam! Just add some ice after pouring both the espresso and cold-frothed milk into a taller cup for an iced latte.
If you want an even less expensive option than a frother, consider warming milk and then incorporating it to the espresso using one of these handheld frothers! Our team loves and reonlinemends this Zulay brand frother via Amazon.
Feel free to add any flavored coffee syrup as desired to finish your latte. You could also add a touch of sugar or your favorite sweetener instead.
Caffe Latte
yield: 1 SERVINGS
prep time: 5 MINUTES
total time: 5 MINUTES
Here's how to brew the perfect hot latte to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
- 1 shot brewed espresso (1-2 ounces)
- 6-8 ounces milk (use desired milk)
- Optional: flavored syrup such as Torani or sweetener to taste
Directions
1
Start by brewing 1-2 ounces of espresso.
2
Steam 6-9 ounces of your favorite milk.
3
Pour it on top of the espresso and top your drink with the foam.
4
Stir in a teaspoon (or more) of your favorite flavored syrup to taste as an optional step, or add your desired sweetener. Enjoy!
I LOVE my frothy homemade coffee drink a latte! 😉
Honestly, this does taste super similar to a Starbucks latte with the deep espresso flavor and foamy milk. Adding a little vanilla syrup is very yummy and makes your latte similar to one you might order in an expensive coffee shop!
Do you make your lattes at home too? Share your tips with us in the onlinements!
Here’s how to make a copycat Starbucks Chai latte at home too!
