Café Latte

How Café Latte is Made

A Café Latte, commonly known as just "Latte," is a smooth and creamy espresso-based drink, made with:

• 1 shot of espresso as the base.

• 2/3 steamed milk to create a silky and mellow flavor.

• A small layer of milk foam (about 1/4 inch) on top.

Unlike the cappuccino, the latte contains more milk, making it a creamier and milder coffee option. The key is achieving the perfect ratio of espresso to milk, creating a well-balanced drink with the boldness of coffee and the sweetness of milk.

Variations of Café Latte

You can elevate your café latte experience with these delightful variations:

• Iced Latte: Replace steamed milk with cold milk and pour over ice. It’s refreshing and perfect for hot days.

• Flavored Latte: Add syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or pumpkin spice for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

• Dirty Chai Latte: A spicy chai latte with a shot of espresso, giving you the best of both worlds: coffee and chai.

How to Enjoy Café Latte More

Here are some ways to enhance the flavor of your latte and make it even more enjoyable:

• Experiment with Milk: Try different kinds of milk, like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. These plant-based alternatives can bring unique flavors and textures to your latte.

• Use Fresh Beans: Always use freshly ground beans for your espresso. The rich aroma and fresh taste will elevate the overall flavor of your latte.

• Latte Art: The milk foam layer on a latte provides the perfect canvas for latte art. Experiment with creating heart shapes, rosettas, or simple designs to make your drink feel extra special.

• Spice It Up: Enhance your latte with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom on top of the foam for a warm, aromatic touch.

Café Latte Recipes from Barista Champions

Here are two latte recipes from renowned baristas for those looking to try something different:

1. Cinnamon Maple Latte by Laila Ghambari (US Barista Champion 2014)

   1. Ingredients:

      1. 1 shot of espresso

      2. 150 ml steamed whole milk

      3. 1 tsp maple syrup

      4. A dash of cinnamon

   2. Instructions: Stir the maple syrup into the espresso. Steam the milk, then pour it over the espresso, leaving a thin foam layer on top. Sprinkle cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the maple sweetness.

      
      

2. Rose Latte by Emi Fukahori (World Brewers Cup Champion 2018)

   1. Ingredients:

      1. 1 shot of espresso

      2. 150 ml steamed milk (whole milk or oat milk)

      3. 1 tsp rose water

      4. Edible dried rose petals for garnish

   2. Instructions: Mix rose water with the espresso, then pour steamed milk over it. Garnish with dried rose petals for a fragrant, floral twist on your classic latte.

The café latte is a versatile and comforting drink that you can enjoy in countless ways. Whether hot or iced, flavored or plain, the latte offers a delicate balance of espresso and milk, perfect for any time of day.