How to Make a Cafe Latte at Home

A home latte is espresso with steamed milk and a small layer of foam. Café sizes vary, so treat any ratio as a starting point rather than a rule.

What you need

• Espresso or a concentrated coffee you enjoy
• Cold milk or a milk alternative labeled for steaming
• A steam wand or frother
• A cup large enough for the finished drink

Basic method

1. Prepare the espresso.
2. Steam the milk until it is hot and finely textured. Stop before it smells cooked or scorched.
3. Swirl the milk to combine the foam and liquid.
4. Pour into the espresso, then taste before adding syrup or more milk.

Fix the next one

• Coffee disappears: use less milk, a more concentrated shot, or a darker roast.
• Large dry bubbles: introduce less air and keep the milk moving while steaming.
• Burnt milk taste: stop steaming sooner.
• Harsh coffee finish: adjust the espresso grind or extraction before covering it with more milk.

Choose a Wild Calf blend or troubleshoot the finish.