What Is Latte coffee And How To Make A Cup Of Latte Coffee

“Caffe Latte” is an Italian type of coffee, prepared with espresso and milk. The term “latte” is an abbreviation of the original name, which means “milk coffee”. It is a famous type of coffee around the world, which can be made following a simple recipe. Although the original Italian recipe for the “Caffe Latte” is made with steamed milk, nowadays the more popular version, outside Italy, is made with foamed milk. This alteration of the original recipe has a commercial purpose, since milk foam can be shaped and decorated in many artistic ways. This type of art has gained popularity in Europe as well as in the United States, and it’s commonly known by the name of “latte art”.

In other parts of the world, “latte” coffee is served in combination with other drinks. In Asia they mix it together with tea (or “chai”), whilst in most countries it is served with different flavors and spices, including vanilla, chocolate, pepper or cinnamon. At its origins, the “caffe latte”, “café au lait” or “Milchkaffe” is a European domestic drink, usually prepared for breakfast. It also gained massive popularity in the US starting with the early 1980’s. Caffe latte is often mistaken with the latte macchiato type of coffee, due to their similar names. The difference between the two is that caffe latte is prepared with milk poured over espresso, while for preparing a latte macchiato the operation is the exact reverse. The first one tastes more like coffee while the latte macchiato tastes more like milk.

How to make a cup of latte coffee

Latte coffee became very popular because, apart from its excellent taste, it can also be easily prepared, whether you’re using an espresso machine or not. Basic ingredients are a cup of espresso coffee, a cup of milk (175 to 235 ml) and flavored syrup (as an extra).

• If you’re using an espresso machine

Fill the metal pitcher with a cup of milk and as the milk is steaming, heat the cup you are going to pour the latte in, to keep it warm for a longer period. It is easier to prepare a latte using milk that is less fat, but note that this will also cause the taste to be less creamy. Once the milk is steamed, it is time to pull the espresso shot. After doing this, immediately pour the milk (it is recommended that you don’t wait longer than 10 seconds) over the espresso. They will gently blend together.

• If you’re not using an espresso machine

Heat a cup of milk on your stove and during the heating process, use an electric blender or whisk to froth the milk. When the milk is ready, pour it over the espresso making sure that you retain the milk foam so you can add it on top of the mixture later. The foam can be then artistically decorated or modeled, according to your own skill and preferences.

Enjoy!