How To Make a Latte at Home So You Can Enjoy Barista-Quality Java Without a Trip to the Coffee Shop

When those caffeine cravings hit, it's tempting to make a trip to your favorite coffee shop for a caffeinated treat. But learning how to make a latte at home means you can whip it up in minutes for a pick-me-up any time of the day! It's also much cheaper, especially if you're paying to customize it to your liking — those drinks can add up quick. We understand it might seem daunting to make a latte yourself at first, but these tips and tricks can help you nail all the basics, from choosing the right espresso machine to actually preparing the drink!

The ingredients in a latte

Traditional lattes only require espresso and milk — that’s it! However, it’s also common to see lattes that are made with matcha powder or spices like turmeric instead of coffee. These are great if you want a soothing drink without the jitteriness of caffeine.

Plus, alternative milks like oat and coconut varieties can take the place of regular milk as tasty non-dairy options. Of course, one thing that hasn't changed is adding sugar, natural sweeteners or sprinkling of seasonings like cinnamon to mellow out the strong flavor of the espresso. It's up to each person, so let your taste buds take over while making a latte at home!

Viral Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte Recipe Is the Drink of the Summer: My Taste Test

The difference between a latte and a cappuccino

A latte can easily get mixed up with a cappuccino because they look so similar. Different ratios of espresso to milk set them apart, though. Whether or not we realize it, this makes a huge difference in the flavor of each drink.

Joseph Monett, a barista at Cafe Grumpy in NYC, broke things down in a video for Business Insider. He mentions that lattes have a double shot of espresso with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. This ratio allows for the natural sweetness of the milk to mix with the espresso so that one isn't overpowering the other.

Cappuccinos have the same amount of espresso, but less steamed milk and more foam. He notes that this gives cappuccino a stronger coffee flavor than a latte. Watch the explainer below to see how he walks through the differences between these and other popular coffee shop drinks.

How to make a latte with an espresso machine

Investing in an espresso machine is the key to recreating the latte we love from the coffee shop. It's basically an all-in-one appliance that'll brew espresso shots and froth the milk for us. Fortunately, many espresso machines are on the smaller side, so they also won't clutter our counter space (something we can all rejoice!).

Keep in mind that each espresso machine model is different, so the steps for making the drink will vary. Buying an espresso maker like the L’OR BARISTA Coffee & Espresso System means you can pop an espresso capsule into the machine and it'll quickly brew the shot. Other models might require you to grind the espresso and fill it into the holder attachment (also called a portafilter ) before inserting it into the machine. It's definitely worth researching which espresso machines would be best for you and getting familiar with what your latte prep might look like.

Once you have your machine, you can follow this step-by-step guide for making a latte from the experts at Williams Sonoma.

1. Prepare one or two shots of espresso, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, into an eight-ounce mug.
2. Use the steam wand of your espresso machine, froth ½ cup of cold milk into a milk frothing pitcher following the manual's steps. It should reach a temperature of about 155°F where the milk is warm and has lots of small, tight bubbles.
3. Gently tap the bottom of the steaming pitcher on your counter to pop any large bubbles that might've formed.
4. Grab a spoon to hold back the foam on the top and pour the steamed milk into the espresso. Once the milk starts getting to top of the glass, remove the spoon and start pouring a thin layer of foam on top to finish the drink. ( Note: For latte art, you can transfer the steamed milk to a small pitcher and pour your design onto the espresso.)
5. Serve the latte right away.

How do you froth milk without using an espresso machine?

If your espresso machine somehow doesn't have a milk frothing feature, don't fret. Consider these two methods for warm and frothy milk to add to your homemade latte.

Electric milk frother

To create silky steamed milk with a few clicks of a button, opt for an electric frother such as the DREO BaristaMaker Milk Frother . This frother features programs that accommodate different types of milk, so you'll end up with barista-level milk that's perfect for latte art. Watch DREO's video to see the frother in action, and keep an eye on their Kickstarter as their crowding campaign launches on August 13 .

Mason jar

This method comes from food writer and editor Betty Gold and it requires putting the milk into a mason jar and giving it a shake. Doing this creates the frothy milk texture in as little as a minute — and you’re getting in a mini-workout as you shake it! Follow her steps below for best results.

1. Brew two shots of espresso and pour each shot into a mug.
2. Pour ⅔ cup of milk into a mason jar and cover it with the lid.
3. Shake it vigorously for one minute until bubbles start to form.
4. Uncover the jar and microwave for 30 seconds. The milk froth should rise to the top of the jar.
5. Pour the frothed milk over the espresso.
6. Drink it immediately.

Prefer chilled java? Try these recipes below!

S’mores Iced Coffee Combines the Best of Both Worlds Into a Sweet and Decadent Sip: Easy 5-Minute Recipe

Homemade Cold Brew Is Smooth, Refreshing + Easy to Prep for Busy Mornings

How to Make Iced Coffee at Home That Tastes Just Like It Came From a Fancy Coffee Shop