A cafe latte is a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. This classic coffee beverage combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with the creamy, smooth texture of frothed milk. It's a simple yet luxurious drink that can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients and the right equipment.
If you don't already have an espresso machine, you might need to invest in one to make a proper cafe latte. Additionally, a milk frother is essential for achieving the creamy, light foam that tops the drink. These items can be found in most kitchen appliance sections of a supermarket or specialty store.

Ingredients for Cafe Latte Recipe
Espresso: A concentrated coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans. Milk: Whole milk or any milk of choice, used to create the creamy texture and light foam for the latte.
Technique Tip for Making a Latte
To achieve the perfect latte, ensure your espresso shot is freshly brewed and hot. When frothing the milk, aim for a temperature between 150-155°F (65-68°C) to create a creamy texture without scalding. Use whole milk for a richer flavor, but if you prefer a lighter option, alternative milks like almond or oat can also be frothed effectively.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
espresso - Substitute with strong brewed coffee: If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee to achieve a similar robust flavor.
espresso - Substitute with instant espresso powder: Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water for a quick and easy alternative.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a dairy-free option with a slightly nutty flavor.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is a creamy, non-dairy alternative that froths well, making it a great substitute for whole milk.
whole milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that has a similar consistency to whole milk and froths nicely.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor and is a good dairy-free alternative.
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How to Store / Freeze Your Latte
- Allow your cafe latte to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavor.
- Transfer the cooled cafe latte into an airtight container. Mason jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Your cafe latte will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- For freezing, pour the cafe latte into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated cafe latte gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
- To use frozen cafe latte cubes, place them in a mug and microwave until melted and warm. Alternatively, blend the cubes with fresh milk for a quick iced cafe latte.
- Always give your reheated cafe latte a good stir to reincorporate any separated milk and espresso.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Pour your cafe latte into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the milk from scorching. Once it reaches your desired temperature, pour it back into your mug and enjoy.
Use a microwave-safe mug to reheat your cafe latte. Place the mug in the microwave and heat on medium power for 30 seconds. Stir well and continue heating in 15-second intervals until it reaches your preferred temperature.
If you have a milk frother with a heating function, pour the cafe latte into the frother and use the heating setting. This method will help maintain the creamy texture of the frothed milk.
For those with an espresso machine that has a steam wand, pour the cafe latte into a metal pitcher and use the steam wand to reheat it. This method will also help re-froth the milk, giving it a fresh, creamy texture.
If you prefer a more traditional method, place your cafe latte in a heatproof container and set it in a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This gentle method helps preserve the flavor and texture of the milk and espresso.
Best Tools for Making a Latte
Espresso machine: Used to brew a shot of espresso, which is the base of the cafe latte.
Milk frother: Used to froth the milk until it is creamy and has a light foam.
Spoon: Used to hold back the foam while pouring the frothed milk into the espresso shot.
Cup: Used to serve the cafe latte.
How to Save Time on Making a Latte
Preheat your machine: Turn on your espresso machine and milk frother while you gather your ingredients to save time.
Use pre-frothed milk: Purchase pre-frothed milk from the store to skip the frothing step.
Batch brew espresso: Brew multiple espresso shots at once and store them in the fridge for quick use.
Microwave milk: Heat your milk in the microwave for a quicker frothing process.
Automate frothing: Invest in an automatic milk frother to save time and effort.

Cafe Latte Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso
- 1 cup Milk whole or any milk of choice
Instructions
- 1. Brew a shot of espresso using your espresso machine.
- 2. Froth the milk using a milk frother until it is creamy and has a light foam.
- 3. Pour the frothed milk into the espresso shot, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- 4. Spoon the remaining foam on top of the latte.
- 5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
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