Lattes are amazing. There’s no denying it. But what makes them so special? Is it the rich, creamy texture? The silky smoothness? The intense flavor?
Lattes are my go-to after-lunch drink. I love the variety of flavor options and how it warms you up from the inside out!
We’re here to find out all about your favorite beverages. Let’s take a closer look at how lattes are made and who invented them.
How Are Lattes Made?
Lattes are prepared by combining espresso with steamed milk and then topping it off with foam. The result is a rich, creamy beverage that’s perfect for enjoying on a lazy morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
The key to making a great latte is to start with high-quality espresso. After all, espresso is the star of the show. Once you’ve got your espresso, it’s time to steam some milk. Milk that’s been properly steamed will be nice and frothy. You can use a handheld milk frother or a steam wand attached to your espresso machine to get the job done.
Once you’ve got your espresso and steamed milk, it’s time to combine them. Pour the espresso into your mug first, then add the steamed milk. Top it off with a thin layer of wet foam, and you’re good to go!
Who Invented Lattes?
You can’t walk into a coffee shop these days without seeing at least a dozen people nursing lattes. But what exactly is a latte? And where did it come from?
The caffè latte might be an American invention, in spite of its Italian name. Lino Meiorin, a barista from Italy who moved to Berkeley, California, said he invented the drink in the 1950s because his customers thought his Italian cappuccinos were too strong.
Legend has it that Meiorin’s first attempt was too weak, so he added more espresso. The result was a beverage that blended the bold flavor of espresso with the smoothness of steamed milk- and Americans have been hooked ever since.
These days, lattes come in all sorts of flavors, from pumpkin spice to lavender mocha. And while some purists might scoff at these flavor combinations, there’s no denying that they’ve helped make the latte one of the most popular beverages in America. In fact, according to the National Coffee Association, over 60% of American adults drink coffee every day– and nearly 20% of those adults drink lattes.
This iconic American beverage has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a way to mellow out strong espresso. Whether you like yours flavored or plain, there’s no denying that the latte is here to stay.
Light, medium, and dark roast lattes
You might think that all lattes are created equal. But just like anything else in life, there are different levels of quality when it comes to this tasty espresso-based beverage. The type of roast used to make your latte can have a big impact on the flavor, body, and overall experience. So, if you’re a coffee lover who’s looking for the perfect latte, read on for a guide to lattes by roast.
Light Roast
Light roast coffees are perfect for those who want their coffee to be light-bodied and mild. The beans tend have a more complex flavor profile as well, with flavors that are not as bold but still present enough to enjoy in your morning routine!
Medium Roast
If you want a balanced latte that’s not too intense and not too light, a medium roast is the way to go. Medium roast coffees are roasted for longer than light roasts, which gives them a richer flavor. But they’re not roasted for as long as dark roasts, so they still retain some of their original flavor characteristics.
Dark Roast
If you love rich and bold flavors, then dark roast is the way to go. These coffees beans are roasted for the longest period of time, which results in a more intense flavor profile. If you’re looking for a latte that will pack a punch of flavor in the morning, go for a dark roast.
No matter what your preference is, there’s a latte out there for you. Light, medium, or dark roast—the choice is yours.
The best milk to use for cafe lattes
Whole milk is the way to go if you’re looking for café lattes with extra richness and sturdy foam. It’ll also give your drink more body because of the high-fat content.
You can also use 2% or low-fat varieties, but they’ll produce less foam and a thinner drink overall. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, though, these are still good options.
Skim milk is the best choice if you’re trying to be health-conscious, but it doesn’t froth as well and won’t give your latte the same richness as whole milk.
If you want to forgo dairy altogether, oat milk, soy milk, and almond milk are all good plant-based alternatives. Just keep in mind that they might not froth as easily as dairy milk.
How to steam milk for creamy smooth lattes (fancy way)
Steaming milk is an important part of making a latte. The tool you need to steam milk? An espresso machine with a steamer! This makes the perfect micro-foam with the creamy “wet-paint” like texture that you need for a latte. Steaming the milk also adds a sweet creaminess to the flavor.
For authentic milk foam, you will need an espresso machine with a steamer, milk, and a cup. Again, use whole milk for the best results. Fat is needed in order to create that beautiful micro-foam.
Also, you will need to heat up your steamer. To do this, simply turn on your machine and wait for the steam-ready indicator.
Now the fun part! Making steamed milk.
- First, to make foamy milk, hold the steaming wand slightly below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size.
- Second, move the wand lower near the pitcher’s side to form a spiral vortex. This results in silky smooth microfoam bubbles and wet-paint texture, which is typical of a latte.
- Third, keep steaming the milk until it reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to check, or stop when you can only hold the pitcher for a few seconds without burning your hand.
- Finally, pour your latte and enjoy!
How to froth milk (cheater way)
Not everyone has the time or money to have an espresso machine with a steamer. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to froth milk, all you need is a microwave-safe container, milk, and a mixing device.
Pour the milk into the container and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until it’s hot but not boiling. The amount of time you need to microwave the milk will depend on the power of your microwave and your choice of milk.
Now, let’s find our how to use a Frech press, handheld milk frother, and a whisk to froth milk:
French press – Place the plunger on top of the milk and pump it up and down until the milk is frothy.
Handheld milk frother – Turn it on and hold it under the surface of the milk until it’s frothy.
Whisk – Whisk the milk quickly until it’s frothy. Your arms might get tired, but it’s a great workout!
Pour your latte and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Lattes are amazing for so many reasons. They’re rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. So next time you’re in the mood for something special, treat yourself to a latte! You won’t be disappointed.
