By Sirena Van Schaik

Many people wonder how it is that you make a really good latte. What type of milk do you need? What type of coffee? Does it really matter? Unfortunately, the answers to those questions are something that is often debated and everyone, depending on their taste preferences, will have a different opinion. The one question that can be answered with a fair amount of certainty is whether you can make a good latte at home or if they can only be purchased at a coffee shop.

The answer to that final question is, yes you can. All you really need are the right tools and a little bit of practice to produce a great latte.

The Right Tools:

Before I go into how to make the latte, it is important to look at the tools that you will need to make one.

Espresso Machine: When you make a latte, you are going to make it with a shot, or two as is usually the case, of espresso. For this reason, you will need an espresso machine. Now price really depends on what you are looking for in a machine but for more information on espresso machines, please visit this article.

Steam Wand: Most espresso machines come with a steam wand but I want to mention it specifically because you will need this to heat the milk.

Metal Pitcher: This is important for making your foam and heating the milk for your latte. Choose a metal pitcher since they really hold the temperatures.

Thermometer: Unless you are a professional latte maker, I would suggest using a thermometer since you will need to gauge the temperature of the milk.

Latte Mug: There are so many different mugs out there and you can really play around with the color and style that you want.

The Supplies:

Of course, if you are going to be making a latte, you will need not only the tools but also the supplies. As surprising as it may seem, there isn’t a whole lot that you need once you have all the tools purchased.

Milk: Everyone has a different opinion on what type of milk you should use but many agree that it homogenized is the best and everyone agrees that cold milk produces the best foam.

Espresso Beans: Purchase good quality espresso beans.

The Process:

Now that you have everything you need, let’s start making the latte. The very first thing that you will need to do make the latte is to put the metal pitcher into the fridge. Although it is all very scientific, and I can’t really explain it, a cold pitcher produces much nicer foam. Once your pitcher is nice a cool, pour in enough milk to fill it about 2/3’s of the way.

Now is when you start to make the magic of good latte foam. Place the wand into the pitcher; make sure you place the thermometer in now before you start the steaming. When you first start, your steam wand should be at the top of the pitcher, near the surface instead of deep into the milk. It should also be at a diagonal angle instead of straight. Allow the milk to heat near the surface, thus creating your foam for your latte. Once the thermometer reads about 100°F, you will want to lower the wand into the milk and heat it completely to about 155°F.

While your milk is finishing, make your espresso shots. This takes a bit of practice and knowing when your espresso should be poured so the milk and coffee is at the perfect temperature can be a bit of a challenge when you first start. Once your espresso is poured, remember you are using a double shot; you should put the hot milk into the cup.

At this point, you will be layering the beverages so you will want to use a spoon to keep the foam from pouring out before your milk. Simply push the foam to the side as you pour the milk but before you do that, make sure to roll the milk around the pitcher. This gives the milk that wonderful glossy appearance.

Add the milk to the espresso until the cup is about half an inch from the top and then spoon the foam over the beverage.

After you add the foam, all that is left to do is simply enjoy a wonderful beverage.