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Classic Coffee Drinks

 

# Classic Caffè Latte

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Latte Hot Coffee Dairy Milk Frother

 

Active time: approximately 5 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

This recipe keeps the coffee noticeable while making milk the larger part of the drink. **A latte** should feel smooth rather than airy; a thick cap of dry foam changes **the texture** toward **a cappuccino**. Use the pour to bring the espresso and milk together instead of leaving a large spoonful of bubbles on top.

## Key takeaways

- This recipe keeps the coffee noticeable while making milk the larger part of the drink.

- A balanced espresso usually reads more clearly through milk than a very mild shot.

- Use a smaller cup or a more concentrated espresso next time rather than changing the listed ingredient amounts for this version.

 

![A white cup of coffee with a pattern in the milk foam.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/latte-art-in-white-cup.avif)

A white cup of coffee with a pattern in the milk foam.

## Ingredients

 

- 60 ml espresso
 
- 180 ml cold **whole milk**.

 

## Method

- Brew the espresso.

- **Heat** and froth the milk to about 60–65°C, producing only a thin **foam** layer.

- Pour into **the espresso**.

 

## Choose the espresso and milk

 

A balanced espresso usually reads more clearly through milk than a very mild shot. If you use a darker or more bitter coffee, the milk can soften it; **a bright** espresso may keep a livelier edge. **Whole milk** gives **a creamy** result, while barista-style plant milks can work if they steam well in your machine.

 

### If the latte tastes too milky

 

Use a smaller cup or a more concentrated espresso next time rather than changing the listed ingredient amounts for this version. If the drink feels flat, check the espresso before adjusting the milk. Keep **the steam wand** clean and purge it according to **your machine**’s **instructions**.

 

For a smaller, more coffee-forward cup, compare a [**flat white**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-flat-white/) or [**cortado**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cortado/). For non-dairy options, see our guide to [choosing milk for coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/oat-soy-almond-milk-for-coffee/).

## Fixing common latte problems

 

If the milk tastes flat, check that it was steamed fresh and poured while it was still smooth. If it feels too hot or tastes cooked, stop heating sooner next time and follow **the machine**’s **temperature** guidance. If the espresso disappears, use a smaller cup or adjust the espresso recipe separately; adding extra coffee without measuring can make the drink harsh.

 

### Non-dairy milk

 

Barista-style **oat** or **soy** milk may be easier to steam than standard cartons, but brands differ in sweetness and texture. Use a clean pitcher and avoid mixing a new milk with an unfamiliar espresso recipe during the same test.

A latte is easiest to **compare** when you keep the espresso dose steady and change only the milk texture or cup size. If you switch to **a plant-based** carton, check whether it is meant for steaming and taste it on its own first; its sweetness can change the finished cup.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [milk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

## Related recipes

- [Classic Cappuccino](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cappuccino/)

- [Classic Cortado](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cortado/)

- [Classic Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-espresso/)