Choosing the Right Beans
A great latte starts with high-quality beans. Look for freshly roasted beans with a medium to dark roast profile. These beans offer a bold flavor that complements the creamy texture of steamed milk.
Pro Tip: Purchase whole beans and grind them just before brewing for maximum flavor.
Steaming Milk to Perfection
Steaming milk requires practice but is key to a silky-smooth latte. If you don’t have a steam wand, heat milk in a saucepan until it’s warm (not boiling), then froth it with a handheld frother or whisk.
Milk Temperature Guide:
- Warm but not boiling: 150°F (65°C) is ideal.
- Too hot: Scalded milk tastes burnt and ruins the flavor.
- Too cold: Won’t create proper foam.
Achieving Café-Quality Foam
The secret to great foam is incorporating air slowly into the milk. Keep your frother just below the surface of the milk and tilt the container slightly to control the texture.
Aim for microfoam: a silky, velvety texture without large bubbles.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
- Milk is too hot: Always monitor the temperature to avoid scalding.
- Foam is too bubbly: Adjust the angle of your frother and avoid adding too much air.
- Weak coffee flavor: Use freshly ground beans and the correct coffee-to-water ratio.