What Is a Latte and How to Make One Like an Italian

You’ve seen it on menus, ordered it by name—but what really makes a latte different from other milk-based coffees? It’s not just the ingredients, it’s the balance. A latte combines a shot of espresso with a generous amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. The key is knowing how much milk, what temperature to steam it to, and how to pour it for that smooth, silky texture. If you’ve ever wondered what Italians actually do differently when making a latte, here’s the full breakdown.

A traditional Italian latte consists of one shot (about 1 ounce) of espresso mixed with around 150–200ml of steamed whole milk, topped with a light layer of foam—usually less than 1cm thick. That’s the basic formula, but there’s more to it than just ratios.

Where the Word ‘Latte’ Comes From

The term ‘latte’ is simply Italian for ‘milk’. The drink we now know as a ‘latte’ originated in 17th-century Europe, thanks to a clever Viennese man named Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli—but the story actually begins with an Ottoman siege. In 1683, after the lifting of the Turkish siege of Vienna, leftover coffee beans were taken by the Viennese. At the time, people weren’t familiar with the drink. Enter Francesco Procopio (later known for opening Café Procope in Paris), and another lesser-known figure: Franz Georg Kolschitzky. According to the retelling here, a Viennese man named Kolschitzky helped break the siege and was rewarded with 500 bags of coffee beans. He then opened the city’s first coffeehouse, but Europeans disliked the strong, unfiltered Turkish-style coffee. To adapt, he filtered out the grounds and added plenty of milk—creating a drink similar to what we now call a latte.

How to Make a Traditional Italian Latte at Home

Making a classic latte involves brewing espresso and steaming milk to just the right temperature. Here’s the precise, step-by-step method used in the original article:

• Espresso: Grind 7g of coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. Distribute the grounds evenly in a portafilter, tamp lightly once, then apply a firm tamp to compress the coffee. Attach the portafilter to the machine and pull a 1oz (30ml) shot over 18–30 seconds.
• Milk: Pour cold whole milk (preferably full-fat, such as Nestlé brand) into a stainless steel pitcher, filling it about halfway. Purge the steam wand to remove condensation, then position the tip just beneath the milk’s surface to create a whirlpool. Steam until the milk reaches approximately 65°C (149°F), producing fine microfoam and a slight hissing sound.
• Assembly: Pour the espresso into a latte cup first. Slowly add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, then top with a thick layer of microfoam (about 0.5–1cm).

Four Common Variations of Latte

Lattes can be adapted in multiple ways depending on milk temperature, foam style, and flavor additions. Here are four well-known versions:

Italian-Style Latte

This version is very simple: just espresso and hot milk. There’s little to no foam, and the amount of milk is flexible based on personal taste. It’s essentially a straight shot of espresso poured into a large cup of nearly boiling milk.

American Latte (Starbucks Style)

An American latte includes three layers: espresso at the bottom, heated milk (65–75°C), and a thin layer (less than 0.5cm) of cold milk foam on top. This is how Starbucks prepares its standard latte.

Iced Latte

To make an iced latte, pour flavored syrup (such as caramel or vanilla) into a glass, followed by cold milk, then add ice and finish with espresso. The goal is to create distinct layers, though mixing them is also common. The visual contrast comes from the different densities of milk and coffee.

Caramel Latte

A caramel latte is made by adding 15ml of flavored syrup—such as caramel—before pouring in the other ingredients. The syrup can be added with the espresso or milk, depending on whether you want it infused or layered. This variation is a popular sweetened version of the classic latte.

Why Milk Matters So Much in a Latte

Unlike espresso on its own, which has a bold and intense flavor, the milk in a latte softens the coffee’s bitterness and rounds out its profile. The key to a great latte isn’t just the espresso—it’s the milk. Only a well-brewed espresso can transform ordinary milk into something memorable. That’s why baristas focus heavily on milk temperature, texture, and pouring technique. The crema from a quality espresso also plays a big role in how the milk integrates and how the drink tastes overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte has more milk and less foam than a cappuccino. A typical cappuccino is made with 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam, while a latte contains a single or double shot of espresso with 150–200ml of steamed milk and just a thin layer of foam on top.

How hot should milk be for a latte?

The ideal temperature for steamed milk in a latte is around 65°C (149°F). Going above 70°C can scorch the milk and degrade its flavor.

Do you need a special coffee machine to make a latte at home?

You’ll need an espresso machine with a steam wand to properly steam milk. Without a steam wand, you won’t get the microfoam needed for a classic latte, though you can approximate it with alternative tools.

Can I make a latte with any type of coffee bean?

While you can use any roasted coffee to make espresso for a latte, medium to medium-dark roasts with good crema are traditionally preferred. They provide the body and richness that complements the milk well.

What’s the best milk for a latte?

Whole milk is traditionally used because its higher fat content creates richer microfoam. However, skimmed or plant-based milks can also be used, though they may behave differently when steamed.

Is a latte stronger than regular coffee?

A latte has less caffeine per serving than a mug of brewed coffee, as it typically contains only one or two shots of espresso diluted with a lot of milk. However, the espresso itself is more concentrated.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Making Lattes

For latte lovers, FrontStreet Coffee offers several blends optimized for espresso-based drinks. Their Classic Blend is designed specifically for milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, featuring rich crema and a smooth, approachable profile. The Specialty Blend uses Brazilian and Colombian beans to deliver a well-balanced flavor reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso—ideal for classic latte recipes. For those seeking a fruitier twist, the Strawberry Candy Espresso adds a sweet, candy-like note that pairs surprisingly well with milk. All three blends are suitable for home or commercial use. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.