How to Make a Proper Cafe Latte: Ratio, Milk Temp & Steps

When people order a ‘latte’ in the West, they often get a large cup of mostly steamed milk with a hint of coffee—hardly the traditional Italian cafe latte. The original version is a balanced mix of strong espresso and silky milk, not a weak milky drink. So how do you make the real thing?

To make a classic cafe latte as it’s meant to be: use 8g of espresso coffee and 150ml of milk, served in an 180ml cup. The milk should be heated to between 65–75°C, and the drink is completed with a small amount of microfoam if desired.

What Is a Cafe Latte?

The term ‘latte’ comes from the Italian word for milk. A cafe latte, therefore, simply means ‘milk coffee’. Unlike the oversized, milk-forward versions popular in some coffee shops abroad, the traditional Italian cafe latte is a modest drink built on a strong shot of espresso and just enough steamed milk to soften it. It’s one of the most widely consumed espresso-based drinks globally—not just for its mild flavour, but for its balance.

The Traditional Recipe Breakdown

According to the original method, a standard cafe latte is made with:

• 8g of espresso coffee
• 150ml of steamed milk
• Served in an 180ml cup

This yields a drink where the coffee flavour remains prominent, supported by the texture and warmth of properly steamed milk. No excessive foam, no oversized portions—just the right ratio.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Cafe Latte

Making a proper cafe latte involves just a few steps, but each one matters:

1. Brew the Espresso: Prepare a single shot of espresso using either an espresso machine or a moka pot. The espresso should be rich and concentrated, as it forms the flavour base of the drink.
2. Heat the Milk: Steam or gently heat 150ml of milk to a temperature between 65–75°C. This range ensures the milk develops sweetness and the right texture without scorching.
3. Assemble the Drink: Pour the freshly brewed espresso into a pre-warmed 180ml cup. Then add the heated milk. For those who prefer a slightly textured top, a small amount of milk foam can be added using a steam wand, manual frother, or electric foamer.

Why the Traditional Ratio Matters

Many modern interpretations of the latte prioritise visual appeal or larger serving sizes, often leading to an over-diluted drink with too much milk and too little coffee. This approach sacrifices flavour for volume. The original 8g espresso to 150ml milk ratio is designed to deliver a balanced cup where the coffee remains the star, complemented by the milk’s creaminess and subtle sweetness. Sticking to these proportions ensures you actually taste the coffee—not just drink warm milk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a cafe latte, watch out for these pitfalls:

• Using too much milk, which overwhelms the espresso and results in a weak-tasting drink.
• Heating milk beyond 75°C, which can cause scorching and destroy its natural sweetness.
• Serving the drink in an unwarmed cup, which can cause the temperature to drop too quickly and affect texture and enjoyment.
• Neglecting the espresso quality—since it’s the flavour backbone, a poor shot will ruin the drink regardless of milk technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee and milk go into a classic cafe latte?

A traditional cafe latte uses 8g of espresso and 150ml of milk, served in an 180ml cup. This ratio ensures a balanced flavour where the espresso remains prominent alongside the milk.

What temperature should milk be for a cafe latte?

The milk should be heated to between 65–75°C. Going higher can scorch the milk and reduce sweetness, while lower temperatures may not develop enough texture or sweetness.

Can I use any coffee to make a cafe latte?

While you can use any espresso roast, a blend designed for espresso—such as those used in traditional Italian-style drinks—will yield the best results. The coffee should produce a rich, concentrated shot to balance the milk.

Do I need to add milk foam to a cafe latte?

No, foam is optional. Traditional cafe lattes may include a small amount of microfoam for texture, but excessive foam or latte art is not part of the original style.

Is a cafe latte the same as a cappuccino?

No. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, making it lighter and foamier. A cafe latte has more milk and less foam, with a smoother, creamier texture.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Latte

For a classic cafe latte, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice—it’s crafted specifically for espresso and moka pot use, producing a rich shot with outstanding crema even on non-commercial machines. Its smooth, rounded profile works well under milk. Alternatively, the Black Cocoa Blend offers great value with solid body and chocolatey depth, ideal for cafés watching costs. Both blends highlight the milk-friendly qualities needed for a balanced latte. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.