Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the astra-sites domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home2/guildfee/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home2/guildfee/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php:6131) in /home2/guildfee/public_html/wp-includes/feed-rss2.php on line 8
Let's Brew Archives | Guilded Coffee https://guildedcoffee.com/category/lets-brew/ For lovers of coffee, Coffee Talk, Coffee Products and all things coffee Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:33:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://guildedcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/LogoMakr-2prbSa-100x100.png Let's Brew Archives | Guilded Coffee https://guildedcoffee.com/category/lets-brew/ 32 32 How to make the best Canadian Coffee https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-the-best-canadian-coffee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-make-the-best-canadian-coffee https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-the-best-canadian-coffee/#respond Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:33:16 +0000 https://guildedcoffee.com/?p=4453 The post How to make the best Canadian Coffee appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
Canadian Coffee
Print

Canadian Coffee

Delicious! It even let a Lumberjack cry! The maple syrup and whipped cream is what makes Canadian coffee truly Canadian.
Course Drinks
Keyword Canadian Coffee
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 Cup Whiskey
  • 3 Cup Hot Black, Double Strength Espresso

Topping

  • 3/4 Cup Whipped Cream
  • 4 tsp Pure Maple Syrup

Instructions

  • The maple syrup and whipped cream are amazing in this concoction. The taste of whiskey isn’t too strong since the maple syrup really mellows it out.
    This delicious Canadian Coffee can be a perfect and wonderful end to your meal as well since it serves as a dessert too. it’s really heartwarming during rains & winters.

Prepare Coffee

  • – Take your Espresso machine or Moka Pot and brew really strong coffee with water.
    – Divide maple syrup and whiskey among 4 warmed heatproof glass mugs or goblets.
    – Pour in coffee to 1 inch of top; spoon topping over coffee.

Topping

  • – While the coffee is brewing, Whip cream with maple syrup just up until soft mounds; set aside. Use it as a topping.
    – Serve hot & Enjoy!

Notes

– If you have no whipped cream, you can use some ice cream and mix the maple syrup into it. It’ll be really yummy!
– You may garnish the Canadian Coffee with chocolate shavings however this is optional.

The post How to make the best Canadian Coffee appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-the-best-canadian-coffee/feed/ 0
Time to make the best Alexander Espresso in the world https://guildedcoffee.com/time-to-make-the-best-alexander-espresso-in-the-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=time-to-make-the-best-alexander-espresso-in-the-world https://guildedcoffee.com/time-to-make-the-best-alexander-espresso-in-the-world/#respond Wed, 16 Dec 2020 03:17:59 +0000 https://guildedcoffee.com/?p=4435 The post Time to make the best Alexander Espresso in the world appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
alexander espresso
Print

Alexander Espresso

Alexander – a cocktail of equal parts of gin, creme de cacao (chocolate liqueur), and cream. Then, came the Brandy Alexander where the brandy replaced the gin. Finally, followed by Coffee Alexander with chocolate liqueur was substituted by coffee liqueur
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Espresso machine
  • Whisk for cream

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cold Water
  • 2 tbsp Ground Espresso
  • 1/2 stick 3" Long Stick Cinnimon
  • 4 tsp Chocolate Liquer  
  • 2 tsp Brandy
  • 2 tbsp chilled whipped cream
  • 1 piece Grated semisweet chocolate

Instructions

  • Make a really strong espresso with a small amount of water using an espresso machine or your favorite way.
    Espresso
  • – Break cinnamon stick into small pieces and add to hot espresso.
  • – Allow cooling for 1 minute.
  • – Add chocolate liqueur (crème de cacao) and brandy, and stir gently.
    coffee liquer
  • – Pour into cute demitasse cups.
  • Whip the cream, and float some cream on top of each cup. For looks, garnish with grated chocolate or fancy chocolate curls.
    [Multiply proportions by six and it's perfect for a party.]
    – Serves and Enjoy!
    alexander espresso
  • You can replace the cinnamon stick with powdered cinnamon to get a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.

Notes

Break out your espresso machine for this one or just make really strong coffee with a small amount of water. Break cinnamon stick into small pieces and add to hot espresso. Allow cooling for 1 minute. Add crème de cacao and brandy, and stir gently. Pour into cute demitasse cups. Whip the cream, and float some cream on top of each cup. For looks, garnish with grated chocolate or fancy chocolate curls. Multiply proportions by six and it’s perfect for a party. Serves 2
 

The post Time to make the best Alexander Espresso in the world appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
https://guildedcoffee.com/time-to-make-the-best-alexander-espresso-in-the-world/feed/ 0
Lets Brew – The Modern Cortado Espresso https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-a-classic-cortado-espresso/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-make-a-classic-cortado-espresso https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-a-classic-cortado-espresso/#respond Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:27:47 +0000 https://guildedcoffee.com/?p=4280 The post Lets Brew – The Modern Cortado Espresso appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
Classic cortado
Print

The Cortado Espresso

In this recipe you will learn how to brew your very own Cortado Espresso at home like a Pro Barista
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1

Equipment

  • Espresso brewing device
  • Milk frother or a whisk
  •  Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Espresso
  • 2 ounces Milk Whole milk works best

Instructions

  • Extract the expresso and pour it into your mug.
    cappucchino
  • Warm your milk in a steel pitcher with steam from your espresso machine or in a glass jar in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until it is very hot but not boiling, watching it carefully. If you have a food thermometer, aim for between 115°F and 125°F.
  • Using a milk frother, froth the milk only until you have a very light froth, about 10 seconds.
  • Swirl the glass and lightly tap it on the counter repeatedly to pop the larger bubbles. Repeat this step as needed.
  • Pour the milk into the espresso.
    caffe latte art

Video

Notes

conversion table
The cortado is common in many Latin American countries, and although it can be found in North American cafés, it is less commonly ordered. The word cortado means “cut” in Spanish. The drink was given this name because it consists of a shot of espresso “cut” with equal parts warm milk. What sets this drink apart from other drinks made with espresso and milk is that the milk is typically not texturized. Italians tend to texturize their milk, resulting in more foam on top, whereas Spanish coffee drinks are made with steamed milk that is not texturized, so you won’t see as many bubbles in your frothed milk.

The post Lets Brew – The Modern Cortado Espresso appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-a-classic-cortado-espresso/feed/ 0
What is a Cappuccino and how to brew it at home? https://guildedcoffee.com/what-is-a-cappuccino-and-how-to-brew-it-at-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-a-cappuccino-and-how-to-brew-it-at-home https://guildedcoffee.com/what-is-a-cappuccino-and-how-to-brew-it-at-home/#respond Wed, 25 Nov 2020 01:19:15 +0000 https://guildedcoffee.com/?p=4218 Do you want to keep your coffee routine creative? A tasty, frothy cappuccino could become your new preferred go-to. If you’re wondering what a cappuccino is exactly, and even how to make one, read on to discover all you need to learn about this creamy drink. Meet the Cappuccino Did you know that the cappuccino …

What is a Cappuccino and how to brew it at home? Read More »

The post What is a Cappuccino and how to brew it at home? appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
Do you want to keep your coffee routine creative? A tasty, frothy cappuccino could become your new preferred go-to.

If you’re wondering what a cappuccino is exactly, and even how to make one, read on to discover all you need to learn about this creamy drink.

Meet the Cappuccino


Did you know that the cappuccino is a well-known Italian drink. The espresso-based drink has its reputation built off of its thick level of microfoam. The cappuccino is 6 oz in volume and uses one-shot of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The cappuccino has 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. It’s also smaller compared to a caffe latte.

Many fans associated with the cappuccino enjoy it as a result of the flexibleness of volume dimensions and components. In case a barista provides several sizes of the cappuccino, the proportion of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam will continue to be exactly the same. You can also custom make a cappuccino by using cream in place of milk, along with extra flavourings such as syrups or herbs.

Heading Back in Time


The history of cappuccino is an interesting one. In reality, the name associated with the drink actually comes from the brown colour of the drink. It resembles the colour of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin wear. The less heavy brown shade develops when the milk happens to be added in increments towards the darker espresso, developing a pleasant degree of crema.

Within the 1700s, the name “Kapuziner” is another title for the beverage which was created by the individuals of Vienna, and it is made of whipped cream and herbs. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the cappuccino made its name outside of its Italian beginnings. Gradually spreading into Austrian cafes, after which fundamentally around the globe, the cappuccino is growing in an appeal from the time.

Beverage Similarities


Though it sticks out on its own, the cappuccino has several coffee cousins that it is often confused with. Probably the most typical beverages that the cappuccino is seen erroneously as being are macchiatos, cortados, and flat whites. Nevertheless, there are several crucial differences when considering these drinks.

MACCHIATO
Another well-known espresso drink, the macchiato is made of one shot of espresso and milk foam. It is smaller in amount compared to cappuccino, but it doesn’t have actually steamed milk on it. And as far as the caffeinated drinks content can be involved, the macchiato is much more concentrated because it doesn’t have steamed milk to dilute the strength of the espresso.

CORTADO
The cortado resembles the cappuccino because it is made from espresso and steamed milk. Nonetheless, the cortado consists of about 1/2 espresso and 1/2 steamed milk and is about four ounces in amount (so about 2 ounces of espresso, 2 ounces of steamed milk). Unlike the cappuccino, the cortado does not have any milk foam, so that it’s more powerful in espresso flavour.

FLAT WHITE
The flat white is another delicious espresso drink that is made of hearty espresso and steamed milk. This drink possesses a higher percentage of coffee to milk and it has about two shots of espresso and about 2-3 ounces of steamed milk, by way of a thin level of microfoam at the top.

The flat white is similar to the cortado as far as components but differs within the milk surface. It is made up of more velvety surface because of the microfoam bubbles. Nevertheless, the flat white also varies significantly through the cappuccino as it has less foam as well as a various foam texture.

LET’S BREW – A CUPPUCCINO

Now that you know everything in regards to the cappuccino, it is time for you to begin making it your self! If you have an espresso machine at home, it is simple to start brewing a cappuccino. To watch a how-to best brew the cappuccino you can view our movie below, or read alongside our step by step directions.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need before you decide to can begin brewing:

Espresso device
Milk steamer (recommended)
Milk pitcher
6-ounce cappuccino cup
16.5 grams ground espresso coffee
3-4 ounces milk

STEP ONE: PREPPING
Now, the first thing you need to do is to gather all your brewing components. Grind enough espresso beans to create about 15.6 grams of coffee. After preparing your espresso, go right ahead and pour about 3-4 ounces of milk to your milk pitcher.

NEXT STEP: ESPRESSO BREWING
Now, as soon as you’ve completed prepping, put the grounded espresso in the portafilter, and extract two shots of espresso from it. If you don’t have an Espresso machine, read this article that will show you how to make an espresso-only using a french press. To save one step, just go ahead and brew your espresso straight in your 6-ounce cappuccino glass.

NEXT STEP: STEAMING MILK
While your espresso is pouring, you can begin steaming your milk! The most important element of steaming milk may be the strategy. When steaming, it must reach about 160°F, and you should move the pitcher in a fast, straight movement to be able to let the hot steam carefully heat the milk.

Also, since the cappuccino needs a more foam, you need to move the tip of the steam wand nearer to the surface of the milk to produce that great level of foam on top of a cappuccino. Nonetheless, take some care carrying this out because steaming on the surface will cause the milk to overflow in the pitcher. Remember, you still need some steamed milk to set up the drink, which means that your milk can’t simply be froth.

NEXT STEP: POURING MILK
As soon as you are finished extracting the espresso and your milk has finished steaming, you are able to pour the 2 together! When pouring the milk, hold your milk pitcher over the cappuccino glass, pouring inside a slightly circular, straight movement. This will let the milk blend with the espresso. The milk froth can now be poured to the glass on top of the cappuccino as a fluffy, wonderful level of foam.

WRAPPING UP
There you’ve got it! You can now create your very own cappuccino as your own house barista! Since the milk steaming procedure is really a little more complex in this drink, it might take various attempts for you really to practice the steaming process. However, with time, you’ll be able to create cappuccinos flawlessly very quickly. Also read this article on how to steam milk at home like a boss.

Delightful caffeine!

The post What is a Cappuccino and how to brew it at home? appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
https://guildedcoffee.com/what-is-a-cappuccino-and-how-to-brew-it-at-home/feed/ 0
How to steam milk like a Boss https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-steam-milk-like-a-boss/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-steam-milk-like-a-boss https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-steam-milk-like-a-boss/#respond Mon, 16 Nov 2020 06:57:55 +0000 https://guildedcoffee.com/?p=3987 What’s your favourite coffee beverage of choice? A latte, a cappuccino, a mocha, a cortado or just a long black? Do you like the silky smoothness of steamed milk and the sweet aromas it generates? This article will show you how you can steam milk at home like a professional barista with and without a …

How to steam milk like a Boss Read More »

The post How to steam milk like a Boss appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
What’s your favourite coffee beverage of choice? A latte, a cappuccino, a mocha, a cortado or just a long black? Do you like the silky smoothness of steamed milk and the sweet aromas it generates? This article will show you how you can steam milk at home like a professional barista with and without a steam wand.

According to the statistics, Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day. And only 35% of people prefer to drink it black.

How do you drink your cup of coffee? With or without milk? From lattes to a long black? Stυdіes show Αmerica drinks 400 milliоn cυps оf сoffee daily. While that is a big number, what is even more impressive is that 65% of that figure is with milk.

So why do milk and coffеe form this kind of match?

Μilk compliments and brings forth the preferences in coffee but its more than that. There are technology, science and psychology behіnd it.

Through the steaming procedure, the steam causes thе fаts in milk to expand and create a special type of foam. The рrotein kеeps the atmospheric bubbleѕ ѕtable and the lactose enhаnсes thе sweetness. This combination of silky smoothness stirs the brain chemicals that make you come back for more.

While stеamіng milk can appear еasy, it’s not so eаsy doing іt wеll. Read on as I will reveal the trick behind a barista’s lusсioυs creamy textυre in your latte. The article will also discuss аlternativе methods for ѕtеaming milk without the magical steаm wand.

FROTHING VS SТEAMIΝG

There’s slight differences in the milk texture when you frоth or steаm the milk.

Through the steаming proсesѕ, proteins in the milk lose their shape and function because of the change in pH and increased temperature. This cause a vacuum to form and the air get’s trapped inside the milk molecules as small little bubblеs. These little entrapped bubbles of air creates the creаmy texture, categorised also as the magical miсrofoam baristas love to create art with. When left too long, the entrapped air will expand further causing the surface of the milk to rise and boil over. So timing is very important to get the perfect microfoam balance.

On the other hand, frothed milk produce large aіr bubbles leading to a huge moυnd of fluffy foаm. There isn’t any right оr wrоng between the two and everyone hаs а choice. But if yοu want that rich silky-crеamy mouthfeel, ѕteaming the milk is thе beѕt way to achieνe it.

barista, coffee, pouring

Despite the fact that the way of stеamіng varies slightlу dependent on whethеr you’re making а latte, a flat-white or a cаppuccino, the fundamental actions remain similar.

STEP ONE: ADDING THE COLD MILK
Poυr the milk into a metallіc milk pitcher deѕigned for steaming. It’s important not to pour too much ѕince it’ll increase its volυmе. It’s recommended to pour the milk just below the V nudge of the jug.

STEP TWO: EXTENDING THE MILK
The next step iѕ submerging the tiр of the steam wаnd јust below thе surface of the mіlk. Once you begin pulling the air into the milk, listen for a hisѕing noise. Just how long to keep the steаm wand іn thiѕ spot depends slightly on which drink you’re prеparіng. Nonetheless, it generally takes between 5 – 10 seconds. During this period the fat in mіlk exрandѕ and that generates the foam.

SТEP THREE: THE WHIRLPOOL
Аftеr уou’ve drawn sufficient air іnto yoυr milk аnd stretched іts volume, press the steam wand further below the surfaсe. Be cautious not to move it too much, about 1/5 of an inch. Τilt the јug somewhat and obtain the “sweеt sрot” that could spіn the milk in a whіrlpoоl. This will trap the air bubbles in the milk while heаting it and create that creamy tеxtυre.

STEP FOUR: THE SHINE
When the mіlk reaches 140F, or bеcοmeѕ toο hot to toυch, stop thе steaming рroсess. Tаp thе јug carefully to eradicate some little bubbles and ѕwirl the milk aroυnd. It should loоk shiny and creamy like meltеd iсe cream.

STEP FIVE: THE POURING
The steamed milk has two textures at this stage since all of the foаm sits on tοp and the heavier liquid at the bottom. To make sure you or the perfect latte, first рour heavier liquid by slowly tilting the jug so that the lighter foam stay on top. The heavier liquid must dіve into the еspressο and combine thе crеamу milk along with your coffee. Then the microfoam starts to pour and glidеs on top to сreate latte art. With enough practice, you can create beautiful masterpieces. Have a look at this article to view more latte art and who is the current world champion latte artist.

Perfect frothed milk for latte art

TYPICAL MISΤAKES

Aѕ mentioned above, despite the fact that the steаming process appears simple, its difficult to get right. If you avoid thеsе most common errors, you’re mυch morе likеly to start to see the stunning sіlky fοam.

PULLING AIR FОR TOO LΟNG
The original procedure for pulling aіr іnto the milk is actually fast and occurs within minutes. As ѕoon as уou hear the sсreеching sound уou’re pulling аir for tоo long and also this will caυse big bubbles tо аppear and ruin your foam.

PULLING THE AIR TOO LATE
Another typical blunder is tо pull the air too late. Τhe sweet spot occurs in the beginning when the milk is not too hot yet. When the milk is warm, producing the foam іs muсh more difficυlt.

OVERHEATING TΗE MILK What seрarаtes gοod baristaѕ from the truly amazing oneѕ is being in a position to inform the proper tеmperatυrе of steamed milk. Αs soon aѕ the milk gets too hot, the proteinѕ іn the milk break up and destroy the greatest bυbbleѕ and the taste.

NOT DEVELOPING A WHIRLPOOL Failing to obtain the sweet ѕpot that creates a whirlpool factors that the milk just isn’t blended correctly, fаiling tо give you that creamy texturе.

WΑITING FOR TOO MUCH TIME AFTER SΤEAMING
Move the milk рitchеr around aѕ soοn as you remοve іt from the steаmer. This enѕureѕ that the foam does not sepаratе frοm the milk.

IMPORTANT INGREDIEΝTS TO CREATE THE BEST ΜILK FOR ΥOUR СOFFEE?
Using cold milk helps you to creatе optimal surfaсe. Whole milk works best for miсrofoam while skim milk works best for frοthу milk.

HOW TO STEAM MILK WITHOUT A SТEАM WAND?

If you don’t have an еsрresso machine with a ѕtеam wand but still want frothed steamed milk I have great news. Here are more ways in which it is possible to steam mіlk without a steam wand.

Some methods need baѕic gear while others may be improvised using everyday home appliances.

AUTOMATED MILK FROTHER
This is thе ѕecond-beѕt ѕelection fοr frothing milk if уou don’t have an esрresso machine with a steam wand. Additionally, it is thе only οption that don’t require you to preheаt the milk whilst the additional options do. We recommend the HadinEEon frother. Its solidly build and will froth your milk – Like a Boss for years to come. To view the HadinEEon frother you can click here.

HANDHELD FROTНER
A handheld frother is really a low priced choice that is eaѕy to make use of, faѕt and easy to cleаn. But, be reаdу to сompromіse on milk tеxture and don’t anticipate any latte artwork. As the name indicates, it will produce a lot of froth but not so muсh silky foam. All yоu haνe to do is to submerge the frother in the milk and turn it on. It will froth best when the milk is warmed to 140 F before you start frothing. It will also help if you froth the milk from the bottom of the milk upwards to the top. The milk will encapsulate air bubbles creating the froth. Be quick because this froth don’t last very long.

FREΝCH РRESS
Aside from making сoffeе, thе French Рresѕ may also froth уour mіlk! Now thаt’s what we call versаtіlіtу. Αftеr you’ve prehеatеd your milk, pour it іntо your Frеnch prеsѕ and repeаtedly pυsh and pυll thе рlunger up and down until the milk doubleѕ іn amount and createѕ а micrоfoаm. Take care not to uѕe excessively milk so that you save your self the clеanup.

SΤOVEТOP
Υoυ don’t have actually some of the gear mentioned previously bυt yоu still don’t want to give up your latte? Don’t рanic, you’ll crеate frothed milk evеn for a ѕtoνetop.

Merely heat up it gently and use а balloon whisk (equivalent one you’ll utilize to whisk eggs) аnd overcome іt rapidly before you reаch а frothy perseverance. You may also make use of hand blender but уou are risking a kitchen tragedy with that strategy.

ΜICROWAVE
You cаn either pυt thе milk into a mason container having a lid οn and shake it іntensеly before warming it into the microwave oven. Or perhaps you cаn hеat thе milk first and then utilize the pυlling method where уou рour it from one container to the οthеr οnе until yoυ reach а frothy determination.

Irrespective of yοur barista skіllѕ, whether you might be a newbie who just desires ѕomе froth іn their coffeе or you are advanced level and familiаr using the steam wаnd and latte art, there are multіple means of just how to сreate mіlk for the lattе.

Whichever method you select, make surе уoυ proceed with the fundamental recommendations and avoid the most typical errors аnd you have the recipe to achieve your goals.

What type do you want to make an effort to make next?

The post How to steam milk like a Boss appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>
https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-steam-milk-like-a-boss/feed/ 0
Easy Homemade Latte (without Fancy Machines) https://guildedcoffee.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-latte-at-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-make-the-perfect-latte-at-home Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:43:41 +0000 https://guildedcoffee.com/?p=3811 Making the perfect homemade latte without a fancy machine can be a challenge but in this article I will teach you how to make a caffe latte that can stand it's ground even against the top high end coffee shops and barista's, without the latest espresso machine or burr coffee grinder.

The post Easy Homemade Latte (without Fancy Machines) appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>

The other day I was at a friends housewarming party and we really craved some good latte and cappuccinos. Since they just moved in, they did not have their espresso machine unpacked yet and we decided to make lattes at home.

Do you want to show your barista skills by making the perfect homemade latte, cappuccino or flat white – even without using any fancy espresso machine? Read on and I will show you the secret to making the perfect latte. If there’s in the world of coffee a drink that is both extremely known and extremely confusing, that’d be the latte. The source of the confusion starts from the name.

So to kick things off we will start by grinding our beans.  

No coffee.

Yet in the common parlance of coffee drinkers, a latte has come to be much more than the actual meaning of the word. The origin of the name comes from the Italian “caffé e latte”, which simply means coffee and milk. And that’s closer to what is intended when ordering “a latte” in a cafe today. 

A latte is one of the most beloved and widespread coffee drinks worldwide thanks to its nearly perfect recipe. It consists of ⅓ coffee, ⅔ hot milk, and a thin layer of milk foam. The overall size is in the range of 10-12 ounces. Not extremely large as to be heavy nor too small as to finish too soon.

Just about perfect.

History of the Latte

The name is Italian but the origin of the drink isn’t. The history of latte goes back to around the 1600s when coffee was getting known in most of Europe and North America. 

Many didn’t stomach a black coffee. Milk was found to nicely pad the harsher flavors of coffee. Nobody knows who first added milk to their black coffee, but in 1867 William Dean Howells wrote an essay titled “Italian Journeys”. 

In the essay, it was clear that many Europeans had been drinking coffee with milk for breakfast for generations. 

The birth of the latte or “caffé latte” is thus old and uncertain.

Whereas old drinks like the “café au lait” or “kapuziner” or “milchkaffee” were diffused in Europe since decades, it’s only after the Americans started drinking it that the word “latte” was commercially used to indicate a mix of coffee and hot milk, also in Europe. 

Latte was simply a shorthand for “caffé latte”. It was easier to pronounce and write.

How does it compare?

An easy name for a very confusing drink. Many similar coffee beverages exist today that resemble a latte but have slightly different ingredients and doses. 

It is highly possible to order a “latte” in countries all over the world and be presented with as many different drinks as the bars you’re ordering it in. 

To make it clearer for you and avoid looks of confusion when receiving your cup, let’s see what are the differences between a latte and 3 of its close cousins.

The café au lait is French in origin. It predates the modern use of the word latte and is drunk in every part of the world where the french had at least some influence. That’s not the only difference, though. 

It differs from a latte in the amount of coffee used and its brewing method. A latte is an espresso-based drink, the coffee is brewed with an espresso machine, while a café au lait is a filter-based drink.

Sometimes a french press is used to make a café au lait. The ratio of coffee to milk is higher in a café au lait than in a latte: nearly 50/50%. 

Of course, variations are aplenty so don’t be surprised to be served a café au lait with the same ratio of coffee than in a latte. In some bars, the café au lait has little or even no milk foam.

Popular in Italy is instead a “latte macchiato”. Don’t take this for a “macchiato”, in which over an espresso a splash of hot milk is added. 

pouring milk into coffee

In a latte macchiato, a cup of steamed milk is added. Then half a shot of espresso on top, making a white drink with a small black stain caused by pouring the espresso. 

“Macchiato” means stained in Italian after all. 

The difference between a latte macchiato and a latte are thus in the quantity of coffee. h

Half the amount in a latte macchiato, and the order in which the ingredients are merged. In a latte, the espresso goes first and then the steamed milk. The opposite is for a latte macchiato. 

Subtle differences but they make a lot of impact on the final taste. A latte macchiato is much less intense than a latte.

Stronger than a latte is instead the cappuccino. The correct recipe calls for ⅓ coffee, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam. 

The foam in the cappuccino is frothed firmer than for a latte, making a thicker layer on top. As the ratio of milk to coffee is equal, the taste of coffee is stronger in a cappuccino than in a latte. 

The foam has a stronger feeling, while in a latte is more velvety and smooth. The cappuccino is also often a smaller drink than a latte, usually about 6-8 ounces instead of 10-12. 

Due to reduced size and different proportions of the ingredients, the cappuccino is more caffeinated than the latte.

How to Make a Latte

Enough about other drinks. Its time to make the perfect homemade latte without using any fancy machines. We know the ratio of coffee, milk, and foam in a latte but not how to actually make a proper latte at home? 

You don’t need to be a trained barista to manage to. You only need to have some patience and a few ingredients and equipment:

  • A simple french press
  • A milk frother
  • A milk pitcher
  • A coffee grinder (if you grind the coffee yourself)
  • 7-9 ounces of milk
  • About 16.5 grams of ground espresso beans
  • A cup capable to contain 10-12 ounces of liquid

The preparation is straightforward. Pull a shot of espresso in the cup. 

Steam and froth the milk in the pitcher, taking care to not let it foam too much as it needs to stay on the liquid side. Pour the milk over the espresso, not pouring the froth until the glass is nearly filled (about 1 inch/2.5 cm from the rim). 

Then add the froth to finish your latte. Serve it straight or with sugar, as per your taste.

What can you add?

One of the best features of a latte is that it is flexible. Given that the coffee component of it is not large, substituting it with an alternative is possible and won’t sound blasphemous to many baristas. 

A latte tea is a reality and delicious, for instance. Simply remove the espresso and use an equal amount of tea of your choice and proceed as above. 

It can’t get any easier!

What about the hot summer months? You can make an iced latte! 

The recipe is identical to the hot latte but with the difference. You should froth the milk much earlier and let it cool down to room temperature. 

Then add enough ice cubes in a cup to make both the espresso and milk quickly cold and pour the coffee and milk in the same way as in a normal latte. Your iced latte will be ready in no time! 

Serve and enjoy!

Variations to the classic latte abound. Sugar is commonly added to sweeten it, as topping with cocoa powder, coconut shavings, or any syrup of your liking. 

The options to make a latte truly yours are nearly infinite. It wouldn’t have had such a long history if it wasn’t a super-flexible drink after all.

Conclusion

The powerful fascination of a latte lies in its simplicity and the perfect marriage of coffee and milk. It is lighter on the palate than a cappuccino but strong enough to get your dose of caffeine. 

It has a smooth consistency and has a huge number of optional ingredients that don’t go in contrast with the basic coffee and milk ratio but enhance it. 

So now go experiment and enjoy your lattes!

If you want the best coffee delivered straight to your door every month, click here to get a Lifeboost coffee subscription!

The post Easy Homemade Latte (without Fancy Machines) appeared first on Guilded Coffee.

]]>