How to prepare a delicious latte — a layered coffee recipe

It sounds simple: what could be difficult about combining coffee and milk? Yet creating a neatly layered drink takes a little practice. What makes a satisfying latte, and which beans should you choose for it? Here is our recipe for a layered milk coffee.

Latte appeals to people who prefer a gentler coffee experience. The basic combination of espresso and milk offers plenty of opportunities for variation. Yet it is easy to overlook how much the beans influence the final flavour.

Latte is not just milk

Milk may be the largest ingredient, but the coffee base supplies much of the aroma, intensity and acidity. Those qualities begin with the beans: origin, variety, growing conditions and roast all contribute.

Put simply, choosing the right coffee is an important part of making a latte you enjoy.

Which coffee should you choose?

For a mild drink, look for a gentle, slightly sweet profile with low acidity, such as a suitable Brazil Santos.

If you like a more expressive coffee character, milk can soften a stronger profile while leaving its distinctive notes recognisable. Try Guatemala SHB with spicy notes, Colombia Excelso with citrus notes, or Costa Rica SHB with a chocolate character.

Our selection also includes sets intended for milk-coffee lovers. Choose freshly roasted beans and grind them shortly before brewing to make the most of their flavour.

The recipe

A basic caffè latte combines espresso and milk. The three-layered presentation below is closer to a latte macchiato, because the coffee is poured into milk. It is an attractive home variation.

Prepare the base in an espresso machine, or use concentrated moka-pot coffee. Alternatively, brew a small, strong portion from freshly ground beans, using around 6–7 g with water near 90–95°C as a starting point. Serve in a tall, heat-safe glass.

Ingredients

• One espresso, around 30 ml, or around 50 ml of strong brewed coffee.
• Whole milk or another milk that textures well.
• Optional sugar, flavoured syrup, honey, chocolate, cocoa, flaked almonds, nuts or other toppings.

Method

1. Prepare your favourite hot coffee.
2. Warm the milk to around 50–60°C and froth it. Swirl gently to combine the texture. If desired, sweeten with sugar, syrup or honey before frothing.
3. Pour the milk and foam into the glass, then wait around 30 seconds.
4. Slowly pour the hot coffee down the inside of the glass. With the right temperatures and gentle pouring, the drink should show milk below, coffee in the middle and foam on top.
5. Stir the layers before drinking.

For another variation, put syrup or honey in the glass first to create an additional bottom layer. Finish the foam with your preferred sprinkles, flakes or other additions.