Latte is one of the most popular coffee beverages, and it is for a good reason. It is a creamy delight that hits the perfect balance of espresso and steamed milk. Besides, you can have it warm or iced- making it a perfect drink throughout the year.
So, if you have been spending too much money at cafes to get that perfect caffeine kick, it is time to brew that beverage at home.
With the right espresso machine, making a latte at home is easier than you think. Whether you are a beginner or you are looking to refine your home barista skills, we will walk you through the entire process, step by step in this guide.
By the end, you will know how to make a cafe-style latte using Barista Espresso Machine—the perfect companion for home brewing.
What is a Latte?
First things first, to nail that barista style latte, we need to know what exactly is a latte and how it is different from other cafe beverages.
So, a latte, short for Caffè Latte, is an Italian classic coffee drink make with espresso and milk. Technically, a latte has three parts-
- One shot of espresso
- Steamed milk
- A small layer of milk foam
The beauty of a latte lies in its creamy texture and balanced coffee flavour. Unlike cappuccino (which has more foam), a latte is smooth, rich and perfect for those who love a mild coffee taste in a milk-rich beverage.
Now, let’s dive into how to make one at home using an espresso machine.
What You Need to Make a Latte at Home?
Before we begin, gather these essentials:
1. An Espresso Machine
A good espresso maker machine is key to brewing a rich espresso shot. The Budan Espresso Machine is an excellent choice—it’s user-friendly and delivers café-quality espresso at home. Click here to shop Budan Espresso Machine now.
2. Fresh Coffee Beans
Choose high-quality, medium-dark roasted coffee beans for a smooth and flavourful shot of espresso.
3. A Coffee Grinder
For best results, use a burr grinder to grind your coffee fresh before brewing. A fine grind is ideal for an espresso coffee machine.
4. Milk of Your Choice
Whole milk is the best option for a creamy texture, but you can also use oat, almond or soy milk
5. A Milk Frothing Pitcher
This helps you steam and froth milk like a pro.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get into the steps of brewing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Latte (Warm)
Step 1: Brew a Perfect Shot of Espresso
The foundation of a latte is a well-extracted espresso shot. Follow these steps to get it right:
- Fill the Portafilter – Add 18-20g of finely ground coffee into the portafilter.
- Tamp Evenly – Press the coffee down firmly using a tamper. A level, compact bed of coffee ensures even extraction.
- Lock and Brew – Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine, press the brew button, and wait 25-30 seconds.
How do you know it's perfect?
- A rich, golden crema should form on top.
- The espresso should have a balanced flavour—not too bitter, not too sour.
Step 2. Steam the Milk
The next step in making a latte is steaming the milk. Since lattes require steamed milk with a light foam, using an espresso maker machine with a built-in steam wand makes the process effortless.
Pour cold milk into a frothing pitcher – Fill it about 1/3 full to allow room for expansion.
- Submerge the steam wand just below the surface of the milk.
- Turn on the frother and create microfoam by moving the pitcher in small circles.
- Heat the milk to 60-65°C – If you don’t have a thermometer, stop when the pitcher becomes too hot to touch.
Pro Tip: The goal is to create silky, velvety milk rather than stiff foam (which is used for cappuccinos).
Step 3. Combine Espresso and Milk
Now comes the fun part—assembling your latte!
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a slow, steady motion.
- Hold back the froth with a spoon and let the milk mix smoothly with the coffee.
- Finish with a light layer of microfoam on top for that signature latte texture.
Bonus Tip: Try latte art by slowly pouring the milk in a circular motion and creating patterns. With practice, you can make beautiful hearts or rosettas!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Latte (Iced)
If you are an iced latte person, you can make one at home in minutes. All you will need is an espresso machine.
Step 1: Brew a Perfect Shot of Espresso
Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency (similar to table salt).
- Fill the portafilter – Use 18-20g of coffee for a double shot.
- Tamp evenly – Press the coffee down firmly for even extraction.
Brew your espresso using an espresso maker machine like the Budan Espresso Machine.
Pro Tip: Let the espresso cool for a minute before pouring it over ice to avoid excessive dilution.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ice & Glass
- Fill a tall glass with ice – About ¾ full for the perfect chill.
- (Optional) Add sweetener – If you like a sweeter latte, add simple syrup, vanilla, or caramel syrup before the espresso.
Bonus Tip: If you want extra-strong coffee flavour, use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice. You can make coffee cubes by freezing your espresso in an ice cube tray.
Step 3: Add Cold Milk
- Choose your milk – Whole milk makes the creamiest iced lattes, but oat, almond, or soy milk works well too.
- Pour cold milk over the ice – Use about 200-250ml (adjust based on preference).
Want it extra frothy? Use a handheld frother or shake the milk in a jar before adding it.
Step 4: Pour the Espresso Over the Milk & Ice
- Slowly pour your espresso shot over the milk and ice.
- Watch the layers form – You’ll see a beautiful separation between the milk and coffee.
- Stir well to mix everything evenly before drinking.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, reduce the milk and increase the espresso ratio.
Step 5: Customize & Enjoy!
- Top it off with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate.
- Use a reusable straw for the best drinking experience.
- Enjoy your homemade iced latte—barista-quality, made by you!
Why the Budan Espresso Machine is Perfect for Lattes?
When choosing a coffee machine home best, you need one that:
- Pulls consistent, high-quality espresso shots
- Has an efficient steam wand for milk frothing
- Is easy to use, clean, and maintain
The Budan Espresso Machine ticks all these boxes. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring home barista, this espresso coffee machine helps you create café-style lattes with ease.
Latte Variations to Try at Home
Now that you know the basics, here are some fun latte variations to experiment with:
- Vanilla Latte – Add a splash of vanilla syrup for a smooth, sweet flavour.
- Caramel Latte – Drizzle caramel syrup into the espresso before adding steamed milk.
- Mocha Latte – Stir a spoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into the espresso before pouring the milk.
With an espresso maker machine, you can easily recreate these delicious lattes at home!
Common Latte-Making Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best espresso coffee machine, small mistakes can affect your latte’s quality. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Overheating the Milk – If milk is too hot, it loses its sweetness. Keep it between 60-65°C.
- Not Texturing the Milk Properly – Lattes need silky, smooth microfoam, not stiff foam.
- Using Stale Coffee Beans – Freshly roasted beans make all the difference in flavour.
- Incorrect Espresso Extraction – If your shot is too fast or too slow, adjust your grind size.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get a perfect latte every time.
Final Thoughts: Start Brewing Café-Style Lattes Today!
Making a latte at home with an espresso machine is easier than you think. With just three ingredients—espresso, steamed milk, and a little foam—you can create café-quality coffee without leaving your kitchen.
If you’re looking for the coffee machine home best for making lattes, the Budan Espresso Machine is the perfect choice. It’s beginner-friendly, powerful, and lets you brew barista-quality espresso and froth milk with ease.
So, get your espresso coffee machine today and start making delicious lattes at home.
