How to make coffee latte at home with and without a coffee machine

What could be better than a glass of aromatic latte during a leisurely evening conversation with family or close friends? Properly prepared, it amazes its fans time after time with its spectacular appearance, delicate texture and exquisite taste.

You can prepare the drink in different ways, in each case, getting your own tasty and original options. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a delicate drink with a classic coffee taste, a cinnamon latte or an original gingerbread latte, the unique aroma and bright aftertaste of each of them will certainly be appreciated by many coffee lovers.

One of the misconceptions of coffee fans is their belief that it is impossible to make a real latte without a coffee machine. Actually this is not true. In order to make this drink, the equipment that can be found in almost any kitchen will be quite sufficient. And the cooking process itself will take very little time. Therefore, once you decide to make a classic latte at home, in the future you will hardly be able to resist the temptation to master other recipes for this wonderful drink.

You don't need an espresso machine

So, you don't have a machine that will froth milk or make espresso. But it's not a problem! Such a device, of course, greatly simplifies the process, but you can enjoy making latte at home without it.

You just need to plan the process, and you will have to work hard.

To make a latte at home, you'll need more than a regular coffee pot. If you can't afford a coffee machine, we recommend purchasing a few tools that will make the process easier.

You may not have to buy anything at all, depending on what coffee making supplies you already have. In general, you will need:

Device for making fresh milk.
Milk frothing device.
Device for making espresso.

Preparing fresh milk

It is essentially heated milk. However, it is heated so that bubbles can form. In this case, the milk should not come to a boil, which will change its taste. This operation can be done in the microwave, but it is easier to control the stove. We recommend making fresh milk using the second method.

You will need:

milk;
small saucepan;
thermometer.

Instructions:

Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place it on the stove.
Place a thermometer in the milk to monitor the temperature. If this is not possible, simply keep a thermometer nearby to check your temperature periodically.
Heat the milk over medium heat. Depending on the type of product used, you will need to reach a certain temperature:
Soy milk: 60 degrees Celsius.
Almond milk: 54 degrees Celsius.
Stir the milk periodically to prevent it from boiling. Once it reaches a certain temperature, remove it from the heat and pour it directly into the coffee or froth it.

What is the difference between a classic latte and a macchiato?

The whole difference is in the process of mixing the ingredients. In the case of the classic recipe, milk foam is poured into the finished coffee.

When making a latte macchiato, everything is done exactly the opposite. The finished espresso is poured into the frothed milk. As a result, we get a drink with several layers.

There are also differences in the taste of the finished drink. Macchiato has a predominantly milky flavor. A classic latte has the taste of coffee.

Foaming milk

There are several options for making frothed milk. If you have a glass French press and a microwave, this process will take you a minute and a half.

You can also invest in a simple milk frother and milk jug (these will help satisfy your inner barista without having to spend money on an expensive espresso machine). You can foam the product in a simple glass Mason jar.

Foaming milk in a French press

Temperature and air are key factors to create fluffy milk foam. To achieve the same effect as using a milk frother or espresso machine, you can use the plunger of a French press to aerate the product and then heat it in the microwave.

You will need:

cold milk;
a French press with a glass flask or one that can be heated in the microwave;
microwave.

Instructions:

Fill the French press flask one-third full with milk.
Press the plunger for twenty seconds until the milk doubles in volume.
Set aside the lid and plunger. Remove any plastic or metal parts from the glass flask.
Place the container in the microwave. Heat it until the foam reaches the very top (try to avoid letting it run off, you don't want to have to clean it up). This will take 30-45 seconds.
Remove the flask from the microwave and enjoy the fresh foam.

Frothing milk using a frother and a milk jug

If you plan to make lattes more often, it's worth investing in a milk frother and milk jug. Both items can be purchased online for less than $30 each. They make the process more accurate.

You will need:

new milk;
milk frother;
milk jug or small saucepan.

Instructions:

Pour the fresh milk into a jug or leave it in a saucepan.
Immerse the milk frother halfway in liquid. Make sure you have enough space to allow room for expansion (it can triple in size).
Turn on the milk frother and slowly bring it to the surface of the milk. Lower the device back halfway in a gentle motion.
Continue raising and lowering the appliance at an angle for 30-45 seconds or until your pitcher or pan is filled with foam.

Note: Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before using the milk frother. They may vary.

Foaming milk in a glass jar

Just like with a French press, you will essentially need to heat the milk after it has been aerated. You can use an airtight glass jar for this, although the foam will be somewhat coarser.

You will need:

Milk.
Glass jar.
Microwave.

Instructions:

Fill a glass jar about a third full with milk.
Close the container.
Shake the jar well. Continue doing this until the volume occupied by the milk doubles.
Remove the lid and place the container in the microwave.
Heat the jar for a maximum of 30-45 seconds. The foam should rise almost to the edges, but the milk should not escape.
Remove container from microwave and enjoy.

Science Break: Why is milk so... frothy?

No, it's not the shaking, although that does play a role. The composition of milk itself - carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids - is what allows foam to form. This is why alternatives to this product may produce different foam results.

It's best to think of milk as a food rather than a liquid, especially when heat is used. The fact is that the main components of the product coagulate in heat and can burn if it is overheated.

When you shake milk while frothing, the air begins to break down the casein, the protein it contains. However, it tends to remain in the same state, so a kind of shield is formed around the air bubbles. That is why the bubbles last longer and do not burst. If you want a very fluffy foam, look for milk that is high in protein.

For reference, take a look at the average protein content of milk and milk alternatives:

Skim milk: 3.4%.
1% milk: 3.4%.
2% milk: 3.3%.
Whole milk: 3.2%.
Soy milk: 2.7%.
Almond milk: 0.4%.

Don't forget: low protein content doesn't mean you'll get bad foam. It will just be a little different. The fact is that all these types of milk have different concentrations of carbohydrates and fats, which affects the creamy texture of the foam. For this reason, we prefer to use whole milk, the foam from which also lasts longer.

Iced coffee at home

Iced coffee is made from a cold drink with the addition of ice cream in a 3:1 ratio. You can use Turkish coffee or espresso as a base, and the most suitable ice cream is cream, ice cream or vanilla. Fruit and berry or chocolate notes tend to overwhelm the taste of natural coffee. If you add sugar to the glace, do it before the drink cools so that the grains do not crunch on your teeth. Instead of sugar, you can use a variety of syrups.

Iced coffee is made very simply - you need to brew coffee in a Turkish coffee pot, pour it into a cup and place a scoop of ice cream on top. Decorate the glass with chocolate chips, almond flakes and any topping.

Making espresso

It is much easier to make steamed and frothed milk without an espresso machine than to make espresso without one. This is because the key to good espresso is pressure, and the machine is the simplest way to achieve the required values.

But this does not mean that it is impossible to make espresso without a machine. In fact, making espresso at home is a fairly simple process once you get the hang of it. You will need an Aeropress, geyser coffee maker or French press.

If you find similarities in the listed types of coffee makers, then you get the idea. All of these coffee machines use pressure to make coffee. Of course, it is not as strong as in an espresso machine, but these devices will be able to perform their task.

Since we've taken care of pressure, you'll also need to get dark roast coffee beans and, of course, a coffee grinder. Another key aspect of espresso is the fine grind, which is almost impossible to achieve without a proper grinder. Moreover, most of these devices are inexpensive and they also save you from labor and stress. What's not to like here?

Let's spice up the latte

Yes, a traditional latte is just milk and espresso. However, we live in a world of countless flavor combinations, so don't let a simple recipe stop you from adding variety to your latte. After all, why visit coffee shops for a latte flavor when you can make the same thing at home and spend less money?

Although syrup is often used, it is not the only way to add flavor to coffee. You can experiment with spices and baking supplies to make your latte taste better.

Don't know where to start? Try adding a pinch:

Cinnamon;
Cocoa powder;
Nutmeg;
Carnations;
Cardamom;
Ground ginger;
Ground cloves;
Black pepper;
Chocolate chips;
Peppermint extract;
Vanilla extract;
Almond extract;

Latte recipe with syrup

This time we need to add Irish Cream syrup to the usual ingredients.

Pour 50 ml into a mug. syrup.

Now prepare your espresso. Divide the finished coffee into two parts.

We will need 200 ml. milk. Heat it and also divide it into two parts. Whisk the first one into foam (see how to froth milk for cappuccino) and add to our mug. Leave a little. Mix the second part with coffee and pour in the third layer. We make the fourth layer from the remaining espresso.

Finally, add the remaining foam and decorate it with cinnamon. Latte with syrup is ready.

Pros of an espresso machine

Yes, we talked about how to make lattes without any machines. But if you make lattes more often than regular coffee, then it might be worth investing in an espresso machine.

Espresso made without a machine isn't all that perfect. To make a good shot of this drink, you need to achieve precise water pressure and temperature. If you use alternative methods to prepare espresso, you may make mistakes and not get perfect coffee every time.

We understand that your coffee equipment dreams may be hampered by budget and kitchen space. But if that's not a problem for you, an espresso machine will make your morning latte faster and easier.

How to make a latte if you don't have a coffee machine at home

You can make a latte without a machine. It is advisable to have delicious coffee beans or ground on hand.

And so the availability:

French press or blender;
Turks;
water 60 ml;
milk 130 ml
coffee and you will be able to enjoy your drink in no time.

In a Turkish boiler, brew 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee. Cook according to a special recipe. There is no need to boil, but put the Turk on the fire three times until bubbles appear (2-3 seconds).

After making espresso, you need to heat the milk to 70 degrees. Then pour into a blender and beat thoroughly (30-40 seconds). Strain the coffee through a sieve and pour in hot milk. You can add your favorite spices on top for decoration. A glossy smooth surface indicates that the drink is successful.