Latte coffee - origin, pronunciation and how to make

Latte

Pronunciation: /ˈlɑː.teɪ/ (LAH-tay)

Coffee + Lots of steamed milk.

Best for: Great for coffee beginners, relaxing reading sessions, or working from a cafe.

Taste Profile

Strength
Mild
Strong
Sweetness
Bitter
Sweet
Texture
Watery
Creamy

What is Latte?

Coffee + Lots of steamed milk.

This coffee drink is perfect for those who great for coffee beginners, relaxing reading sessions, or working from a cafe.. With a strength level of 2 out of 5, this is a gentle introduction to coffee.

When to Drink

Lattes are versatile and gentle. Perfect for late afternoons or for those who prefer a milder coffee flavor. They are also great for adding flavors like vanilla or caramel.

Professional Preparation

Equipment

Commercial Espresso Machine, Steam Wand

Method

  1. Base: Extract a double shot of espresso.
  2. Steam: Steam milk to create smooth, glossy microfoam (less foam than cappuccino).
  3. Pour: Pour in a steady stream to create art (hearts/rosettas).
  4. Ratio: 1 part espresso to 4–5 parts milk.

Home Preparation (Simplified)

Equipment

Mason Jar (Shake method) or Whisk

Method

  1. Coffee First: Brew your favorite strong coffee.
  2. Shake It Up: Pour warm milk into a mason jar. Screw the lid on TIGHT. Shake it hard for 30 seconds until it gets bubbly (careful with hot glass!).
  3. Pour: Pour the warm milk into your cup, using a spoon to hold back the big bubbles.
  4. Relax: You've got a creamy, comforting hug in a mug.

History & Background

In Italy, "caffè latte" is strictly a home breakfast drink made with Moka pot coffee and heated milk, served in a bowl without foam. The commercial "Latte" as a distinct menu item was popularized in Berkeley, California, in the 1950s by Caffe Mediterraneum, but it truly exploded in Seattle during the 1980s. Coffee visionaries realized Americans preferred a milder, larger, milkier drink than the small, intense Italian cappuccino. This shift paved the way for "Latte Art" in the 1990s, turning the foam surface into a canvas for rosettas and hearts, a trend that started in the US and returned to influence global coffee culture.

How to Pronounce Latte

Latte

Click to listen to the pronunciation

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