Classic Café Latte ☕ Silky, Balanced, and Built on Bold Espresso Flavor

The Café Latte is the espresso world’s smooth operator — creamy steamed milk mellowing out a robust shot of espresso into something soft, sippable, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re pairing it with brunch, winding down with a good book, or spiking it with stout for a brunch cocktail twist, the classic latte is all about balance and body.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 shot (1 oz) fresh espresso — or 1–2 oz very strong brewed coffee
• 6–8 oz whole milk (or oat, almond, or soy milk — barista-grade preferred)
• Optional: sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, honey) to taste
• Optional: vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg

Tools

• Espresso machine, Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press
• Milk frother, steam wand, or saucepan + whisk
• 8–10 oz mug or latte glass

Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

1. Brew 1 oz (or double shot if preferred) of espresso using your preferred method.
2. Pour into a warmed mug or latte glass.

Step 2: Steam or Froth the Milk

1. If using a steam wand: Steam milk until 150–155°F, with ½–1 inch of microfoam.
2. If using a saucepan: Heat gently until hot but not boiling, then whisk or froth until silky.
3. Optional: Add sweetener or a splash of vanilla at this stage.

Step 3: Build the Latte

1. Gently pour steamed milk over the espresso, holding back foam with a spoon.
2. Spoon foam on top to finish, creating a thin layer of crema-like milk foam.
3. Optional: Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Flavor Variations

• Mocha Latte – Stir in 1 tbsp chocolate syrup or cocoa powder before adding milk
• Honey Cinnamon Latte – Add 1 tsp honey and a dash of cinnamon
• Iced Version – Use cold milk and espresso over ice, skip steaming
• Beer Latte Twist – Add 1 oz coffee stout or milk stout before milk (serve warm or over ice)

Beer Pairing (Optional)

With the Latte

• Milk Stout or Coffee Porter — creamy and roasted, echoing the espresso notes
• Cream Ale — light and slightly sweet, a soft contrast
• Belgian Dubbel — dark fruit and malt can match well with a vanilla latte

In the Latte

• Try a splash of nitro cold brew stout or coffee beer for a cocktail-style latte
• Or reduce a porter with sugar and cinnamon into a beer syrup for drizzling

Final Thoughts

The Classic Café Latte is your warm, foamy foundation — infinitely riffable, effortlessly comforting, and just fancy enough to feel like a moment. Make it sweet, keep it simple, or spike it with a splash of stout when the mood strikes.

Because sometimes the best pairing for beer… is coffee. ☕🍺🔥

☕ Explore Our Favorite Latte Recipes

Warm, sweet, spiced, or chilled — these latte recipes bring café vibes to your kitchen. From classics to creative twists, there’s a latte here for every mood and season.

☕ Classic Café Latte – Smooth, balanced, and endlessly customizable.
🍯 Honey Cinnamon Latte – Naturally sweet with a cozy spice kick.
🍫 Mocha Latte – Chocolate meets espresso for the ultimate comfort cup.
🍦 Vanilla Latte – A mellow classic with a creamy, fragrant finish.
🍁 Maple Latte – Rich maple syrup adds a toasty, fall-inspired sweetness.
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Latte – The iconic seasonal favorite, made at home.
🌿 Matcha Latte – Earthy, energizing, and vibrantly green.
🥥 Coconut Milk Latte – Dairy-free and creamy with tropical flair.
❄️ Iced Latte – A refreshing take on the café standard.
🍬 Caramel Latte – Sweet, buttery caramel in every sip.
🍫 Iced Mocha Latte – A chilled chocolate-coffee combo that hits the spot.
🧂 Salted Caramel Latte – Sweet, salty, and totally addictive.
🍂 Chai Latte – A spiced, tea-based twist with warming flavor.

☕ Explore Our Top Coffee Recipes & Brewing Guides

From creamy café-style drinks to chill cold brews, global coffee rituals, and smart home hacks — these collections help you brew better, bolder coffee at home. Whether you’re chasing the perfect espresso or just want an iced pick-me-up, there’s something here for every bean lover.

📚 Coffee Recipes & Brewing Hub – Your ultimate guide to brewing methods, recipes, gear, and flavor tips.
🔥 Hot Coffee Recipes – Café-style lattes, mochas, and cozy classics.
❄️ Iced & Cold Coffee – Refreshing lattes, whipped Dalgona, frappes, and floats.
💪 Protein & Keto Coffees – High-energy brews with low-carb or protein-packed twists.
🍬 Whipped & Flavored Drinks – From Dalgona and mocha to pumpkin spice and Starbucks-style sips.
☕🫙 Homemade Coffee Creamers – Vanilla, Pumpkin Spice, Dairy-free, Coconut, Sweet Salted Caramel and more.
🧠 Brewing Guides & Techniques – Roast levels, espresso tips, and decoding coffee labels.
🌱 Sustainable & DIY Coffee – Ethical beans, fair trade, and DIY brewing setups.
🔍 Coffee Tasting Guide – Develop your palate and brew to your taste.
🛠️ Best Coffee Gadgets – Gear picks to upgrade your daily cup.
📈 Coffee Trends & Innovations – The latest flavors, brewing styles, and ideas to try.
🎉 Seasonal & Creative Recipes – Pumpkin spice, whipped drinks, and fun homemade treats.