How to Make a Latte Without an Espresso Machine

A latte is strong coffee plus steamed or frothed milk. You can get close to the café version with gear you may already own. It won't be true espresso, but it makes a very good milk drink.

Step 1: make strong coffee

Pick one:

• Moka pot. The best match for espresso, because it makes a small amount of intense coffee. See Moka Pot Basics.
• AeroPress. Use a fine grind and less water for a concentrated shot, about 2 oz of coffee per drink, then top with milk.
• French press. Double the usual amount of coffee (or halve the water) so the milk doesn't wash it out.

Step 2: heat and froth the milk

• Handheld frother: warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave, then froth it in a tall jar or pitcher until it doubles in volume.
• Jar shake: pour warm milk into a jar until it is one third full, close the lid tightly, shake hard for 30 seconds, then microwave the open jar for 20 to 30 seconds to set the foam. Use oven mitts, since the jar will be hot.
• French press as a frother: pour warm milk into a clean French press and pump the plunger quickly for about 20 seconds.

Use fresh milk for the most foam. For plant milks, look for "barista" versions, which froth better.

Step 3: combine

Pour about ⅓ cup of strong coffee into a mug, then add about ¾ cup of milk, holding the foam back with a spoon and spooning it on top at the end.

Variations to try

• Moka Pot Honey Cinnamon Latte
• AeroPress Cinnamon Maple Latte
• French Press Brown Sugar Oat Latte
• Iced version: Iced Latte at Home