The timeless pairing of milk and espresso has given rise to beloved drinks around the world, beverages that have become part of our daily rituals. While these classics are often enjoyed at cafés, with the right equipment, you can recreate them at home. Steam milk into a silky, velvety froth perfect for at home enjoyment.
Learn more about some of the most popular espresso-based milk drinks.
Caffè macchiato originated in Italian bars as a way to ‘mark’ the espresso with a small amount of milk cream, distinguishing it from a plain espresso shot.
Traditionally, Italians enjoy a cappuccino primarily at breakfast. Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, it’s often finished off with a dusting of chocolate powder on the top.
For those who prefer a milder taste, the caffè latte offers more steamed milk and less froth than a cappuccino. The flat white, which hails from Australia, is a smaller, stronger version of a latte, made with a double espresso and topped with a thin layer of froth.
Spain’s cortado, popular in Madrid cafés, is served in a glass and features a slightly longer espresso (around 30 ml) balanced with an equal amount of steamed milk.
The secret to all these drinks is the froth: it should be smooth, creamy and dense without large air bubbles on the surface. Achieving this at home requires either a milk frother or a steam wand.
If using a steam wand, start with cold milk (around 5°C) in a jug. Submerge the wand just below the milk’s surface and turn on the steam. Tilt the jug slightly to create a gentle whirlpool, incorporating air evenly to build perfect froth.
Using fresh, high-quality pasteurised milk is key. Milk nearing its expiry date produces unstable froth, bubbles will collapse quickly after frothing.
Once your froth is ready, you can try your hand at latte art. To create classic shapes like hearts and leaves, a milk jug with a well-designed spout helps plus a bit of practice. Use stencils and dust the top of the froth with cocoa powder for an easier method.
With these tips, you’ll be able to bring the café experience into your own kitchen, one silky, frothy cup at a time.
