How To Make A Latte

A popular coffee classicA stalwart adjudicator of the World Latte Art Championship, Paul Meikle-Janney certainly knows what it takes to make an exceptional latte. Here Paul talks us through the required steps needed to make a truly sumptuous latte.As with all speciality drinks it is important to get the espresso right, but there is also a knack to frothing your milk, something which Paul explains.Equipment

• Coffee machine with steam arm/wand
• Milk jug
• Milk
• Thermometer

With a latte, it is important not to introduce too much milk foam to the drink. Instead, you should be aiming for a nice, thin layer of foam to top off the latte.First, fill your filter basket with the correct level of coffee and set your espresso to brew into your latte glass. Whilst this is happening and the machine is working its magic, you should start to heat the milk.Given that milk makes up about 2/3rds of a latte, it is vital to get this stage right.Top tip: If you’re starting out, don’t be afraid to separate the espresso making and milk frothing into two separate tasks.Just as you would when creating a cappuccino and other speciality beverages, we suggest only 1/3 filling your milk jug.This is because there needs to be enough space in the container for the milk to expand but, on the other hand, there needs to be enough present to achieve the required foaming motion.Give the steam arm a quick purge and then place the arm just underneath the surface of the milk in order to introduce a little bit of air into the liquid.After a few short, sharp 'chirps', raise the milk jug an inch or so and position the steam arm to the side which should initiate a nice swirling motion as the milk begins to evolve. Before the milk gets too hot and begins to lose its taste, turn off the steam arm and prepare to pour.Pour the milk into your glass. Initially, start from a relatively high position – about an inch or two above the glass – and then gradually work your way down until the jug is almost resting on the glass, steepening the angle of the jug as you do so.