Make a Vanilla Latte

Vanilla lattes are a combination of espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and milk froth. They are a classic, but not everyone has the time and/or money to head over to their local cafe and buy one. Luckily, it is possible to make a vanilla latte at home, even without an espresso machine.

Ingredients

Using an Espresso Machine

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) espresso
• 6 ounces (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) vanilla syrup (to taste)

Without Using an Espresso Machine

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) boiling water
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) instant coffee (or instant espresso)
• 6 ounces (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) vanilla syrup (to taste)

Making an Iced Latte

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vanilla syrup
• 10 ounces (300 milliliters) milk
• 1½ ounces (45 milliliters) espresso
• Ice

Steps

Using an Espresso Machine

1. Brew 2 ounces (30 milliliters) of espresso according to the directions on your espresso machine. Most machines will need some time heat up first. You will also want to tamp the filter basket to eliminate any air pockets.
   • For the best taste, grind the coffee beans just before you brew them.
2. Pour the espresso into a large mug. You need the mug to be large enough to hold about 10 ounces (300 milliliters). This will give you enough room for the milk and foam.
3. Stir in the vanilla syrup. How much vanilla you use is up to you. Start with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) if this is your first time making a latte, then add more as needed.
4. Pour cold milk into a steaming pitcher and heat it to 145°F to 165°F (65°C to 70°C) using the steaming wand on your espresso machine. Place the steaming wand tip at the surface of the milk. Turn the dial counterclockwise to begin heating the milk.
   • Use a food thermometer to gauge temperature.
   • If you like your lattes extra hot, you can go up to 175°F (80°C). Don't go above 180°F (82°C) or it will scald you.
5. Raise the steaming wand tip just above the surface of the milk to create foam. Listen for a light hissing sound. This is the key to creating that perfect froth. You want to create something thick, like shaving cream.
6. Push the steaming wand further into the milk to finish heating the milk once you have made enough foam for one to two spoonfuls. Be sure to wipe the steaming wand with a clean, damp cloth immediately after steaming milk.
7. Pour the steamed milk into the cup, using a spoon to hold back the froth. Place a spoon inside the pitcher, with the edge resting right against the rim. Carefully pour the steamed milk into the espresso, using the spoon to hold back the foam.
8. Add one or two spoonfuls of foam on top. Once you have the mug filled to your liking, use the spoon to scoop the foam out of the pitcher. Gently place the foam right on the surface of the latte.
9. Add some garnish, if desired, and serve. Add a sprinkle of some cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam. For something sweeter and fancier, add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup instead.

Without Using an Espresso Machine

1. Add 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of instant coffee or instant espresso into a large mug. If you don't like instant coffee or instant espresso, brew some espresso-blend coffee in your coffee maker instead. Use twice the amount of grinds you'd normally use.
2. Pour ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of boiling water into the mug, and stir. This will make 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of "espresso."
3. Stir in the vanilla syrup. How much vanilla you use is up to you. Start with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) if this is your first time making a latte, then add more as needed.
4. Fill a jar with 6 ounces (180 milliliters) of milk. The jar needs to be large enough so that it's only halfway filled after you add the milk. You will need the extra space for the foam.
5. Close the jar, and shake it for 30 to 60 seconds. You will see some foamy bubbles appear in the milk. Your foam is not quite ready to use yet, however; you still need to "stabilize" it.
   • You can also use a hand frother instead. Fill the frother with milk, and microwave it (lidless) for 30 seconds. Put the lid back on the frother, and pump it until the milk starts to foam. Scoop the foam onto the latte immediately.
6. Open the jar, and microwave it for 30 seconds. The heat will help solidify the foam. Do not microwave the jar with the lid on, or you may ruin your microwave.
7. Pour the milk into the latte, using a spoon to hold the foam back. Hold the jar with an oven mitt or a potholder to protect your hand. Place a spoon inside the mouth of the jar, with the edge resting against the rim. Carefully pour the milk into the mug.
8. Scoop the foam out of the jar with a spoon and onto the latte. Work quickly, as the foam will dissolve fast.
9. Add some garnish, if desired, and serve. Add a sprinkle of some cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam. For something sweeter and fancier, add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup instead.

Making an Iced Latte

1. Add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vanilla syrup into a 16-ounce (475 milliliter) glass. If you'd like a sweeter vanilla latte, use a little bit more syrup. If you'd like a less-sweet vanilla latte, use less vanilla syrup.
2. Pour in 10 ounces (300 milliliters) of cold milk. Because you are making an iced latte, you do not need to steam the milk.
3. Add 1½ ounces (45 milliliters) of espresso into the glass. For a stronger iced latte, use 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of espresso. You can brew the espresso using an espresso machine. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew some extra strong coffee using a coffee maker, or an instant coffee.
4. Stir well using a long-handled spoon. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the glass with the spoon so that the syrup mixes evenly into the latte.
5. Add some ice. How much ice you use is up to you. If you like your iced lattes extra cold, fill the glass the rest of the way with ice. If you like your iced lattes lightly-iced, then add in only a few ice cubes.
6. Top off with some whipped cream, if desired, and serve with a straw. For an extra fancy iced latte, drizzle some chocolate or caramel syrup on top.

Tips

• You can use more or less milk, depending on your personal preferences.
• No vanilla syrup? No problem. Try ½ to 1 teaspoon (1.5 to 5 milliliters) of vanilla extract instead.
• Most lattes are made with whole or 2% milk
• Use skim milk to make a "skinny latte."
• Use half-and-half to make a rich, "breve."
• If you are lactose intolerant, try soy milk instead.
• Add some vanilla flavored creamer to your milk before you steam it.
• For the best taste, grind the espresso beans just before brewing them.
• Add a garnish, such as whipped cream, chocolate flakes, or caramel sauce.

Things You'll Need

Using an Espresso Machine

• Mug
• Espresso machine
• Spoon

Without Using an Espresso Machine

• Mug
• Jar or hand frother
• Microwave
• Spoon

Making an Iced Latte

• Tall glass
• Espresso machine (optional)

Related Articles

• Make an Iced Latte
• Make a Mocha Coffee Drink
• Make a Coffee Spritzer
• Make Pumpkin Flavored Coffee

Sources and Citations

See also

• Make a Corretto (Espresso Corretto)
• Make a Doppio (Espresso Coffee)
• Make Espresso Freddo
• Make an Espresso (Espresso Machine Coffee)
• Make a Ristretto (Espresso Coffee)
• Make a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
• Make a Cappuccino
• Make Latte Art
• Make Chai Latte
• Make a Caffe Mocha

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What links here

• Be an Espresso Aficionado
• Make an Iced Latte