How to Make a Latte With an Espresso Machine

On this page (8 sections)

1. What do you need to make a latte with an espresso machine?
2. How do you make a latte step by step?
3. How do you pull espresso for a latte?
4. How do you steam milk for a latte?
5. Which espresso machines can help with lattes?
6. How do you pour milk into espresso?
7. What should you do after steaming milk?
8. How can you make a better latte next time?

To make a latte with an espresso machine, pull espresso, steam milk until smooth and lightly foamed, then pour the milk into the espresso. Use the machine’s directions for shot size and steam-wand setup.

A latte is espresso combined with steamed milk and a small cap of foam. The exact balance is flexible, so start with one or two shots and adjust the milk to suit your cup and taste.

What do you need to make a latte with an espresso machine?

You need espresso, cold milk, a clean cup, and a machine that can heat or steam milk. A steam wand gives you control over the milk texture; an automatic frother can handle the process for you.

For a manual machine, gather the portafilter, basket, ground coffee, and tamper. Use the basket that matches your intended shot, and follow your machine’s directions for filling and locking the portafilter.

A milk pitcher gives you room to swirl the milk and pour it into the cup. The De'Longhi jug holds 350 ml and has a pour spout.

Choose a pitcher that leaves space for milk to expand as you steam it. Don't fill it to the rim, and check your machine’s guidance for a suitable starting amount.

How do you make a latte step by step?

Pull the espresso first, steam the milk, then pour the milk into the coffee. This order gives you time to focus on each part and avoids letting the finished drink sit while you prepare the other.

1. Warm your cup if your machine’s instructions allow it.
2. Prepare and brew one or two espresso shots.
3. Pour cold milk into a pitcher, leaving room for expansion.
4. Purge and position the steam wand as directed by the machine maker.
5. Steam the milk until it is warm and evenly textured.
6. Swirl the pitcher, then pour milk into the espresso.

If your machine requires milk steaming before brewing, follow that sequence instead. Some machines also need a cool-down or rinse step between functions.

For help making the espresso taste balanced, see how to dial in espresso on a home machine. If the shot tastes sharp or sour, try the steps in why espresso can taste sour.

How do you pull espresso for a latte?

Use a shot size that suits your cup and preferred coffee strength. A double shot gives a stronger coffee flavor in a larger latte, while a single shot makes a gentler drink.

Use fresh coffee and grind it for espresso if your machine takes whole beans or freshly ground coffee. Prepare the puck as your machine instructs, then start the brew and stop it according to the machine’s shot setting or manual.

Don't judge a shot by time alone. The grind, dose, basket, and machine all affect flow; our guide to how long an espresso shot should take explains why timing is only one clue.

What if the espresso tastes sour or bitter?

A sour shot can point to an extraction that needs adjustment, while a bitter shot can have different causes. Change one brewing variable at a time so you can tell what helped.

Start with grind size and the amount of coffee, then check that the puck is level and evenly prepared. For a step-by-step process, read how to dial in espresso.

How do you steam milk for a latte?

Steam cold milk until it is warm, glossy, and finely textured, with a thin layer of foam. Keep the wand tip near the milk’s surface at first to add air, then lower it slightly to create a smooth swirl.

The exact wand position varies by machine, so follow its instructions. Keep the pitcher stable and your hand clear of hot metal and steam.

Stop steaming before the milk gets too hot to handle comfortably. Swirl the pitcher to combine the liquid milk and foam, and tap it gently on the counter only if large bubbles remain.

For more detail on wand position and milk texture, read how to froth milk for a latte or cappuccino.

Which espresso machines can help with lattes?

Machines with a built-in steam wand or frothing system can handle both parts of a latte. Choose based on how much control you want over espresso and milk, and check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact brewing and steaming sequence.

The CASABREWS CM5418 is a semi-automatic machine with a steam wand, one- and two-cup filters, and a removable 34 oz water tank. Its instructions say to let the machine cool before brewing after frothing milk.

That cool-down step affects your routine if you plan to make several lattes in a row. Read the included instructions before switching from steam to brewing.

The Breville Bambino BES450 has an automatic steam wand with adjustable milk temperature and texture, along with one- and two-cup settings. It includes a milk jug.

Choose this style if you want the machine to manage more of the steaming process. Follow its directions for setting texture and temperature.

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier ES601 combines espresso with a built-in grinder and a hands-free frothing system. It offers preset milk options and manual frothing, giving you a choice between guided operation and more control.

This may suit a kitchen where you want one machine for espresso and other coffee styles. Review the machine’s instructions to choose the froth setting that matches your latte.

How do you pour milk into espresso?

Pour the steamed milk slowly into the center of the espresso, then bring the pitcher closer as the cup fills. A steady pour helps blend the milk and coffee, while a spoon can hold back foam if you want less on top.

Swirl the milk just before pouring so the liquid and foam are combined. If the drink looks too foamy, pour more slowly and keep the spoon near the pitcher’s lip to catch some foam.

Latte art takes practice and isn't needed for a good drink. Focus first on smooth milk and a pour that fills the cup without splashing.

What should you do after steaming milk?

Wipe and purge the steam wand as your machine’s instructions direct. Milk can dry on the wand quickly, so clean it right after use and keep the tip clear.

Empty and rinse the pitcher, then wash it according to its care instructions. Avoid touching hot parts until they have cooled.

How can you make a better latte next time?

A better latte comes from changing one thing at a time: espresso strength, milk amount, or foam texture. Keep the rest of the steps steady so you can learn what suits your taste.

If the coffee flavor is too weak, use a stronger shot or less milk. If the milk feels too foamy, add less air while steaming and swirl the pitcher before pouring.

For a balanced routine, start with a double shot in a medium cup and enough milk to leave a thin foam cap. Adjust from there, and use how to froth milk for a latte to refine the texture.

Frequently asked questions

How much espresso goes in a latte?

A latte usually starts with 1 or 2 espresso shots, depending on your cup size and how strong you want the coffee to taste. Use your machine’s single or double shot setting if it has one, and leave enough room for steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.

What milk is best for a latte?

Use the milk you enjoy drinking; dairy and many plant-based milks can be steamed, though texture varies by type and brand. Keep the milk cold before steaming and stop when it is warm and smooth, with fine bubbles rather than large, dry foam.

Do you steam milk before or after pulling espresso?

On many home machines, pull the espresso first and steam the milk next, since the machine may need time to switch functions or cool after steaming. Follow your machine’s sequence, especially if its instructions warn against brewing right after using the steam wand.

Can you make a latte without a steam wand?

Yes, you can heat milk and froth it with a separate frother, though the texture may differ from milk steamed with a wand. Pour the frothed milk over espresso and use a spoon to hold back excess foam if you want a smoother, less foamy drink.