How to Make a Latte at Home

You need two things: something concentrated enough to taste like espresso and steamed or frothed milk. A moka pot, AeroPress on a fine grind, or actual espresso machine all work for the coffee part. A handheld milk frother or a jar with a lid works for the milk.

Total time is about 5 minutes. The result is not identical to a cafe latte, but it is a decent facsimile that costs about 50 cents per cup.

The moka pot is the best sub-$50 espresso alternative

A Bialetti moka pot runs 9 to 20 dollars depending on size. It produces a concentrated coffee that is not technically espresso (it brews at about 2 bars of pressure, not 9), but it is strong enough to hold up against milk in a latte. Fill the bottom chamber with water to below the valve, fill the basket with medium-fine ground coffee, and heat on medium-low until you hear a gurgling sound. That is it.

"A moka pot costs $15. A handheld frother costs $10. A latte habit adds up to about $1,800 a year at a cafe. The math is not complicated."

Steaming milk without a steam wand

Heat milk in a small saucepan to about 60 degrees Celsius, around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not boil it. Then use a handheld frother (an electric whisk that costs about $10) to create foam. Move the frother up and down and in circles for about 30 seconds. The milk should double in volume with a light, airy foam.

Alternatively, shake heated milk vigorously in a sealed jar for 30 seconds. The foam is not as fine but it works.

The assembly

Pour the concentrated coffee into the bottom of a mug. Pour the steamed milk in slowly, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the remaining foam on top. That is a latte.

Use high-quality beans for the best results at home. Beans from roasters like Counter Culture Coffee or sourced from specialty shops in Denver and Chicago make a noticeable difference over grocery store blends.

Related: What is a latte?, Oat milk vs almond milk, Make cold brew at home.