Luckin Coffee's official website explains the steps for making perfect latte coffee. From coffee beans to milk foam, tips to make you a coffee master

Unveiling the Latte: Definition and Appeal

Latte, derived from the Italian word "Caffè latte", means "coffee and milk". It is a drink made of espresso, hot milk and a small amount of milk foam. The key feature of latte is its unique taste, which perfectly blends the rich coffee flavor with the smooth milk aroma, making this drink have the depth of coffee and the mild milk aroma.

Latte originated in Italy in the 20th century, but in the 1980s, it quickly became popular in the United States and around the world, becoming an important part of coffee culture. Compared with traditional espresso, latte tastes softer and less bitter, suitable for consumers who like coffee but can't accept strong taste.

The biggest difference between latte and other common coffees at Starbucks is the proportion of milk foam. For example, cappuccino has more milk foam, while latte relies more on the smooth taste of hot milk. Unlike the chocolate flavor of mocha coffee, latte retains the original flavor of coffee and milk, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular. It can be used as an everyday drink or as an enjoyment during afternoon tea time.

Due to its mild taste, many people choose to drink latte as a must-have drink to start the day or relax at work. Whether in a cafe or at home, latte can bring you a sense of leisure and satisfaction, which is why it has become one of the most popular coffees in the world.

Choosing the Perfect Coffee Beans: The Key to Flavor and Freshness

When making latte, choosing the right coffee beans is crucial. The taste of latte is not only affected by milk and milk foam, but also closely related to the type and degree of roasting of coffee beans. Generally, coffee beans suitable for latte should have a relatively balanced acidity and rich aroma, and these characteristics often depend on the origin and processing of the beans.

When choosing coffee beans, you should first pay attention to the freshness of the beans. Fresh coffee beans can bring a stronger and richer flavor. Coffee beans are best used within 24 hours after roasting, and excessive storage will cause the flavor to lose. Therefore, try to buy small amounts of freshly roasted coffee beans and use them up within a short period of time.

The degree of roasting is also an important factor affecting the taste of latte. Medium roasted coffee beans are usually the best for latte, as they retain the fruity aroma and acidity of the coffee itself without being too bitter. Lighter roasts have a fresher taste, suitable for coffee lovers who prefer fresh flavors, while dark roasts have a stronger smoky flavor, which is strong but not necessarily suitable for the soft, milky taste of latte.

Finally, when choosing coffee beans for latte, you may want to consider their origin. For example, Arabica beans from Brazil usually have a strong nutty and chocolate flavor, which is very suitable for combining with milk to form a rich taste layer. Beans from Colombia and Guatemala often have moderate acidity and fruity aroma, which can also add a unique flavor to latte.

Precision grinding and the right amount of coffee powder: the secret to controlling the taste

In the process of making latte coffee, the coarseness of the ground beans and the amount of coffee powder used are the key factors affecting the taste. The coarseness of the ground beans directly determines the extraction speed of the coffee, which affects the concentration and flavor of the coffee. For latte, it is usually recommended to use a moderate grinding bean size, which can ensure the rich flavor of the espresso without causing bitterness due to over-extraction.

If the coffee powder is ground too finely, the coffee liquid during the extraction process may be too strong or even have a burnt bitter taste; on the contrary, if the powder is too coarse, it will lead to insufficient extraction and the coffee taste may be weak. When adjusting the coarseness setting of the grinder, you can make fine adjustments according to your taste requirements. If you like a stronger latte, you can choose a slightly finer grind. If you prefer a softer taste, you can adjust the grind to a coarser level.

The amount of ground coffee is also crucial. Generally, 18 to 20 grams of ground coffee is needed to make a cup of latte, depending on the coffee machine used and personal taste. If the amount of ground coffee is too little, the taste of espresso will be too light, affecting the overall flavor of the latte; while too much ground coffee may lead to over-extraction and produce a strong bitter taste. When using a coffee machine, keeping the amount of ground coffee consistent each time is the key to ensuring a stable taste in each cup of coffee.

Therefore, the adjustment of the grinder and the accurate amount of coffee powder can help you make a latte that suits your personal taste. Through constant experimentation and adjustment, you will find the coarseness of the grind and the ratio of the powder that best suits your taste, and easily control every cup of perfect latte.

Mastering Espresso Extraction: The Perfect Balance of Water Temperature, Pressure and Time

In the process of making latte, the extraction of espresso is crucial. The quality of extraction directly affects the taste and concentration of latte. To obtain ideal espresso, you first need to control the three core elements of water temperature, pressure and time during the extraction process.

First of all, water temperature control is very important. The ideal extraction water temperature should be between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius. If the water temperature is too low, the coffee will not be fully extracted, which may result in a bland taste; while if the water temperature is too high, it is easy to make the coffee overly bitter. Therefore, ensuring that the water temperature of the coffee machine is kept in the correct range is the basis for making high-quality espresso.

Secondly, the extraction pressure should not be ignored. The ideal extraction pressure should be 9 bar (about 130 PSI). Too high a pressure will cause the coffee to be over-extracted and produce unnecessary bitterness; while too low a pressure may lead to under-extraction and a light taste. Therefore, ensuring that the coffee machine can stably maintain this pressure range is the key to achieving perfect extraction.

Finally, the extraction time has a direct impact on the taste of the coffee. Generally speaking, the extraction time of espresso should be controlled between 25 and 30 seconds. If the extraction time is too short, the coffee will be too weak; if the time is too long, it may bring too much bitterness and burnt taste. By adjusting the extraction time reasonably, you can ensure that every cup of espresso latte reaches the ideal concentration and flavor.

In summary, mastering the correct water temperature, pressure and extraction time can help you make a perfect cup of espresso and lay a solid foundation for latte. As long as you precisely control these factors, you can easily make every cup of satisfying latte.

The Art of Perfect Milk Foam: Steaming and Frothing Techniques

In the making of latte, the texture of milk foam is very important. The ideal milk foam should be delicate, smooth and rich, which brings a silky and smooth taste to the latte. To achieve this, you first need to master how to use the steam wand correctly to heat the milk and make the perfect milk foam.

Proper posture is essential when using the steam wand. Tilt the steam wand slightly and insert it just below the surface of the milk. Once the steam is activated, slowly move the steam wand over the surface of the milk, creating a swirling vortex. This swirling motion helps to evenly incorporate air into the milk, creating a fine froth. Avoid placing the steam wand too deep, which will result in overheating, or too shallow, which will result in uneven froth.

Temperature control is also the key to making milk foam. The ideal heating temperature should be between 65 and 70 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low, the milk foam will not be fine enough; if the temperature is too high, the protein in the milk will be destroyed, causing the milk foam to lose stability and become rough. In order to ensure the ideal state of the milk foam, it is best to use a thermometer to accurately control the heating process.

When the milk foam is done, tap the milk jug gently and rotate it a few times to remove large bubbles and ensure that the milk foam is more delicate and smooth. The milk foam should be silky smooth with a strong milky aroma and rich taste. If the milk foam does not achieve the desired effect, you can adjust the position of the steam wand and the heating time appropriately, and find the best operation method through continuous experimentation.

By mastering these milk frothing techniques, you’ll be able to create the perfect milk froth for your latte, adding a smoothness and creaminess that will enhance every cup of coffee.

The perfect blend of coffee and milk foam: ideal ratio and sequence control

When making latte, how to perfectly blend espresso and milk foam is the key to determining the taste of coffee. An ideal latte usually consists of one espresso, about two to three times the amount of hot milk and a layer of light milk foam. By adjusting the ratio of coffee and milk foam, not only can the layered taste be enhanced, but also a rich flavor experience can be created.

First of all, the ratio of espresso to hot milk is crucial. Usually, the coffee part of a latte accounts for about 20%, and the milk foam and milk part accounts for about 80%. This ratio ensures that the rich flavor of the coffee will not be masked by too much milk, while maintaining the smoothness and softness of the milk aroma. If you like a stronger latte, you can reduce the amount of milk and increase the proportion of espresso; conversely, if you like a softer taste, you can increase the amount of milk.

When combining, the order of adding milk foam and espresso is also important. It is recommended to pour espresso first, then slowly add hot milk, and finally lightly embellish with a layer of milk foam. This order helps to ensure that the taste of espresso and milk aroma are fully integrated, while making the layers of coffee and milk foam more distinct, increasing the double enjoyment of vision and taste.

When pouring milk foam, if you have the skill of latte art, you can also create beautiful patterns through latte art to add an artistic touch to the coffee. Whether it is a simple heart shape, leaf pattern, or a complex rose shape, the technique of latte art can leave a beautiful mark on the coffee and enhance the overall flavor of the drink.

By mastering the ideal ratio and sequence of coffee and milk foam, you can not only make a latte with a rich taste and distinct layers, but also adjust it according to your personal taste to create the perfect latte that suits you best.

Creative decoration of latte: the charm of latte art and spices

In addition to rich coffee and smooth milk foam, the appearance and flavor of latte can also be enhanced by adding some creative decorations and spices. Whether it is the classic latte art technique or the addition of spices such as cinnamon and cocoa powder, it can bring more personalized elements to latte, making each cup of latte unique.

First of all, latte art is a technique that makes latte coffee more artistic. By controlling the pouring method and flow rate of milk foam, you can create heart-shaped, leaf-shaped and even more complex patterns on the surface of coffee. Latte art not only enhances the visual effect of coffee, but also shows the professional skills of the barista through the layered milk foam, bringing a pleasant visual enjoyment to coffee drinkers. Mastering the latte art technique requires some practice, but once you are proficient, you can make a beautiful and delicious latte.

Secondly, by adding spices, you can make the flavor of latte richer. Common spices such as cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla and cardamom can not only add fragrance, but also give latte a new taste experience. Sprinkling some cinnamon powder can not only bring a warm aroma, but also make the taste of coffee more mellow; while cocoa powder can add a hint of chocolate flavor, making the latte more rich and sweet.

In addition, personalized flavors can be achieved by using different types of milk. Choosing oat milk, almond milk or coconut milk instead of traditional whole milk can not only change the taste, but also adapt to different eating habits and health needs. The addition of each type of milk will bring a unique aroma and taste, adding a new level of depth to your latte.

By adding these creative decorations and innovative flavors, latte is not only more attractive in taste, but also brings a different visual enjoyment to each cup of coffee, making your latte more personalized and a highlight of your coffee time.

Common problems and solutions for making latte coffee

When making latte, many coffee lovers will encounter some common problems, such as the milk foam is not delicate, the coffee tastes too bitter, etc. Understanding these problems and taking corresponding solutions can help you optimize the production process and improve the quality of coffee.

A common problem is that the milk foam is not fine, which is often manifested by large bubbles in the milk foam and a rough texture. The key to solving this problem is to use the steam wand correctly. Make sure the steam wand is inserted below the surface of the milk, tilt the milk jug slightly after starting the steam to create a vortex effect, and keep the steam temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Celsius. With these methods, you can get finer and more uniform milk foam.

Another common problem is that the coffee tastes too bitter. This is usually related to the extraction time of the espresso and the degree of roasting of the coffee beans. If the extraction time is too long or the coffee beans are over-roasted, the taste of the coffee will easily become bitter. To avoid this, make sure the extraction time is between 25 and 30 seconds and choose medium roasted coffee beans, which will retain the aroma of the coffee without over-extracting the bitter taste.

If you find your coffee tastes too weak, you may not have enough espresso or the milk ratio is too high. To make your latte stronger, make sure you use between 18 and 20 grams of espresso powder each time and adjust the milk to coffee ratio according to your personal taste. A higher coffee ratio will increase the richness of the coffee.

By understanding these common problems and their solutions, you can avoid common mistakes when making latte, continuously optimize the production process, and finally enjoy a perfect latte with rich taste and distinct layers.

Becoming a Coffee Master: Summary and Practical Tips

Making a perfect latte is not a one-shot process. It requires mastering several key steps. From choosing the right coffee beans, to precisely controlling the extraction of espresso, to frothing milk and the final combination of coffee and milk foam, each step has an important impact on the taste and appearance of the latte. By carefully adjusting these details, you will be able to make the ideal latte that suits your taste.

First, choosing fresh coffee beans and selecting the right degree of roasting according to your taste preferences can lay a solid foundation for latte coffee. Secondly, accurately controlling the extraction parameters of espresso, including water temperature, pressure and time, these factors will directly determine the strength and taste of the coffee. Next, through the correct steam heating and frothing techniques, silky and delicate milk foam is produced to add a smooth taste to the coffee.

Most importantly, through continuous practice and experimentation, you can adjust the ratio of coffee to milk foam, the fineness of milk foam, and the type of coffee beans according to your personal preferences. The process of making each cup of latte is a journey of exploration. As you master these details, you will gradually form your own "latte recipe".

To become a true coffee master, you need to constantly polish and adjust each link, not be afraid of failure, and have the courage to try new methods. I believe that through unremitting practice, you will be able to make a perfect latte that is both personalized and full of flavor, and become a coffee master in your own kitchen.