There’s nothing quite like a well-made latte— the perfect balance between rich espresso and perfectly sweet, steamed milk.  For many of us, that experience feels reserved for cafes with trained baristas. But the truth is, a delicious latte is completely within reach at home! With today’s home espresso machines, quality ingredients and a little technique can turn your kitchen into your favorite coffee shop.

Sam, Jim's Organic Coffee's Coffee Quality Specialist, shares her tips and tricks for making better lattes at home…

       1. Start With Fresh, Quality Coffee Beans: Great lattes begin with great espresso. Freshly roasted, quality beans are crucial! Look for beans that are 5-14 days post roast and store them in an airtight container away from light and heat. Stale beans can lead to flat and bitter espresso. We recommend our Espresso Jimbo. 

          2. Grind Just Before Brewing: Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Buying your coffee whole bean and grinding fresh helps preserve flavor and aroma. A high-quality burr grinder is ideal, as it produces a consistent grind that helps ensure an even extraction.

           3. Dial In Your Espresso Shots: A balanced espresso shot is the foundation of a good latte. Pay attention to dose, grind size, and extraction time. We recommend using 18 g of finely ground coffee for a double shot (2 Fl oz) and aim for a 20-30 second brew time. Make small adjustments and taste until you find what you like best.

      4. Use Filtered Water: Espresso is mostly water, so water quality matters! Filtered water improves taste and protects your machine from mineral buildup. Avoid using distilled water, which isn’t ideal for espresso machines and can lead to flat flavor.

      5. Choose the Right Milk: Whole milk is a favorite for lattes as it produces a rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness. That said, oat milk and other barista series milk alternatives can work well when properly steamed. Experiment to find what best suits your taste!

      6.  Master Milk Steaming: Silky microfoam is what separates a good latte from a great one. Keep the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and start introducing air, then submerge it and keep a vortex motion going to create a smooth, glossy texture.

      7. Pay Attention to Milk Temperature: Overheated milk can taste burnt and ruin texture. The ideal milk temperature is between 140°-155°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, stop steaming when the pitcher becomes too hot to comfortably hold.

          8. Preheat Everything: Cold portafilters and mugs can quickly lower your drinks temperature. Run hot water through your machine, warm your mug, and ensure the portafilter is up to temperature before brewing. These small steps help maintain consistency and improve the final result.

          9. Keep Your Equipment Clean: Keeping your equipment clean is crucial for better-tasting coffee. Follow the maintenance schedule found in the user manual to prevent bitter and rancid flavors due to the buildup of old coffee oils.

       10. Experiment and Adjust: Taste is personal. Try different ratios and milk types to find what you like best. Small tweaks can make a big difference, and part of the fun is discovering your perfect latte!