Any secrets or tricks to making an extra special latte?

Question

I have a home espresso machine, and I make a pretty good latte, but they're not superb. I want, OH MY GOSH.....THIS IS SOOO GOOD!! Am I asking too much? There have to be some tricks to making an awesome latte. Do you mind sharing secrets? Thanks! :)

Answer 1

if your home machine has a steaming wand, the angle of the wand is important to the texture of the steamed milk. you want to make sure to have the nozzle just below the surface to create a "whirlpool" effect to heat and steam evenly. this will give you better volume and higher, denser foam. a thicker foam with smaller bubbles will give you better flavor as well as texture.

Answer 2

You're going to have a hard time getting a GREAT latte out of a home machine. The problem with them is they may not get the water to brew your espresso hot enough.
But, if you get some excellent espresso beans you may have a chance. What I man by excellent is: fresh. Roasted beans start to stale about a week after roasting, after that flavor begins to be lost and its all downhill from there. You will have to look for a way to get the freshest espresso beans possible. You may have to buy them over the Internet. Key word being "fresh roasted" if they can't give you a "roasted on" date, don't waste your time.
Another important thing is the grind. Don't grind your beans until right before you brew, because after you grind them, the flavor begins to be lost.. The grinds should be extra-fine, powdery-looking. Keep your beans and grinds sealed in an airtight container.
There is some argument over if its okay to put grinds in the freezer. I say no because it lets moisture in and doesn't help to keep the flavor fresh at all.
Last, you're going to want to use a good milk. Lattes are usually done with whole milk (richer flavor) buy really this is a matter of preference. I think organic milk makes a better latte but really what counts is again, freshness. Keep your milk cold up until before you steam it. The way to know when the milk is hot enough is different for people. I know it by sound, some people use thermometers, others by touch. You want your milk hot but not scorched. It may take some practice to get it just right, but you'll get it.

Answer 3

Don't deny your loved ones and friends the experience of a good latte. It's never too early to start. Put it in the baby's sippy cup, get her started out right. It would be tragic if people did not get to experience the joy of a latte, even if it's not your best work.

After all, you know what they say: Better latte than never.

Answer 4

three ideas.

Buy premium coffee beans in a super dark "espresso" roast.

Get your own grinder and grind only what you are about to use right now.

Use nonfat milk. The nonfat will foam more than other types and will add far fewer calories to the drink.

Hope this helps...

Answer 5

Make sure you are using the highest quality coffee to start with. Also make sure your expresso machine is clean, clean, clean! For added flavour I like to add just a teeny bit of natural vanilla extract to the finished product, it seems to add an extra layer of yummy flavour.