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Lattes at Home: What You Actually Need

A latte is just strong coffee plus milk, and the milk does most of the work. You need three things: something to make strong coffee, something to froth milk, and a syrup if you like it sweet. Here are the parts that matter, from easiest to most hands-on.

Step 1: Strong coffee

Espresso is best, but a strong pod coffee makes a good latte too.

Easiest

Nespresso

Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine

Makes single and double espressos from a pod in about 30 seconds of heat-up. The easiest latte base there is.

Good to know: Uses Vertuo pods; start with a variety pack.

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Real espresso

Breville

Barista Express Espresso Machine

Real espresso plus a steam wand, so it covers both the coffee and the milk.

Good to know: Give it a week of practice, and measure your counter first.

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Step 2: Frothed milk

This is what makes it a latte. Pick one.

Cheap and quick

Zulay Kitchen

Handheld Milk Frother Wand

Froths warm or cold milk in seconds. Great for iced lattes and cold foam.

Good to know: Warm the milk first for a hot latte.

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Hands-off

Nespresso

Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother

Heats and froths milk at the press of a button, hot or cold foam, and it rinses clean.

Good to know: Makes enough for one or two drinks at a time.

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Step 3: Flavor and cups

Optional, but this is what makes it taste like the coffee shop.

Torani

Café Syrup Variety Pack

Try a few classic flavors before buying big bottles.

Good to know: Once you have a favorite, a full-size bottle is better value.

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Torani

Dessert & Drink Sauce Variety Pack

Chocolate and caramel for mochas and caramel lattes.

Good to know: Start with one squeeze and add to taste.

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Mfacoy

Glass Coffee Mugs (Set of 4, 15 oz)

Clear glass shows off the layers, and 15 oz fits a big latte.

Good to know: Hold it by the handle with hot drinks.

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NETANY

Glass Cups with Bamboo Lids and Straws (4)

The iced-latte cup: lid and glass straw included.

Good to know: The included brush gets the straws clean in seconds.

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How to make one

  1. Hot latte. Brew a double shot or a strong pod. Warm about 6 oz of milk and froth it until it doubles. Pour the milk into the coffee, holding the foam back with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
  2. Iced latte. Fill a glass with ice, add milk (and syrup if you like), then pour the coffee over the top. No frothing needed.
  3. Cold foam. Froth cold milk with a pump of syrup until it's thick, and spoon it over iced coffee.