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Various espresso drinks displayed on a counter

Classic Home Espresso Drinks

Learn how to prepare classic espresso-based drinks like Americano, Latte, and Cappuccino right in your own kitchen with this detailed recipe.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Espresso
  • 18-20 grams fresh coffee beans medium-dark roast recommended
Milk & Water
  • Cold milk dairy or non-dairy, as needed
  • Hot water just off the boil, as needed
Optional Garnishes
  • Syrups
  • chocolate sauce
  • cinnamon
  • cocoa powder

Equipment

  • Espresso Machine
  • Coffee Grinder
  • Portafilter
  • Tamper
  • Espresso Cup
  • Mug
  • Milk Pitcher
  • Steam Wand

Method
 

Prepare Espresso Shot (The Foundation)
  1. Grind 18-20 grams of fresh coffee beans finely, then place them evenly in the portafilter and tamp firmly.
  2. Lock the portafilter into the machine, place a pre-heated espresso cup underneath, and start the brew.
  3. Aim for 1.5-2 ounces of espresso with a rich crema in 25-30 seconds, adjusting grind size as needed.
Make an Americano
  1. Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a mug.
  2. Heat 4-6 ounces of hot water, then pour it over the espresso, stir, and serve.
Make a Latte
  1. Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a mug.
  2. Fill a milk pitcher with cold milk and steam it by first stretching to incorporate air, then submerging the wand deeper to texture until hot.
  3. Swirl the steamed milk gently and pour steadily into the mug with the espresso.
Make a Cappuccino
  1. Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a mug.
  2. Steam milk as for a latte, but stretch it longer to create more foam before texturing.
  3. Swirl the steamed milk, pour the liquid milk first, then spoon over the foam for the classic cap.
  4. Optionally garnish with cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Notes

Adjust quantities of milk and water to taste. For best results, use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and pre-heat all equipment.