We explain the difference
Espresso coffee is a small 1 to 2 oz. shot of pressure-brewed coffee using between 6.5 and 7.5 grams (about 1 Tablespoon) of finely ground coffee. Brewing takes about 25 to 30 seconds. Properly brewed, an espresso will feature a layer of rich dark golden cream, called crema on the surface. This crema is one indictor of a quality espresso. Making a great espresso is truly an art as well as a science.
Drinking an espresso coffee can also be an art. In an Italian café, you might witness patrons breathing in the aroma as they hold the cup and saucer, and then drinking the entire beverage in 3 or 4 quick gulps. The ritual is finished by firmly but gently tapping the cup back onto the saucer.
Adding sugar to the espresso is an accepted practice in Italy, and there is no shame in adding sugar to your beverage. But a truly great espresso is a joy to drink without any additives. You can then taste and appreciate the essence of the espresso more completely.
The first part of the process of how to make a latte is making a great espresso. And the first step to this is grinding your espresso beans properly. If you don’t grind them enough, your grounds will be too coarse. The end result will be espresso that is thin and weak. On the other hand, if you grind your espresso beans too much, your grinds will be too fine. Your espresso will then be bitter. Why even bother with a grinder, you ask? Grinding your own espresso beans, using a special espresso grinder or burr grinder, is only recommended by all the espresso experts in the know!
Once you have properly ground espresso beans, get your machine going. It should take 15 to 20 seconds to brew if you have a good pump. When it comes out, the espresso should have a darkish-brown foam on top, which is called crema by people who know how to make a latte. Make sure to stop the whole process once the liquid flowing out of the machine becomes whitish-brown. This stuff will ruin your latte. Forcing more water through the grounds at this point will only give your drink a bitter taste.
Once you have your one to one and a half fluid ounces of espresso, it’s time to froth and heat the milk. You could heat the milk in a microwave or by stirring it in a pan on top of your stove. However, if you really want to learn how to make a latte, then you must do it as the pros do it. This means using the steam heating tools on an espresso machine. They work better than any other method when it comes to efficiency, speed, texture, and taste.
