☕ Espresso Drinks 101
Latte Recipe: Hot or Iced, Made at Home
A latte is espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam — the generous milk is what makes it the creamiest and most mellow of the espresso drinks. A typical latte runs one part espresso to three or four parts steamed milk, which softens the espresso's intensity way more than a cappuccino's foam-forward ratio does. Built here with All Jacked Up Espresso Blend, hot or iced.
Want the full ratio breakdown? This recipe is part of our Espresso Drinks 101 guide — see how it compares to a latte, cortado, flat white, and everything else at the espresso counter.

Yield
1 Serving
Time
5 Minutes
Vibe
Brain Fuel
The Coffee That Makes This Work
All Jacked Up Espresso Blend holds its own even under three to four parts milk, which is where thinner espresso blends disappear entirely. This one still reads as coffee under all that steamed milk instead of turning into flavored milk. You could use another espresso — but this is the one the recipe was built around.
Shop All Jacked Up Espresso Blend →Available in whole bean and espresso grind — no decaf on this one. Fresh roasted to order, every time.
What You Need (Hot Latte)
- Shot of espresso (about 1.5–2 oz.), All Jacked Up Espresso Blend
- 6–8 oz. whole milk
- 1–2 Tbsp syrup of choice, optional
How to Make It (Hot)
- Pull a shot of espresso into a 12 oz. cup, over your syrup of choice if using.
- Fill a milk pitcher with cold milk. Submerge the steam wand tip just below the surface and create a gentle whirlpool — you want silky microfoam, not stiff bubbles. (Using a handheld frother instead? Warm the milk first, then froth the same way.) Our full milk frothing guide covers the whirlpool technique in more detail if you want it.
- Pour the steamed milk slowly into the espresso, letting it blend as you go, finishing with a thin layer of foam on top. This is where latte art happens if you want to try it — a simple finish works just as well.
Prefer It Iced?
An iced latte skips the steaming entirely — just espresso, cold milk, and ice.
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso, or use 4 oz. strong brewed or cold brewed coffee. A flavored coffee makes this version extra indulgent if that's the mood — our Liquid Dessert lineup is a good place to look.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour cold milk over the ice, leaving room for the espresso.
- Add the espresso on top and stir to combine.
If you're adding flavored syrup, stir it into the espresso before pouring over ice — mixing it in while the espresso's still hot helps it dissolve evenly.
Want the fancy layered look from a coffee shop? Add the syrup, then the milk, then the espresso — let it sit for the photo, then stir before your first sip.
Latte FAQ
What is a latte?
A latte is an espresso drink made with a generous amount of steamed milk and just a thin layer of foam on top — roughly one part espresso to three or four parts milk. It's the mellowest and creamiest of the espresso-based drinks.
What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
Ratio. A latte uses more milk and less foam, which softens the espresso flavor. A cappuccino uses roughly equal thirds of espresso, milk, and foam, so the espresso comes through more strongly.
How do I make an iced latte?
Skip the steaming — pour cold milk over ice, then add a fresh espresso shot (or strong brewed/cold brewed coffee) on top and stir. No frother needed for the iced version.
Can I use flavored coffee instead of espresso for an iced latte?
Yes — a strong brewed or cold brewed flavored coffee works well in place of the espresso shot for a more indulgent iced version.
Do I need a steam wand to make a good latte?
No — a handheld frother works, you'll just warm the milk first, then froth. The foam won't be quite as fine as steam wand microfoam, but the drink still comes together the same way.
Made this one? All Jacked Up Espresso Blend is available whole bean and espresso grind, fresh roasted to order — no decaf on this one, so grab regular.
More recipes like this one are at The Menu.