You can repeat them at home if you wish.
The classic latte can be enhanced and modernized with the addition of unique ingredients. Baristas across the globe are always creating new renditions, some of which become wildly popular! In this article we have compiled three such authors' lattes, detailing their origin stories and providing instructions for how to make them at home.
The history of latte and its classic recipe
Since 1867, Latte has been a staple for coffee lovers. As first mentioned by Englishman William Dean Howells in his essay “Italian Travels”, it initially served as a less potent alternative to cappuccino. By the middle of the 20th century, its popularity had skyrocketed with cafes around America and beyond offering this refreshing espresso-based milk drink on their menus. Interestingly enough, one of the first individuals to introduce it outside Italy was Lino Meiorina - an Italian immigrant and owner of Mediterraneum bar in Berkeley, California!
For those who desire a milder coffee experience, the lightly sweet and creamy taste of a latte could be the perfect fit. To make this delightful beverage, start by preparing an espresso before adding delectable milk foam made with pasteurized milk with 2.2% to 3.2% fat content into your cup - all while keeping an eye on its temperature! Aim for between 60-65°C: if it's too cold, you won't get that delicious light froth, and above 65°C will cause proteins to break down which may alter the flavor of your drink. Finally pour in that freshly whipped milky goodness over top of your espresso for one exquisite concoction!
The flavor profiles of coffee and milk are accentuated when paired with spices, nuts, and even some veggies. Spanish latte, spicy pumpkin latte, pistachio latte—these unique drinks make for a delightful experience that tantalizes the taste buds!
Spanish latte
The famed Spanish Latte has become a treasured favorite in the UAE, and accounts for half of all drinks purchased! Its unique combination of espresso, condensed milk, and regular milk creates an indulgent treat like no other. While its exact origins are uncertain - with many speculating it first appeared on menus in Madrid - one thing is certain: this delightful beverage promises to bring delight to any palate.
Spanish latte is popular in the Middle East and North Africa. There they prefer to drink it with ice ©unsplash.com
Spanish Latte is much like Vietnamese Coffee - a robust and pleasant beverage with an energizing flavor. However, the added serving of milk makes its taste smoother and slightly milder than its cousin. This drink is created using espresso combined with condensed milk, which may or may not be topped off with a few ice cubes!
The Spanish Latte has been an undeniable force in the burgeoning success of third-wave coffeehouses in Saudi Arabia. Utilizing specialty coffee to craft this beverage brings "something new" for those looking for a unique experience, experts say. This cold latte is perfect as an entryway into the world of specialty drinks - particularly amongst younger customers. Maria Pavani from Ally Coffee's Middle East and North African division, stresses just how essential this drink is for local industry growth!: “I think it helps the specialty coffee community get people who don't like black coffee, especially in regions where sugary drinks are popular.
For any cafe to be successful, it must serve quality coffee with exceptional flavor characteristics - the key component of the Spanish Latte. Specialty beans are gaining greater popularity within UAE establishments as more drinks that use this ingredient become available in their menu offerings, driving up interest among customers and significantly growing demand for specialty coffee throughout the region. This is great news for all those involved in the supply chain!
If you're looking for a new way to get your daily coffee fix, why not try making an energizing Spanish Latte at home? To begin, make a double espresso or half cup of intensely flavorsome coffee using any geyser-style brewer. Place 1 ½ tsp of condensed milk into the bottom of your mug before adding in the brewed espresso and 80 - 100mls of pre-frothed milk (or chilled milk if wanting it cold). Top with some ice cubes and enjoy!
Pumpkin latte
As the pumpkin is often associated with Halloween and autumn in many English-speaking countries, it's no surprise that Pumpkin Latte has become a popular beverage during this season.
When the settlers initially colonized North America, pumpkin was a foreign product to them. Over time, however, they integrated it into their cuisine - particularly in delectable pumpkin pies! This classic blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with the main ingredient creates an inviting flavor that is warmingly festive. Therefore making Pumpkin Pie one of the most beloved treats during this special season!
In 2003, Starbucks employee Peter Duke revolutionized the coffee world with his innovative pumpkin spice latte. Infusing a rich mixture of pumpkin spice sauce, cinnamon, and cloves into an espresso-based beverage and garnishing it with whipped cream was enough to immediately capture the hearts (and stomachs) of North Americans and Canadians alike! More recently, other baristas around the globe have jumped on board by adding their unique twists to this original recipe – incorporating different spices or toppings for added flavor.
Pumpkin spiced latte is one of the most popular seasonal coffee drinks, perhaps due to its association with Halloween. ©unsplash.com
Starbucks has made an astounding $1.4 billion since the inception of its signature pumpkin latte twelve years ago, and to date, more than 200 million servings have been purchased!
Pavement Coffee House takes its pumpkin latte to the next level by crafting homemade vegan pumpkin syrup with spices and fresh ginger, taking it beyond simply using pre-made syrups or signature pumpkin purees.
Home baristas, rejoice! You can make a delicious pumpkin latte in the comfort of your own kitchen. To start, you'll need one serving of espresso, 25 grams of boiled pumpkin pieces, a glass of milk, and flavorful spices like cinnamon, nutmeg cardamom chili, and saffron. Simply combine the ingredients by adding the pumpkin to the milk then boiling it while stirring until smooth. Once everything is fully incorporated add some whipped cream for decoration if desired - just like that you've made yourself an autumnal dream come true!
The sweet mixture of espresso, milk, and spices is a comforting warmth that explains why a spiced pumpkin latte has become one of Fall's most beloved beverages.
Pistachio latte
Introducing the Pistachio Latte, an invigorating concoction crafted with natural nut paste and unveiled by Starbucks in 2019. A "nutritious" high-calorie beverage best enjoyed during colder months, you'll find it often on the menu of your favorite coffeehouses!
Starbucks was so energized by the triumph of their hazelnut drink that they looked to Italian delicacies for fresh recipes. The widespread usage of pistachios in Italian desserts and ice cream inspired them, as well as its popularity amongst Middle Eastern cuisines - with Iran being a major supplier these days. This allowed Starbucks to explore flavors from another part of the world and it paid off!
Originating in the markets of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the Starbucks pistachio latte has now conquered every coffee corner of our planet.
Pistachio syrup stains cold milk but does not affect the color of a hot drink. ©perfectdailygrind.com
Whether you're at Starbucks or Jolt Coffee, the pistachio latte has a unique flavor. At London's favorite coffee spot, this sweet and nutty drink is made from double espresso with milk and their signature blend of condensed milk and pistachios. Louisette Castel from Jolt describes it as menthol-caramel-like in taste - delicious! The beans used for this particular beverage are sourced directly from El Salvador or a mix of El Salvadorian and Costa Rican varieties for an even more exquisite experience.
The delicious flavors of the pistachio latte pair perfectly with coffee varieties that have strong notes of sweetness, chocolate, and caramel. For example, those from Central and South America make for the perfect complement to this delightful beverage!
For an unforgettable homemade pistachio latte, the first step is to make your own nut butter. Wash and peel the pistachios before roasting them in a skillet or baking them in the oven. Once they are finished, grind them until you have a fine paste that can be stored for up to six months. Time to assemble this delicious beverage! Place some of the freshly made nuts paste into your mug followed by espresso shots and steamed milk of choice -- top it off with chopped nuts if desired. Enjoy!
Summary
Latte lovers everywhere know that the possibilities are endless with this scrumptious beverage! The neutral flavor of the latte provides a delightful backdrop for you to experiment with different additives. If you want something classic and comforting, try making a traditional latte, it will fill your mouth with milky goodness. For an exciting twist, consider adding some nuts, spices, or even vegetables - the sky is truly the limit when it comes to luscious lattes. Some recipes become instant classics while others may not make it through more than one season –which is your favorite?