Skip Starbucks: How To Make Barista-Level Lattes Without Leaving Your Kitchen

Great coffee can make any morning better. When you take that first sip from your favorite cafe, the rich flavors are unlike anything you have at home — unless you level up your latte skills. Use some leading strategies to make coffee with the same steps as a professional barista. You’ll save time and money with practice.

Your everyday coffee machine is the first thing that needs to change if you want cafe-worthy java. Professional machines have nine bars of internal pressure to extract espresso from your chosen grounds. A better model could also have additional features, such as an iced latte setting. You’ll maximize your morning caffeine options by using a machine that would make any barista swoon.

Getting the same milk at the grocery store will produce the same coffee flavors. Try getting the dairy used in your typical order instead. Baristas often use plant-based milk because there are five kinds to choose from, and they don’t upset lactose-intolerant digestive systems. See if the different creamy textures change how you experience your morning cup of java. They could 

Time changes your coffee grounds, even in an airtight container. Fresh grounds have less bitterness and stronger aromas because they haven’t been sitting on a grocery store shelf going stale. You’ll get better results by grinding whole beans in your kitchen.

You could also save money on whole beans. Manufacturers charge less for whole beans because they don’t have to grind them. Making fresh grounds could transform your java if you have a few minutes in the mornings.

Eating high-protein foods provides morning energy through macronutrients and micronutrients, but you can boost your morning energy with ground beans. Make the process easier by getting a burr grinder. The device crushes beans with two 85 millimeter burrs that produce professional particle size distribution results. A blade grinder will also powder your beans, but you may see chunks among your grounds.

Look at your latte the next time you place an order. You might see or taste velvety microfoam if the menu item comes with milk. Baristas create that effect with a milk frother. You could do the same by using a confined-jet milk frother at home. The model infuses the milk with air, creating the foamy texture that turns any latte into a luxury.

You might even improve your counter’s vibe by keeping your frother on a decorative tray next to the coffee machine. Upgrade your kitchen’s aesthetic and tools to complete your morning routine’s transformation.

Water has to soak your coffee grounds to produce any delicious caffeinated liquid in your favorite mugs. Tamping streamlines that process. Baristas tamp grounds to compress them into a puck without any extra space for water to trickle through. Find one without a curved bottom, as that harms any results.

Check your coffee machine’s manual for maintenance tips. You might have to descale it to remove internal mineral buildup that changes your java’s flavor. Schedule reminders to complete that cleaning on time. You’ll keep your machine in top condition, prevent it from running slower and avoid replacing the entire machine due to misuse.

Foam art is half the reason why people buy professional coffee. You can recreate your favorite brews at home by shaking your filled mug at specific times. Watch YouTube videos to work through the specifics of a design. The ripples create lines for whatever you want to make with the foam. Have fun practicing, and you’ll develop barista skills that dazzle anyone asking for some hot java at your house.

You don’t need to leave home for an incredible mocha, latte or espresso. Make professional brews in your kitchen by upgrading your supplies and techniques. You’ll develop more coffee confidence as you practice. Frothing your milk, grinding beans and cleaning your machine are a few ways to start your next culinary journey.