How to Froth Milk for Your Coffee Drinks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Frothing milk requires a little bit of practice, but if you’ve ever ordered a cappuccino or latte from a coffee shop, then you likely already know a thing or two about frothy milk. While these popular espresso-based coffee drinks are delicious, they also come with a higher price tag due to the barista’s skill and time. Learning how to froth milk at home not only saves money, but with practice, can result in drinks that taste just as good, if not better, than those you’d find at a coffee shop. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to froth milk for popular espresso drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes.

The first step to frothing milk is to warm the milk. It should be hot but not boiling, so ideally a thermometer should be used to check the temperature. Heat the milk in a saucepan or in the microwave until it reaches 145°F (63°C) before transferring it to the pitcher that is used for steaming.

Next, make sure that your steam wand is submerged halfway into the milk, as this is the most effective way to froth the milk. Once the wand has been inserted, turn it on to begin the frothing process. This should create an introduction of a whirlpool-like motion in the center of the pitcher, which will help create microfoam. The key to creating this microfoam is to keep the tip of the wand submerged so that air is forced into the milk, creating risk bubbles. Once a layer of microfoam has been created, the tip of the wand can be moved up and down to create more foam until the desired texture is reached.

To finish your drink, it’s important to remember the ingredients. For cappuccinos, mix one-third espresso to two-thirds steamed milk. Add a layer of microfoam to the top of the drink and finish with chocolate powder, cinnamon or other desired toppings. To create a latte, mix equal parts espresso and steamed milk and again top with a layer of microfoam. Now, with a few simple steps, you can make your favorite coffee drinks at home!