How To Dose Your Espresso Shot For The Perfect Café Latte

A café latte, known for its harmonious blend of espresso and steamed milk, is a popular coffee beverage enjoyed by many. Achieving the desired strength and flavor balance in a café latte is essential for a satisfying coffee experience.

This article explores the impact of adjusting the amount of coffee grounds in the espresso shot on the strength and taste of a café latte.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

Flavor Consequences of Underdosing: Underdosing or incorrectly dosing espresso can lead to a café latte with a flavor profile that is weak, diluted, and imbalanced. It may even result in a sour and bad taste, diminishing the overall latte experience.

Balanced Espresso is Key: To savor a delightful café latte, it’s essential to maintain a balanced espresso shot using the recommended coffee-to-water ratio. This preserves the coffee’s complexity and ensures it contributes positively to the latte’s taste.

Experimentation for Preference: For those seeking a milder latte, adjusting milk proportions rather than reducing coffee grounds is advisable. This customization allows you to fine-tune the flavor while avoiding the undesirable sour and bad taste associated with underdosing.

Understanding Your Café Latte

A café latte, often referred to simply as a latte, is a coffee-based drink composed of two main components: espresso and steamed milk. The espresso shot plays a pivotal role in defining the strength and flavor profile of the latte.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio in Espresso

In espresso preparation, the coffee-to-water ratio is a critical factor influencing the strength and concentration of the resulting espresso shot. The amount of coffee grounds used relative to the water determines the brew’s intensity.

Impact of Reducing Coffee Grounds

Reducing the amount of coffee grounds, such as using 9-10 grams for a double shot instead of the typical 18-20 grams, can lead to several noticeable effects:

1. Weaker Espresso: The lower coffee-to-water ratio produces a weaker espresso shot with a milder flavor, lacking the robust coffee taste associated with a well-prepared café latte.
2. Shorter Extraction: Fewer coffee grounds in the portafilter often result in a quicker extraction process, leading to under-extraction. This may manifest as a lack of body, complexity, and a potential sour or weak taste.
3. Milk Dominance: With an underdosed espresso, the milk’s flavor can dominate the latte, making it taste more like warm milk with a subtle coffee note.

Finding Balance

To achieve a milder latte without compromising espresso quality, consider increasing the amount of steamed milk rather than reducing coffee grounds. Maintaining the recommended 18-20 grams of coffee for a balanced espresso shot preserves the coffee’s complexity.

Experimenting with Flavor

Readers are encouraged to experiment with different milk-to-coffee ratios to discover their preferred latte strength. Additionally, flavorings like syrups can be added to customize the latte’s taste without altering the coffee-to-milk balance.

How To Make The Best Cafe Latte Using an Espresso Machine?

To make the best café latte using an espresso machine, you’ll need a few key ingredients and follow some specific steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

1. Fresh coffee beans (for espresso)
2. Cold, filtered water
3. Milk (whole milk, 2%, skim, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, depending on your preference)
4. Optional flavorings (e.g., vanilla syrup, caramel syrup)

Equipment

1. Espresso machine with a steaming wand
2. Coffee grinder
3. Tamper
4. Espresso shot glass or measuring cup
5. Milk frothing pitcher
6. Thermometer (optional)

Steps

Preheat Your Equipment:

• Make sure your espresso machine and steam wand are fully warmed up and at the right temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this.

Prepare the Espresso:

• Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, suitable for espresso. The grind size is crucial for a good espresso shot. Aim for about 18-20 grams of coffee grounds for a double shot.
• Distribute the grounds evenly in the portafilter basket and use a tamper to compress them evenly and firmly.
• Insert the portafilter into the machine’s group head.
• Start the espresso extraction process. Ideally, a double shot should take around 25-30 seconds to extract, and you should get about 1.5 to 2 ounces (about 45-60 ml) of espresso.

Steam the Milk:

• Pour cold milk into the frothing pitcher, ensuring you leave enough room for expansion (typically about a third of the pitcher’s capacity).
• Submerge the steam wand in the milk, just below the surface, and turn on the steam. Hold the pitcher at an angle to allow the steam wand’s tip to create a whirlpool effect, mixing the milk and creating microfoam.
• Steam the milk until it reaches the desired temperature, which is typically around 150-160°F (65-71°C). Using a thermometer can help you monitor the temperature accurately.
• When you’re finished steaming, turn off the steam wand.

Assemble the Latte:

• Pour the freshly brewed espresso into your serving cup.
• Hold back the foam with a spoon to let the liquid milk pour into the cup first, and then spoon the foam on top.

Add Flavorings (Optional):

• If you want to add flavor to your latte, now is the time to add syrup or any other flavorings you prefer. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Enjoy:

• Your café latte is ready to enjoy! Sip it while it’s hot and savor the rich coffee flavor and creamy texture.

Remember that making the best café latte may require some practice to get the espresso shot and milk frothing just right. Experiment with different coffee beans, grind sizes, and milk types to find your perfect latte recipe.

What Happens When Underdosing Coffee Beans

Underdosing with too little amount of coffee beans in espresso preparation can have several negative effects on the quality of your espresso shot. Here are some of the potential consequences:

1. Weak Flavor: Underdosing results in a lower coffee-to-water ratio, which means your espresso will be weak and lack the robust flavor that is characteristic of a well-prepared shot. It may taste watery and unbalanced.
2. Short Extraction Time: Since there are fewer coffee grounds in the portafilter, the espresso shot will likely extract too quickly. A short extraction time can result in an espresso that lacks body and complexity. It may also be sour or overly acidic.
3. Channeling: When there’s not enough coffee in the portafilter, it’s easier for water to create channels or paths of least resistance through the puck of coffee grounds. This can lead to uneven extraction, resulting in a shot with both over-extracted and under-extracted flavors. It may taste bitter and sour simultaneously.
4. Thin Crema: Crema is the rich, golden-brown foam that forms on top of a well-prepared espresso shot. Underdosing can lead to a thin or weak crema that dissipates quickly. A good crema is a sign of a properly extracted espresso.
5. Inconsistent Quality: Underdosing can lead to inconsistency in your espresso shots. Some shots may be slightly better than others, but you’ll struggle to achieve the consistency and quality associated with a properly dosed espresso.

To avoid underdosing, it’s essential to use the appropriate amount of coffee grounds (typically 18-20 grams for a double shot) and ensure they are evenly distributed and tamped correctly in the portafilter. Experimenting with the grind size and dialing in your grinder to match your beans and espresso machine can also help you achieve a balanced and flavorful espresso shot.

Does Underdosing Impact The Flavour Of Your Café Latte?

Yes, underdosing the espresso can impact the flavor of your café latte. The espresso shot is a fundamental component of a latte, and any issues with the espresso will carry over to the final drink. Here’s how underdosing can affect the flavor of your café latte:

1. Weak and Watery Flavor: Underdosing results in a lower coffee-to-water ratio, which means the espresso in your latte will be weak and watery. As a result, the overall flavor of your latte will lack the rich and robust coffee taste that is characteristic of a well-prepared café latte.
2. Milk Dominance: When the espresso is underdosed, the flavor of the milk will dominate the taste of the latte. While milk provides creaminess and sweetness to the latte, it should complement the espresso, not overpower it. An underdosed espresso can make the latte taste more like warm milk with a hint of coffee rather than a balanced coffee-milk beverage.
3. Lack of Complexity: A properly extracted espresso contributes complex flavors and aromatic notes to the latte. Underdosing can result in a simplified and less nuanced flavor profile, reducing the depth and complexity of your latte.
4. Overall Dilution: To compensate for the underdosed espresso, you might be tempted to add more milk to your latte, which can further dilute the coffee flavor and lead to a less satisfying drink.

To ensure a well-balanced café latte with a harmonious blend of espresso and steamed milk, it’s crucial to start with a properly dosed and well-extracted espresso shot. 

See Also

What is Affogato and How to Make the Best One at Home

Follow the recommended dosing guidelines for your espresso machine (usually 18-20 grams for a double shot) and monitor the extraction time and quality to ensure you’re getting the best espresso base for your latte. 

Properly executed, the espresso will complement the milk, resulting in a delicious and flavorful café latte.

How To Make Your Café Latte Less Strong?

If you want a less strong café latte with a milder coffee flavor, you can adjust the amount of coffee grounds you use for the espresso shot by grinding less than the typical 18-20 grams. However, using only 9-10 grams for a double shot can significantly impact the flavor and strength of your latte in the following ways:

1. Weaker Espresso: Using half the usual amount of coffee grounds will result in a much weaker espresso shot. The coffee-to-water ratio will be lower, and the espresso will be less concentrated, leading to a milder and less intense coffee flavor.
2. Shorter Extraction: With fewer coffee grounds in the portafilter, the espresso shot will likely extract more quickly than usual. This can result in an under-extracted shot, characterized by a lack of body and complexity. The flavors may be less developed, and the shot could taste sour or acidic.
3. Dominated by Milk: A café latte is a combination of espresso and steamed milk. If you use significantly less coffee, the milk’s flavor will dominate the drink, and the coffee notes will be subtle or even barely noticeable. Your latte will taste more like warm milk with a hint of coffee.
4. Possible Dilution: To balance the underdosed espresso, you might be tempted to add more milk to your latte, which could further dilute the coffee flavor.

If you prefer a milder latte, it’s generally better to adjust the strength by using more milk rather than reducing the amount of coffee grounds. 

You can maintain the 18-20 grams of coffee for your espresso shot and simply increase the amount of steamed milk used in your latte. This way, you can achieve a creamy and milder coffee flavor without sacrificing the quality of the espresso. 

Adjust the milk-to-coffee ratio to find the balance that suits your taste preferences, but keep in mind that using significantly less coffee can lead to a less satisfying latte with less complexity and depth of flavor.

What Are The Best Coffee Ceans for Café Latte?

The best coffee beans for a café latte are typically those that offer a well-balanced flavor profile, medium to medium-dark roast levels, and a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. Here are some considerations when choosing coffee beans for your latte:

1. Medium to Medium-Dark Roast: Medium to medium-dark roast beans are a good choice for lattes because they strike a balance between retaining the beans’ natural flavors and developing the rich, chocolaty, and nutty notes that complement milk well. The roast level should be dark enough to provide depth but not so dark that it becomes overly bitter.
2. Blend of Arabica and Robusta: A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans can be ideal for lattes. Arabica beans contribute smoothness, sweetness, and aromatic complexity, while Robusta beans add body and a creamy mouthfeel. This combination creates a well-rounded latte with a pleasant coffee flavor.
3. Freshness: Freshly roasted coffee beans are essential for a great latte. Look for beans with a roast date on the packaging, and try to use them within a few weeks to capture their peak flavor.
4. Origin and Flavor Notes: The origin of the coffee beans can also impact the flavor of your latte. Consider your personal preference for flavor notes. For example, beans from Central or South America often offer nutty, chocolatey, or fruity notes, while beans from Africa may provide bright, citrusy, or floral flavors.
5. Whole Bean vs. Pre-Ground: It’s recommended to buy whole bean coffee and grind it just before brewing your latte. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor retention. Pre-ground coffee can lose its flavor more quickly.
6. Brand and Specialty Coffee: Some well-known coffee brands and specialty coffee roasters offer specific blends or single-origin beans designed for lattes. These can be a good starting point, and you can explore different options to find your favorite.
7. Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best coffee beans for your latte depend on your personal taste preferences. Experiment with different beans and blends to discover the flavors you enjoy most in your café latte.

Remember that the milk you use in your latte also plays a significant role in the overall flavor. High-quality, well-foamed milk can enhance the coffee’s taste, so consider paying attention to milk selection and steaming techniques as well.

What Is The Best Milk To Use For Café Latte?

The choice of milk for a café latte largely depends on your personal preference and dietary considerations. Here are some common options for milk in a café latte, along with their characteristics:

1. Whole Milk: Whole milk is a popular choice for café lattes because of its richness and creaminess. It adds a luxurious texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the latte. Whole milk creates a classic, indulgent latte with a well-balanced taste.
2. 2% (Reduced-Fat) Milk: 2% milk is a lower-fat alternative to whole milk that still provides a creamy texture and some sweetness. It’s a good option if you want to reduce the fat content in your latte while maintaining a satisfying mouthfeel.
3. Skim (Fat-Free) Milk: Skim milk contains very little fat, so it creates a lighter latte with a slightly thinner texture. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to reduce calories and fat while still enjoying a latte.
4. Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives: There are various non-dairy milk options available, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. These alternatives cater to individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences, including lactose intolerance, vegan diets, or nut allergies. Each non-dairy milk has its own unique flavor profile and texture, so you can choose one that complements your taste preferences.
5. Lactose-Free Milk: Lactose-free milk is real cow’s milk with the lactose (milk sugar) removed. It offers the taste and creaminess of regular milk without causing digestive discomfort for those who are lactose intolerant.
6. Hemp Milk and Rice Milk: These lesser-known options provide a distinct flavor and texture. Hemp milk has a slightly nutty taste, while rice milk is naturally sweet and has a lighter consistency.
7. Custom Blends: Some coffee shops and home baristas create custom milk blends by combining different milk types. For example, mixing whole milk with a small amount of heavy cream can result in an even creamier latte.

Ultimately, the best milk for your café latte is the one that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Experiment with different milk options to discover which one enhances the flavor and texture of your latte to your liking. Additionally, pay attention to the milk frothing and steaming techniques, as they can influence the quality of the latte’s foam and overall presentation.

Conclusion

Adjusting the strength of a café latte by modifying coffee grounds is a delicate process that can significantly impact the flavor and quality of the beverage. Maintaining a balanced espresso shot while experimenting with milk proportions offers a personalized way to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful café latte, giving your Café Latte moments the tasting experience.