How to make a latte with powdered instant coffee?

How do you make a latte with instant coffee?

Instant coffee has no espresso crema, so the trick is a small, strong coffee base and hot, foamy milk. Nescafe’s own latte recipe uses 2 teaspoons of instant coffee, 2 fluid ounces of hot water and 4 fluid ounces of milk. Other recipes use more milk, so treat these as starting amounts.

1. Put 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in a mug.
2. Add 2 fluid ounces (about 60 ml) of hot water and stir until dissolved. Do not fill the mug with water, or the drink will taste thin.
3. Heat the milk until it steams, without boiling it.
4. Froth it: use a handheld frother, whisk it hard, shake it in a tightly closed jar (hold it with a towel, it is hot) or pump it in a French press.
5. Pour the milk gently over the coffee. Add sugar, syrup or a pinch of cinnamon if you like.

Should the milk be hot or cold?

For a hot latte, hot milk. Cold milk gives a lukewarm drink. For an iced latte, dissolve the coffee in a little hot water, let it cool slightly, then pour it over ice and cold milk.

How much milk is right?

A real latte is mostly milk. Nescafe’s recipe uses twice as much milk as hot water (4 fluid ounces to 2). If it tastes too weak, add more coffee powder, not more water. If it tastes too bitter, add more milk.

Which instant coffee works best?

Brands vary in strength and bitterness. A freeze-dried or granulated instant labeled as a stronger roast usually makes a better latte than a mild one. Try your usual jar first and adjust.

Common mistakes

• Dissolving the powder in a full mug of water.
• Boiling the milk, which tastes flat and may not foam well.
• Pouring all the milk in quickly; pour gently to keep foam on top.