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–+ servings
a glass of Spanish latte, its milk, coffee and foam in separate layers.

Spanish latte recipe: spirit of the matador

Author: Eric Loftuss
Make delicious cafe con leche at home and imagine you are in a Madrid coffee shop
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 22 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Espresso machine or coffee maker
  • 1 saucepan or microwave safe jug
  • 1 food thermometer
  • 1 glass or mug
  • 1 spoon

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup whole cow's milk
  • 2 shots espresso
  • 1-2 tsp sugar
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional

Instructions
 

  • Brew 1-2 shots of espresso coffee, using an espresso machine or coffee maker
  • While the coffee is brewing, scald 1/2 cup of milk in either a microwave or on the stovetop
  • Once the espresso is ready, pour it into a shot into a glass or mug
  • Slowly pour the scalded milk on top of the espresso
  • Add sugar, start by adding 1-2 teaspoons. You can always add more
  • Finally, you can optionally sprinkle with cinnamon and serve
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Top Tips for making Spanish latte at home

Begin by making an espresso shot. If you are using an espresso machine, refer to your machine's manual for brewing instructions. Otherwise, take a look at How to make espresso without a machine.
 While the coffee is brewing Scald the milk. There are two easy ways to do this:
 

 Scalding milk in a microwave

  • Pour cold whole cow's milk into a microwavable safe jug.
  • Heat it in the microwave on high for 1/2 minute.
  • Remove from the microwave, stir to ensure the heat is evenly distributed, and then check the milk temperature with a milk thermometer.
  • If the milk hasn't reached 180-185°F (82-85°C) repeat the process of heating in the microwave for 1/2minute at a time and then check the temperature.
  • Once it reaches 180°C it's ready to use.
 Top Tip 1: As with all things you heat in a microwave, take care not to burn yourself when handling the jug of hot milk.
 Top Tip 2: Don't let the milk reach boiling point (212°F(100°C)) as that will make it curdle. If it gets that hot, safely discard the milk and start again.
 

Scalding milk in a stovetop pan

  • Pour cold whole cow's milk into a milk pan or other small saucepan
  • Put it on to the stove and adjust the heat to a medium level, you need to be able to keep a check on the temperature AND not allow the milk to boil.
  • Stir the milk continuously to ensure it doesn't catch.
  • Once it reaches 180-185°F (82-85°C) remove it from the heat and set it aside until ready to use.
 Top Tip: Don't let the milk reach boiling point (212°F(100°C)) as that will make it curdle. If it gets that hot, safely discard the milk and start again.
 

Assembling your Spanish latte

  •  Pour the espresso shot into a glass or mug.
  •  Slowly pour the scalded milk on top of the espresso
  •  Add sugar, start by adding 1-2 teaspoons. You can always add more
  •  Finally, you can optionally sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
  •  Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
Nutritional Disclaimer

All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.

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