Are you looking for the rich, robust flavor of a latte, but without the ounces? A piccolo latte may be for you. Made up of a concentrated espresso shot and a small amount of frothy milk, this drink packs all of the flavor into a smaller glass.
Pull a shot of espresso. If you have an espresso machine, you’ll want to pull a ristretto shot with a 20-gram dose and an 18 to 22-second brew time. If you're using a portable espresso maker, try adding a little less water to produce a more concentrated shot. Otherwise, brew strong coffee using a Moka pot.
Steam and froth the milk. If you have an automatic milk frother, use it to steam and froth the milk. If not, you can heat milk over low heat on the stove and whisk it by hand, or heat milk in a jar in the microwave and shake vigorously to form foam.
Combine and serve. Pour the espresso into a small cup and slowly add the milk. If you like to practice your latte art, this glass may seem too small. However, if you angle the glass, you’ll have more surface area to play and create. That's it! Serve and enjoy.
Notes
You'll get the best results from an espresso machine or portable espresso maker. Alternatively, you can use a stovetop Moka pot. It won’t produce a full espresso shot, but it’s the closest you can get without a specific machine.This recipe will make one piccolo latte. If you’d like to make enough to share, remember it’s one-part espresso to two parts steamed, foamed milk. As always, you'll receive the best flavor from the coffee when you grind the coffee beans right before you brew.