Pathways of coffee

Coffee and milk: the perfect match

The great classic ingredients of Italian and international cafés can be prepared and enjoyed at home.

Reading time 2 min
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The combination of milk and espresso coffee has given rise in Italy and around the world to drinks that have become part of our daily lives. We usually enjoy them at the bar, however, with the right equipment, we can prepare them at home, turning milk into a soft froth, perfect to create our own specialities.

Let's take a look at the most popular Italian and international espresso coffee-based drinks in further detail. Caffè macchiato originated in Italian bars with the aim of 'distinguishing' the beverage ordered by customers asking for a little milk in their espresso coffee by adding a drop of 'milk cream'. In the Italian tradition, a cappuccino is the perfect drink when having breakfast at the bar, and it is not usually consumed at other times during the day. However, outside Italy it is considered a mouth-watering dessert to be savoured at any time of the day.

Caffe latte was created for those who prefer to tone down the intensity of espresso coffee as it contains more liquid milk and less froth than a cappuccino does. The flat white, originating in Australia, is a smaller caffe latte, made with a double shot of coffee and with less froth than a cappuccino.

Finally, there is the cortado: this originated in Spain and is very popular at cafés in Madrid. It is served in a glass and consists of a longer espresso coffee than the Italian one (about 30 ml) with an equal amount of whipped milk.

The secret of these drinks lies in the froth: it must have the consistency and smoothness of a velvety, compact milk cream and not have any macroscopic air bubbles on the surface.

To make it at home, it is important to have either a milk frother or a steam wand.

In the case of the latter, fill a jug or cup with milk at refrigerator temperature (approx. 5°C). Insert the steam wand about one centimetre below the surface of the milk and activate the steam function. The jug should be tilted to create a slight swirl to incorporate air and create a perfect froth.

It is important to use fresh pasteurised or high-quality fresh pasteurised milk.

The closer the milk is to its expiry date, the less stable the bubbles created with the froth will be, i.e. they will burst immediately after preparation.

Once a nice froth has been obtained, it is possible to try decorating our cappuccino using latte art, creating the classic apple, heart and leaf shapes. In order to achieve this, you need a milk jug with a prominent spout and a little manual skill. An easier method of decoration is to use stencils and sprinkle bitter cocoa on top of the froth.

The perfect froth for classic coffee-based drinks

The MF11 milk frother makes every milk preparation easy and professional, resulting in a perfect froth for both hot and cold milk - just like having a café in the comfort of your own home.

Enjoy the Italian bar experience in the comfort of your own home

EGF03 enables you to customise every step of your coffee preparation, in a professional way, and you can also prepare milk-based drinks using the professional steam wand.

INSIGHTS

The ways of coffee

Stories, trivia and inspiration to become a real coffee expert and prepare your favourite coffee professionally at home.

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COFFEE
The birth of a Made in Italy icon
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COFFEE
The origins of espresso machines and new daily habits
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DESIGN
The coffee bean - from the plant to roastin
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DESIGN
The art of brewing coffee at home
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DESIGN
A world of coffee
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COFFEE
Award-winning internationally designed coffee machines
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DESIGN
Italian espresso coffee: the coffee experience through our senses
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DESIGN
Coffee and milk: the perfect match
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COFFEE
Hidden technology
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COFFEE
Lines, Colours, Styles
PREPARE AND SAVOUR

The art of coffee in 11 recipes

Coffee drinks to prepare at home: alone or with company, every day or for a special occasion. From the classic to the most surprising, they spread the scent and aroma of coffee in your rooms.

GET INSPIRED
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CLASSIC RECIPE
From coffee beans to the true taste of espresso coffee
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GOURMET RECIPE
Coffee Affogato
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GOURMET RECIPE
Cappuccino
GOURMET RECIPE
Iced Latte
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GOURMET RECIPE
Hot Ginger Coffee
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CLASSIC RECIPE
Latte Macchiato
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CLASSIC RECIPE
Flat White
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CLASSIC RECIPE
Filter Coffee
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GOURMET RECIPE
Matcha Latte
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CLASSIC RECIPE
Italian-style shaken iced coffee