How to Make a Latte with Instant Coffee
No espresso machine? You can still make a smooth, milky coffee at home with instant coffee. This is a latte-style drink rather than a traditional espresso-based latte, but it gives you the same simple combination of coffee and warm milk in a mug.
Ingredients for one mug
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 30 ml hot water
- 180 ml milk, or a milk alternative that you enjoy
- Sugar or syrup, optional
The quantities are a starting point. Use a little more or less coffee or milk to suit your cup and your taste.
How to make it
- Add the instant coffee to your mug and dissolve it in the hot water. Stir until no dry granules remain.
- Choose one of these ways to froth the milk:
- With a handheld frother: Warm the milk gently in a small pan, stirring now and then. Avoid letting it boil, then froth it with the handheld tool, following its instructions.
- With a microwave-safe jar: Pour cold milk into a clean jar with a secure lid, filling it no more than halfway. Shake until foamy. Remove the lid completely before heating the jar in the microwave. Warm in short intervals, watching closely; take care of hot milk and escaping steam.
- Pour the warm milk into the mug, spooning a little foam over the top. Add sugar or syrup if you like.
How to make it stronger or milder
For a stronger cup, dissolve a little more instant coffee in the same small amount of hot water. For a milder drink, use less coffee or add more milk. Make one change at a time until you find the balance you like.
Milk alternatives vary in taste and how well they foam. Warm them gently and follow the instructions on the carton where provided. If you are making several drinks, froth each portion according to the tool manufacturer's guidance.
Allergen note: This recipe contains milk when made with dairy milk. Check the labels on milk alternatives, instant coffee, and any optional syrup for ingredients that may not suit the person you are serving.
Is a latte made with instant coffee still a latte?
In a café, a latte is generally made with espresso and steamed milk. This version uses instant coffee instead of espresso, so ‘instant coffee latte’ is a useful name for the home recipe, while ‘latte-style’ describes the method clearly. The important part is that you know what is in your cup.
A simple instant coffee latte, your way
This recipe is easy to adjust without special equipment. Try it with your preferred Presto instant coffee, then change the coffee, milk or sweetness to suit your mug. Browse Presto's instant coffee. If you're new to this brew, read our guide to making instant coffee.
