To make an AeroPress latte, brew a small coffee concentrate with 18–20 grams of coffee and 60–90 grams of hot water, then add 5–6 ounces of steamed or frothed milk. The AeroPress does not create true nine-bar espresso, but a concentrated brew works well as a latte base.
| Coffee | 18–20 g, fine to medium-fine |
|---|---|
| Water | 75 g at about 200°F / 93°C |
| Milk | 150–180 g / 5–6 oz |
| Brew time | About 1 minute, plus a 30-second press |
| Yield | One 8-ounce-style latte |
What You Need
- AeroPress Original, Clear, Go, or compatible model
- Paper or metal filter; Flow Control Filter Cap optional
- 18–20 grams of fresh coffee
- 75 grams of hot water
- 5–6 ounces of dairy or plant milk
- Grinder, scale, sturdy mug, and milk frother or French press
Use a mug that is stable, flat, and wide enough for the AeroPress flange. Never press into thin glass.
How to Make an AeroPress Latte
1. Heat the water and milk
Heat brew water to about 200°F (93°C). Heat milk to roughly 140–150°F (60–66°C), warm enough for sweetness and texture without scalding. Start frothing while the coffee brews.
2. Prepare the AeroPress upright
Place a rinsed filter in the cap and attach it to the chamber. Set the AeroPress upright on a sturdy mug. A Flow Control Filter Cap can reduce early dripping, but the standard cap works if you move efficiently.
3. Add coffee and water
Grind 18–20 grams of coffee fine to medium-fine—finer than a normal AeroPress filter recipe but usually a little coarser than espresso. Add it to the chamber, pour in 75 grams of water, and stir for about 10 seconds.
4. Steep and press
Insert the plunger slightly to limit dripping and steep until about 60 seconds after the pour began. Press slowly for 25–35 seconds. Stop at the hiss for a cleaner cup or press through gently for a little more texture.
5. Add milk
Swirl the frothed milk to combine liquid and foam, then pour 5–6 ounces into the coffee concentrate. Hold back thick foam initially and finish with a thin layer on top. Taste before adding syrup.
How to Froth Milk Without a Steam Wand
Handheld frother
Heat milk in a tall container, keep the whisk near the surface for a few seconds to introduce air, then lower it to create a whirlpool. Tap and swirl the container to remove large bubbles.
French press
Fill the press no more than one-third with hot milk. Pump the plunger up and down 20–30 times, keeping the lid secure. Let the milk rest briefly, then swirl before pouring.
Sealed jar
For a basic option, shake warm—not boiling—milk in a heat-safe sealed jar with ample empty space. Open carefully because heat creates pressure. The foam will be larger and less silky than with a frother.
Best Milk for an AeroPress Latte
| Milk | Result |
|---|---|
| Whole dairy milk | Rich sweetness and stable, glossy foam |
| 2% milk | Lighter body with reliable foam |
| Barista oat milk | Creamy and easy to texture; mild cereal sweetness |
| Barista soy milk | Good protein structure and strong foam |
| Almond milk | Lighter body; can separate if overheated or combined with acidic coffee |
“Barista” plant milks generally contain stabilizers or adjusted fat/protein that improve texture. Keep plant milk cooler and pour promptly if it tends to separate.
Iced AeroPress Latte
- Brew the same 18–20 g coffee concentrate with 60–75 g hot water.
- Fill a 12-ounce glass with ice and add 5–6 ounces of cold milk.
- Pour the coffee concentrate over the milk and ice.
- Stir and add syrup only if desired.
Use a little less brew water for an iced version because melting ice adds dilution.
Troubleshooting Your AeroPress Latte
| Problem | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Coffee disappears under the milk | Use 20 g coffee, reduce brew water to 60–70 g, or use less milk |
| Bitter and dry | Grind coarser, shorten steep, lower water temperature, or press more gently |
| Sour or thin | Grind finer, extend steep slightly, or use hotter water |
| Press is dangerously hard | Stop; grind coarser and press slowly—never force the plunger |
| Milk has large bubbles | Introduce less air, then swirl and tap before pouring |
| Plant milk separates | Lower milk temperature and use a barista formulation |
Is AeroPress Coffee Espresso?
No. An AeroPress can make concentrated, espresso-style coffee, but it does not generate the pressure of an espresso machine. That distinction does not prevent it from making a satisfying milk drink; it simply means the texture and crema differ from a café latte.
AeroPress itself publishes milk-drink recipes using concentrated brews, including a current cortado recipe built from 19 grams of coffee and 60 grams of water. Our slightly longer recipe balances well with a latte-sized milk portion.
For nearby recipes, see how to make a latte, latte vs. cappuccino vs. macchiato, and our James Hoffmann AeroPress method.
