A piccolo latte is a fun and delicious way to start your day or take a break from your busy schedule.
But what exactly is a piccolo latte?
Quick Answer: What is a piccolo latte?
A piccolo latte is a small espresso-and-milk drink, usually made with one espresso shot (often a ristretto) topped with a small amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam.
It's typically served in a 3-4 oz (90-120 ml) glass and usually features a 1:2 to 1:3 coffee-to-milk ratio, making it taste bolder than a regular latte.
This drink has a rich, creamy taste that you won't be able to resist! Here are some instructions on how to make this drink at home.
I've also answered some questions you might have about this drink.
Let's begin!
What is a piccolo latte?
A piccolo latte is a small espresso-based drink that typically contains one shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a little bit of foam.
“Piccolo” is Italian for small.
It's typically stronger in flavor than a latte or cappuccino because it uses less milk.
It's the perfect drink if you want a latte-like texture, but in a smaller and more intense serving.
Below, you'll find more information about the ingredients you'll need, which coffee beans are best used, and so much more!
What ingredients are needed to make a piccolo latte at home?
To make a piccolo latte at home, you will need:
- 1 shot of espresso
- Steamed milk (with a thin layer of microfoam)
- Frothed milk
- Sweetener (optional). Add sugar, honey, or another sweetener to taste if you prefer a sweeter coffee.
I like to gather the milk and coffee beforehand, so I can brew without needing to run to the store because I'm missing something.
You can use a stovetop espresso maker or an espresso machine for the espresso.
Both options will produce great-tasting coffee, but the espresso machine is the best choice, as it'll deliver the best taste.
However, a stovetop Moka pot or AeroPress can produce strong, espresso-like coffee that works well in milk-based drinks, without the price tag of many espresso machines.
If you want to learn more about these coffee brewers, like how to brew coffee with them, you can check out my beginner's guide to brewing coffee.
Which coffee beans are best used for this recipe?
A piccolo latte is small but strong, so I suggest using a medium-dark to dark roast with chocolatey or nutty notes (these tend to cut through milk best).
These roasts usually bring chocolatey, caramel, or nutty flavors that pair especially well with steamed milk.
Meanwhile, fruity and floral coffees often shine in pour-over brews, where their nuances can be tasted more clearly.
You can use any coffee beans for a piccolo latte. Bags labeled “espresso” are usually blends or roasts specifically chosen to taste great as espresso (often a bit darker), rather than a different type of bean.
If you want a deeper explanation of how “espresso roast” differs from other roasts, you can check out this guide here.
If you're interested in learning more about the coffee beans that go well with milk-based drinks, you can check out this complete guide.
Questions you may have about a piccolo latte
You may have some additional questions about the piccolo latte.
Take a look below for more information about this drink, so you can create the best version at home:
How many shots are in a piccolo?
A piccolo latte uses a single espresso shot. The espresso-to-milk ratio is higher, resulting in a stronger drink than a regular latte.
If you'd rather use an additional espresso shot, I recommend making a cortado or macchiato instead.
Both coffees use a double espresso shot as the basis and use steamed and foamed milk. You can view the recipes by clicking on their names.
How do you froth milk for a piccolo latte?
You can make steamed milk and frothed milk for a piccolo latte with a handheld milk frother or an automatic milk frother.
There are actually many ways to make milk foam at home, and if you want to learn about six ways to froth milk at home, you can check out this interesting article.
What is the ratio of a piccolo?
To make a piccolo latte at home, aim for an espresso-to-milk ratio of about 1:2 to 1:3.
That's typically 1 oz (30 ml) of espresso (or a 15-20 ml ristretto) topped with about 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) of steamed milk, accompanied by a thin layer of microfoam.
If you prefer a milder drink, use the higher end of that range (closer to 1:3) for a more milk-forward piccolo.
Piccolo latte cup size
A piccolo latte is typically served in a small 3-4 oz (90-120 ml) glass (often a demitasse-style glass).
My favorite glass to use is these small glasses:
You'll see them in most cafes around the world and can also be used to serve a cortado or macchiato.
It's a versatile cup that I've been using for a while now. If you're interested, you can view the glasses here.
Here is the piccolo latte recipe:
Piccolo Latte
You can easily make a small and robust coffee with the 5-minute piccolo latte recipe!
Ingredients
- Single espresso shot (1 oz or 30 ml)
- 2 or 3 oz (60 or 90 ml) of whole milk
Instructions
- Begin by brewing one espresso shot. You can use your espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker for this.
- Meanwhile, steam your milk.
- While steaming your milk, make sure there's a bit of foam as well.
- Once the espresso coffee has been brewed, pour it into a small glass.
- Pour the steamed and foamed milk into the glass and serve!
Notes
Depending on how strong you like your coffee, you use more milk. You can use 3 oz of milk for a more milk-forward piccolo latte. You can stick with 2 oz of milk for a regular strength piccolo latte.
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Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 2.7gSaturated Fat: 1.6gUnsaturated Fat: 0.7gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 34mgCarbohydrates: 3.8gSugar: 4.4gProtein: 2.7g
Want more ideas? Use my Coffee Recipes Directory to find drinks that match your mood, brew style, and time.
- See hot, iced, cold brew, and Frappuccino recipes in one place.
- Browse latte, espresso, milk-based, and coffee add-in recipes.
- Get inspiration for what to make next at home.
Over 200 coffee recipes to explore.
How many calories are in a piccolo latte?
A piccolo latte typically contains about 20 to 70 calories, depending on the serving size and the type of milk used.
I often prefer to use whole milk for my milk-based coffees, as it gives the coffee a creamy and full flavor.
The best part about brewing coffee at home is that you can use any ingredients you want to prepare your coffee and make it as strong as you like.
Do you have a favorite milk alternative? Try using it to make this piccolo latte recipe!
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
My guide to making a piccolo latte at home. I hope you've found it helpful and will give this delicious coffee drink a try.
Which do you prefer, the full-sized or mini version of a latte?
I like both coffees equally. Sometimes a smaller and stronger coffee is perfect for a busy morning.
More espresso-based recipes
If you enjoy these types of recipes, you can find more espresso-based options below:
