Skinny Latte: What Is It and How Do You Make It Yourself?

A skinny latte is a coffee drink that has gained popularity in recent years.

This coffee is a popular twist on a regular latte, and it's often ordered with nonfat or low-fat milk and little to no added syrup.

In this article, I will explain what a skinny latte is and how to make one yourself!

What is a skinny latte?

A skinny latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, typically served latte style.

The term “skinny” is often used to describe drinks made with nonfat or low-fat milk. In some chains, it can also mean using sugar-free syrup (when available), so it helps to be specific when you order.

There are many variations to this drink. Each coffee bar makes its coffee differently, but most use nonfat or 2% fat milk and espresso to create a skinny latte.

If you'd like to order a skinny latte, you can ask for a latte made with nonfat or low-fat milk, and you can skip the syrups if you prefer a less sweet option.

What ingredients are in a skinny latte?

A skinny latte typically consists of espresso, steamed milk, and a small amount of foamed milk on top.

You can already collect the following ingredients to get started with this recipe:

• Nonfat milk
• Espresso coffee

The ratio of espresso to milk is usually higher in a skinny latte than in a traditional latte, which results in a less milky and more coffee-focused drink.

This is because a skinny latte uses nonfat milk instead of whole milk, which is used in a regular latte.

Whole milk has a fuller flavor, and to make a skinny latte the most enjoyable, using a double espresso shot is the way to go.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can also use a single espresso shot instead of adding an additional shot of espresso.

How do you froth milk at home?

You can froth milk at home by using a handheld milk frother.

Simply heat the milk in a small saucepan on the stove, and after heating it, add the frother and press the button to start the motor.

Then, move the frother up and down in a back-and-forth motion while it’s running. The faster you move it, the more air will be incorporated into the milk and the thicker the foam will become.

There are also five more ways to froth milk at home; you can check out this comprehensive guide, where I go in-depth into the different methods for frothing milk at home.

What coffee beans are best used for this recipe?

You’ll want to use medium- or dark-roasted coffee beans for a skinny latte.

Medium roast beans have a more balanced flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the milk, while dark roast beans give your latte a richer and more intense flavor.

Light roasted coffee beans have a milder flavor and can sometimes taste a bit sour or watery, and are better suited for brewing pour over coffee instead.

It’s essential to experiment with various types of coffee beans until you find the ones that produce the desired flavor profile.

If you’re interested in learning about my favorite coffee beans for lattes, you can find my recommendations here.

How do you make espresso coffee at home?

You can make espresso coffee at home with an espresso machine, a Moka pot, or an AeroPress. (And even with a French press!)

An espresso machine is the most traditional method for making espresso coffee at home.

It uses pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a thick and creamy coffee with a strong flavor.

A Moka pot is a cheaper alternative to an espresso machine. It works by passing hot water through the grounds and into a chamber above the grounds, where it then bubbles up through a tube and into the pot.

Moka pots produce a weaker version of espresso than an espresso machine, but they are still a great option for people who want to make homemade espresso without spending a lot on an espresso machine.

With an AeroPress, you will need to place ground coffee in the chamber and then add hot water. Stir for 10 seconds and then push down. It uses air pressure instead of steam pressure to push the coffee through a paper filter.

The AeroPress is a relatively new method for making espresso that’s gaining popularity due to its affordability and ease of use.

It’ll also produce an espresso-style coffee that is strong in flavor, which works perfectly for this skinny latte recipe.

If you’d like to learn how to brew coffee at home with the Moka pot and AeroPress, you can check out my beginner’s guide to brewing coffee.

Now that you know about the basics of making a skinny latte, let’s get into the recipe and put it all together:

How many calories are in a skinny latte?

Calories depend on the serving size, the type of milk used, and any added sweeteners.

As a ballpark estimate, an 8-ounce latte made with nonfat milk is typically listed at around 70 calories, but the actual number can vary by brand and recipe.

If you use 2% milk, the number will typically be slightly higher.

As a ballpark estimate, an 8-ounce latte with 2% milk is typically listed at around 95 calories, but this can vary depending on the specific milk and serving size.

Conclusion

So, there you have it!

A skinny latte is essentially espresso and milk, and it's an easy order (or quick homemade drink) when you want a latte with a lighter milk base.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make one at home, simply follow the steps outlined in this article.

All of this information has made me want to get up and make myself another skinny latte. If you’re feeling the same way, then I hope you try out some of these tips!

More espresso-based recipes to try

Are you a fan of these easy-to-make recipes? Take a look below for some additional espresso-based recipes you can try:

• Iced Long Black: An Easy 5-Minute Iced Coffee Recipe to Try
• Americano With Milk: What Is It and Should You Try It?
• How to Make a Macchiato at Home in 5 Minutes or Less

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