The Piccolo Latte is a small but powerful coffee drink that delivers the perfect harmony between espresso and milk.
Originating from Australia’s specialty coffee culture, it’s designed for those who love the creaminess of a latte but prefer a more intense coffee flavor.
“Piccolo” means “small” in Italian — and that’s exactly what this drink is: a mini version of a latte that’s big on taste.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 shot (30 ml) espresso
- 60–90 ml steamed milk
- Microfoam (thin layer of velvety milk foam)
🛠️ Equipment
- Espresso machine or moka pot
- Milk steamer or milk frother
- Small glass (90–100 ml) — traditionally a demitasse or piccolo latte glass
- Spoon for layering (optional)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Process
1. Brew the Espresso
Start with a freshly brewed shot of espresso.
The quality of your beans and grind is key — medium or dark roast works best for this recipe.
Pour the espresso into your small glass.
2. Steam the Milk
Steam about 90 ml of milk until it reaches a smooth, creamy microfoam consistency.
The goal is not a thick cappuccino froth but a silky, glossy texture — similar to a latte but with less volume.
3. Combine Espresso and Milk
Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon at first.
Then finish by letting a thin layer of microfoam settle on top.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while it’s hot and aromatic.
A good Piccolo Latte should have a balance of rich espresso flavor and smooth, sweet milk without overpowering either element.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Piccolo Latte
- Use freshly roasted espresso beans for the best aroma and crema.
- The ideal ratio is about 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk.
- Keep the milk temperature around 60–65°C (140–150°F) — too hot and it loses sweetness.
- Use whole milk for creaminess, or oat milk for a lighter, modern twist.
- Serve in a small glass, not a cup — presentation is part of the charm.
❤️ Why You’ll Love the Piccolo Latte
The Piccolo Latte is the perfect middle ground between a macchiato and a full latte.
It’s small, elegant, and ideal when you want the taste of espresso softened by milk — without the heaviness of a large latte.
Smooth, balanced, and easy to make, this drink captures the best of both worlds — a quick shot of energy with café-style sophistication.
Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your daily coffee rituals.
DeliciousPath: Enjoyment in Every Moment
Explore the Gourmet on Board category for exquisite flavors that elevate your meals, even when you’re on a boat, and the Coffee category for aromatic coffee blends that make every moment special. DeliciousPath is here to turn every experience into something unforgettable!
