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August 2026 | Espresso, Milk Foam & Latte Art

Multiple espresso machines and a coffee grinder are displayed on a kitchen counter.

How to Make Perfect Coffee & More

Do you dream of an espresso with perfect crema, the kind usually only a barista can make? With our portafilter machines, that dream becomes a reality. Thanks to the included accessories, you can get started right away: a portafilter, tamper, and cleaning brush are all included, ensuring a hassle-free introduction to the world of espresso making.

With high-quality coffee beans, a little practice, and the right machine, you can transform your kitchen into a mini espresso bar in no time. Look forward to an intense aroma, velvety crema, and authentic coffee enjoyment at a barista-level.

Coffee tamper, scoop, and portafilter on a cloth

The Right Grind Size for Perfect Espresso

For an aromatic espresso, the coffee beans should be ground as fresh as possible. The grind size plays a crucial role here:

If the espresso flows through too quickly, the grind size is usually too coarse. Set the grinder to a slightly finer setting.

If the espresso flows through very slowly or only drop by drop, the grind is usually too fine. Choose a slightly coarser grind.

Next, distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter and tamp it down with the tamper. This allows the water to flow optimally through the coffee grounds.

Preheat the machine and the cup before brewing, insert the portafilter, and enjoy your espresso. With small adjustments to the grind size and amount of coffee, you’ll quickly find your very own favorite flavor.

An espresso machine brews two cups of coffee with a wooden handle portafilter.

Creamy Milk Foam with the Right Steam Wand

For especially fine and creamy milk foam, it’s best to use well-chilled milk or a suitable plant-based milk alternative.

Start by positioning the steam wand just below the surface of the milk. This incorporates air and builds up the necessary volume. Then lower the steam wand slightly further so that the milk begins to swirl evenly. This creates a fine-textured, velvety milk foam.

Tips for using the steam wand:

  • Briefly blow out the steam wand before frothing to remove any condensation.
  • Incorporate just enough air until you hear a soft “hiss.”
  • Position the steam wand slightly to the side in the milk pitcher to create an even swirl.
  • Clean the steam wand immediately after each use and blow it out briefly again.

This is how you create the perfect base for cappuccino, flat white, latte macchiato, and many other specialty coffees.

Four coffee drinks with latte art on a table

Latte Art: The Cherry on Top for Your Coffee

With fine-textured, creamy milk foam, you can add the finishing touch to your coffee. In latte art, the frothed milk is poured into the espresso in such a way that decorative patterns—such as hearts, tulips, or leaves—are created.

The heart is particularly well-suited for beginners: Start by slowly pouring the milk into the center of the espresso. Once the cup is about halfway full, bring the milk pitcher closer to the surface and carefully draw the milk through the crema.

The consistency of the milk foam is crucial for successful latte art. It should be fine-pored, glossy, and creamy so that it blends perfectly with the espresso.

With a little practice, you’ll quickly master your first patterns, and every cup of coffee will be a small success.

Video transcription
Eine Hand bedient eine Espressomaschine, um Espresso in einen Milchaufschäumer zu brühen. Dann wird Karamellsauce in ein Glas gegossen, gefolgt von Eiswürfeln. Anschließend wird Milch in das Glas gegossen, gefolgt von dem gebrühten Espresso. Zum Schluss wird das Logo von Caso Design gezeigt.

Recipe Idea: Iced Caramel Latte

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce
  • 200 ml milk
  • 1 fresh espresso
  • Ice cubes

Directions:

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add the caramel sauce and pour the cold milk over it.
  3. Slowly add the freshly brewed espresso and stir everything as desired. Enjoy immediately.

Tip: For an especially creamy treat, top the latte with a dollop of milk foam before serving.

Video transcription
Ein Espresso wird in ein Glas mit Eiscreme und Löffelbiskuits gegossen.

Recipe Idea: Tiramisu Affogato

Ingredients:

  • 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
  • 1–2 ladyfingers
  • 1 fresh espresso

Preparation:

  1. Break the ladyfingers into large pieces and place them in a glass or dessert bowl.
  2. Place the vanilla ice cream on top.
  3. Then pour the freshly brewed, hot espresso directly over the ice cream and serve immediately.

Tip: For a particularly authentic tiramisu flavor, lightly drizzle the ladyfingers with espresso beforehand.

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