Whether you’re a beginner barista or coffee connoisseur, properly heating milk takes your coffee game from average to awesome. Crafting that smooth, creamy foam and nailing the ideal temperature unlocks the natural sweetness in milk and lets it mingle perfectly with freshly pulled espresso.


Why the Fuss Over Milk Temperature?

The right heat is crucial. Too cold, and it won't froth or blend, leaving your latte flat. On the flip side, overheated milk curdles and sinks when poured instead of floating decadently. But if you get it right, you can enjoy creamy textures, enhanced sweetness, and silky foam.

Target Temperatures

What exactly is the optimal milk temperature for coffee? Here’s a breakdown of the magic numbers for various coffee classics:

  • Flat white - 55-60°C

The cooler temperature maintains the espresso's sharper notes.

  • Latte/cappuccino - 60-65°C

Milk should be hot enough to balance the espresso without overpowering it.

  • Iced/cold milk drinks - 4°C or less

Froth milk then chill before pouring over ice to avoid separating or curdling.


Mind Your Milk: Choosing the Right Milk

The first step is deciding what type of milk you'll be heating. Whole milk is the gold standard thanks to its higher fat content, which equals silky foam. While you can also use semi-skimmed or skim milk, keep in mind the lower the fat, the harder it will be to achieve thick microfoam.


If you avoid dairy, there are plenty of options, like oat, soy, and almond milk. For best results, opt for barista-style milk alternatives specifically made for frothing. No matter which milk you choose, cold is key! Always make sure to use cold, fresh milk straight from the fridge. Room-temperature milk won't foam properly.


What You’ll Need

To heat milk at home, you'll need an electric milk frothing pitcher, a French press with a milk frothing attachment, or an espresso machine with a steam wand. Make sure your thermometer is on hand – digital is the quickest and most accurate.


Heating and Aerating the Milk

Here comes the fun part! Heating and aerating your milk to perfection involves the following steps:

  1. Get into position - Place the steam wand tip just below the surface of the cold milk.

  2. Start aerating - Turn on the steam knob and allow bubbles to incorporate into the milk. This aerates the milk, creating thousands of tiny air pockets necessary for microfoam.

  3. Swirl the milk - As you continue frothing, angle the steam wand to create a whirlpool effect to incorporate the air.

  4. Listen closely - Listen for a light ‘hissing’ sound. If the pitch gets too high, lower the pitcher so the steam wand tip drops back below the surface.

  5. Turn off - When the milk reaches the desired temperature, turn off the steam and remove the pitcher.

  6. Pour and enjoy - Tap to get rid of any air bubbles and once it's ready combine with freshly pulled espresso! Pour your milk into the espresso and enjoy your perfect coffee creation.


Becoming a Latte Artist

Use your microfoam to take your coffee creations to the next level with impressive latte art designs. Here’s how:

  1. Follow the above espresso milk preparation steps to heat your milk and create the microfoam.

  2. Pull a shot of espresso into your cup. The espresso should have a rich crema on top, which acts as a canvas for your latte art.

  3. Begin pouring the milk from a height into the centre of the crema, allowing the liquid milk to dive under the crema.

  4. As the cup fills, bring the pitcher closer to the surface. This will allow the microfoam to pour out and rest on top of the crema.

  5. Get creative and start designing. Wiggle the spout side-to-side or up and down to layer the design. Classic latte art choices include heart shapes, rosettas, tulips, and swans.

  6. Top with a small dot or line of foam. Et voila! Admire your barista-quality microfoam latte art creation, and have fun experimenting!


Tips for Frothing with Finesse

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were your expert frothing skills. But if you follow these tips and keep practising your milk frothing techniques, you'll be creating professional-quality microfoam in no time:

  • Opt for a stainless steel pitcher. It conducts heat well, allowing you to feel the temperature change as you steam the milk.

  • When steaming, position the steam wand just below the surface of the milk at a slight angle. This helps incorporate air and heat the milk evenly.

  • Pour milk into the espresso immediately after frothing. Milk will start to separate quickly, causing the foam to seperate.


Rave Coffee: The Perfect Beans for Your Perfect Froth

Now that you know the secrets to heating milk like a pro, the only thing left is to choose the right coffee to pair it with! Rave Coffee sources, roasts, and delivers coffee beans from around the world right to your door.


Our range offers single-origin and signature blends to suit every taste. Paired with properly steamed milk, you'll achieve coffees that are smooth, deliciously creamy, and full of depth.When you buy coffee beans at RAVE, just know you're doing your bit for the planet, and if you're looking for coffee delivered to your door, check out our coffee subscriptions.

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