The Latte is the undisputed king of espresso drinks in Saudi Arabia. It is ordered more frequently than the Cappuccino, Flat White, or even the famous Spanish Latte.

Whether you visit a luxury café in Riyadh, a seaside roastery in Jeddah, or a minimalistic shop in Dammam, the Latte is the everyday favorite for university students, busy professionals, and casual coffee drinkers alike.

But making a truly good Latte is not as simple as mixing coffee and milk.

After reviewing cafés across the Kingdom through Saudi Coffee Crafters and discussing techniques with dozens of baristas, I’ve learned what makes a Latte exceptional—and what most people get wrong when preparing it at home.

This guide will teach you how to make a Latte exactly the way top specialty cafés in Saudi Arabia prepare it: smooth, creamy, espresso-forward, and perfectly textured.

What Is a Latte?

A Latte (Caffè Latte) is an espresso-based drink designed to be smooth and comforting. It is made with:

• Double Espresso Shot (The base)
• Steamed Milk (The body)
• Thin Microfoam (The finish)

How it compares to other drinks:

• Vs. Cappuccino: The Latte has more milk and thinner foam. It is smoother and heavier.
• Vs. Flat White: The Latte is served in a larger cup (240–300ml) and has a milder coffee taste compared to the intense Flat White.

Why the Latte Is So Popular in Saudi Arabia

Based on our platform data and observations, the Latte holds the top spot for several reasons. Here is how consumption differs across the region:

Region	Trend	Insight
Riyadh	Hot & Functional	Preferred by working professionals and morning commuters who need a substantial morning drink.
Jeddah	Iced & Sweet	Due to the heat, Iced Lattes are the top seller, often customized with syrups.
Eastern Province	Balanced	Customers here prefer a classic style—not overly sweet, with medium-strength espresso.

Key Insight: The Latte is the most versatile drink. Its high milk content makes it the perfect canvas for flavors like Caramel, Vanilla, and Saffron, which are huge hits in the Saudi market.

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How to Make a Latte (The Expert Method)

This method follows the standards used by specialty cafés in Riyadh.

Step 1: Pull a Double Espresso Shot

A Latte contains a lot of milk, so it needs a strong foundation to ensure the coffee flavor isn’t lost.

• Dose: 18–20g freshly ground coffee.
• Output: 36–40g liquid espresso.
• Time: 25–30 seconds.
• Roast: Medium-Dark roasts work best to cut through the milk sweetness.

Note: Never use a single shot for a Latte. It will taste like warm milk with no coffee character.

Step 2: Steam the Milk to 60–65°C

Temperature is critical.

• Ideal Range: 60–65°C.
• Why? Above 70°C, the milk sugars burn and the drink tastes flat. Below 55°C, it feels tepid.
• Technique: “Stretch” the milk (introduce air) for only 1–2 seconds, then submerge the wand to create a whirlpool.

Step 3: Create Smooth Microfoam

Latte foam is different from Cappuccino foam. You are aiming for Microfoam:

• ✔ Thin and silky
• ✔ Glossy (shiny surface)
• ✔ Pourable (like heavy cream)
• ❌ No stiff peaks or big bubbles

Step 4: The Pour

1. Pull the espresso into a 240–300 ml cup.
2. Swirl the milk pitcher to blend the foam and liquid.
3. Pour steadily from a low height into the center of the espresso.
4. Finish with a thin layer of foam on top (this is where baristas pour Latte Art).

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Hot Latte vs. Iced Latte: Saudi Trends

The climate in Saudi Arabia dictates the menu.

1. The Hot Latte

• Best for: Winter months and air-conditioned offices.
• Profile: Creamy, cozy, and highlights the natural sweetness of the milk.
• Stronghold: Riyadh and Abha.

2. The Iced Latte

• Best for: Summer months and outdoor seating.
• Profile: Refreshing, crisp, and bold.
• Preparation: Cold milk + Ice + Double Espresso on top. No steaming required.
• Stronghold: Jeddah and Dammam.

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Saudi Latte Variations (Trending in 2025)

Because the Latte is so adaptable, Saudi cafés have created unique local versions.

• Saffron Latte: A premium bestseller, especially in Jeddah. The floral notes of saffron pair perfectly with hot milk.
• Pistachio Latte: A rising trend in the Eastern Province, offering a nutty, rich profile.
• Caramel Latte: The entry-level favorite for new coffee drinkers.
• Spanish Latte: Technically a latte with condensed milk, this remains a sugary staple across the Kingdom.

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Common Mistakes We See in Cafés

• Too Much Foam: If the foam is thick and bubbly, you have made a Cappuccino, not a Latte.
• Burnt Milk: Screaming steam wands usually result in milk that tastes like cooked porridge.
• Wrong Cup Size: Using a giant 400ml mug drowns the espresso. Stick to 300ml max.
• Not Swirling: If you don’t swirl the milk before pouring, the customer gets thin milk at the bottom and thick foam at the top, instead of a consistent texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ideal milk temperature for a Latte?

60–65°C is the sweet spot for a smooth, sweet, and creamy texture.

2. Should I use one or two espresso shots?

Always use two shots (a double espresso). A single shot is too weak for the volume of milk in a Latte.

3. What is the difference between a Latte and a Cappuccino?

Texture. A Latte has more liquid milk and a very thin layer of foam. A Cappuccino has less milk and a thick, airy layer of foam.

4. Is the Latte popular in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, it is statistically the most ordered drink in the Kingdom due to its versatility.

5. Which flavor is most popular in Saudi cafés?

Caramel is the most common, followed closely by Vanilla and the local favorite, Saffron.

6. Can I make an iced Latte with the same recipe?

The ratios are the same, but the method differs. Do not steam the milk. Use cold milk over ice and pour the hot espresso on top.

7. What milk is best?

Full-fat cow’s milk creates the best microfoam. Oat milk is the most popular plant-based alternative in Saudi cafés.

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One of my most memorable coffee experiences was a simple Latte in a small roastery in Riyadh. They used a medium-roast Ethiopian bean. I expected the milk to hide the coffee flavor, but instead, the blueberry notes of the bean cut right through the sweetness of the milk. It taught me that even in a milk-heavy drink like a Latte, the quality of the espresso bean matters more than anything else.

☕ Explore More Saudi Coffee Crafters Guides

If you enjoyed learning how to make the perfect Latte, be sure to check out our other specialty coffee guides crafted specifically for Saudi coffee lovers. For a chocolate-rich treat, explore our Mocha recipe. If you prefer bold, espresso-focused drinks, try our Macchiato guide. Looking for something sweeter? Our Spanish Latte method remains one of the Kingdom’s top favorites. You can also discover refreshing brews like Cold Brew, master classics like the Cappuccino and Americano, or enjoy a dessert-style coffee experience with our Affogato guide.

• Mocha → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-mocha/
• Macchiato → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-macchiato/
• Spanish Latte → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-spanish-latte/
• Cold Brew → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-cold-brew/
• Cappuccino → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-cappuccino/
• Americano → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-americano/
• Affogato → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-affogato/