On International Coffee Day, Try 6

Barista Hacks

To Make Cafe-Style Brews At Home

Among all the hot, strong brews floating around cafes and kitchens, coffee has one of the biggest fan bases. And rightfully so! There are different types of coffee that you can enjoy, so you know variety is never a problem. Hot coffee is generally easy to make at home, so you don’t always have to run to the cafe for it. And there is a whole day dedicated to it, because that’s just how awesome this brew is! 

Launched in Milan (no surprises, there, right?), the first official International Coffee Day was celebrated on October 1, 2015. Since then, October 1 has been observed as a day to celebrate coffee and the people behind it. The day also highlights the millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on coffee and the importance of sustainability across the industry. Venues across the globe plan special events, but you can also celebrate at home by upgrading your hot coffee technique.

One of the simplest hacks is to preheat your cup. Fill your mug with hot water for about 60 seconds, then dump it out and dry the inside before pouring your coffee and milk. This reduces the temperature shock when hot coffee hits a cold cup, helping your drink stay hotter for longer. It is especially useful for espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, where you want the coffee and milk to remain hot as you serve them.

Another easy hack is to start with cold milk and a chilled metal pitcher, even when making hot coffee. This gives you more time to texture the milk before it gets too hot. For a cappuccino, you can introduce slightly more air to create a thicker, airier foam, while a latte needs less air for a smoother, silkier microfoam. Starting with milk straight from the fridge gives you more control over this process.

Milk temperature can make or break a cafe-style hot coffee. For cappuccinos and lattes, heat your milk to around 60–65°C before frothing. If you don’t have a steam wand, a French press can help: pour the hot milk into the press and pump the plunger just beneath the surface until the volume increases and the foam looks smooth. Use a thermometer for accuracy, rather than relying only on how hot the pitcher feels.

The ratio determines the final product. For a classic cappuccino, think roughly one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third airy foam. A latte uses more steamed milk and a smaller amount of silky microfoam, allowing the coffee to blend into a creamier, milkier drink. The exact ratio can vary depending on your cup size, but the key difference is simple: more foam for a cappuccino, more steamed milk and finer foam for a latte.

Once your milk is frothed, gently tap the pitcher or French press on the counter and swirl it to break up any large bubbles. The milk should look glossy and smooth before you pour. Give your freshly pulled espresso a quick swirl too, which helps homogenise the crema and liquid before the milk goes in. If using a steam wand, fill the pitcher only about one-third full, so the milk has enough room to expand and move as it textures.

Even perfectly steamed milk cannot rescue stale coffee. For the best cafe-style cup, use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing. If you have an espresso machine, use a fine grind suited to espresso and adjust it according to how quickly your shot extracts. Grind only what you need for each cup so the rest of the beans stay protected from air. Freshly ground coffee can make a noticeable difference to the aroma and flavour of your cappuccino or latte.

Cafe dates are always fun, especially if the other kind of tea is involved, but you don’t need to leave home for a good cup of coffee. A few simple techniques can make your homemade cappuccinos and lattes smoother, hotter, and more cafe-like. Experiment with latte art, a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon, or your favourite coffee garnish, and make your morning brew the star it’s meant to be.