Piccolo means "little" in Italian, but this beverage isn't just a small latte. Usually served in an 85-114 ml glass, the piccolo latte—or piccolo, as it is usually referred to on coffee menus—is a tiny milk beverage. World Barista Champion 2015 and owner of Ona Coffee Sasa esti defines it as "one part espresso and two parts steamed milk with a layer of silky froth on top." He describes the measurements as "a shot of espresso, roughly 20-30 ml, with 40-60 ml of milk," to be more precise. The single espresso shot has a thin layer of foam on top and is topped with strained, steamed milk, allowing the milk to meld with the coffee. This indicates that the espresso flavour is able to emerge without being overpowering.
Don't be misled by the piccolo's name, which includes the word "latte." The size of a latte is much bigger than that of a piccolo: while it varies between coffee shops, a regular latte weighs about 8 ounces (230 ml), as opposed to the piccolo's 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 114 ml). The milk has a similar consistency. Steamed, stretched milk is used in both beverages, and it blends easily with the espresso. The piccolo, meanwhile, is "a lot more espresso driven than typical lattes; it's punchier, with more flavour," according to Sasa.
Ingredients
- Dark roast coffee beans(finely ground)
- 2 ounces of milk
Method
- If you have an espresso maker, you should brew a ristretto shot with a 20-gram dose and a brewing time of 18 to 22 seconds. If you want a more concentrated shot from your portable espresso maker, consider adding a bit less water. Make strong coffee instead.
- Use your automatic milk frother to steam and froth milk if you have one. If not, you can microwave milk in a jar and shake it quickly to create froth, or you can heat milk over low heat on the stove and whisk it by hand.
- Place the milk into a small cup after adding the espresso. This glass could appear too little if you like to practise your latte art. The glass will provide you additional surface area to play on and create on, though, if you tilt it. Serve and enjoy