Ultimate Guide to Making an Irish Cream Latte at Home

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 27th, 2023

There’s nothing quite like walking into your favorite coffeehouse and ordering a freshly made Irish Cream Latte. But did you know that you can easily recreate this delicious beverage in the comfort of your own home?


In this ultimate guide, we’ll share our expertise on how to make an Irish Cream Latte that will rival even the best barista’s creation. We’ll cover everything from steaming the milk to adding the right amount of flavors, ensuring that your latte-making experience is smooth, enjoyable, and satisfying.

Irish Cream Latte

1. Steaming the Milk

Most coffeehouses use 2% milk for standard lattes, but you can use any type of milk to suit your preference. Skim milk creates a skinny latte, while half-and-half results in a breve latte.

  • Pour approximately 10 ounces of milk into a stainless steel steaming pitcher and insert a food thermometer.
  • Position the steaming wand tip at the surface of the milk and turn the dial counterclockwise to start heating the milk.
  • To create froth, raise the steaming wand tip just above the surface of the milk. Listen for a light hissing sound, which indicates that you’re making the perfect froth, similar in consistency to shaving cream.

For a latte, you’ll only need a small amount of foam—just a spoonful or two. After a few seconds of frothing, immerse the wand further into the milk to finish heating it. Turn off the steamer once the milk reaches 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit, giving it some room to rise to 170 degrees or drop to 140 degrees—both acceptable temperatures for a latte. Don’t forget to wipe the steaming wand with a clean, damp cloth after use.

2. Adding Desired Flavors

Now it’s time to add the Irish cream syrup. We recommend using two to three ounces of Torani brand syrup, which is commonly used in coffeehouses and available at most specialty food stores.

  • Pour the steamed milk into your chosen mug or cup, holding back the froth with a spoon and leaving about two inches of space for the espresso shots and froth.
  • Add the Irish cream syrup to the steamed milk.

3. Pulling the Shots of Espresso

For the best flavor, grind the espresso beans just before pulling the shots.

  • Load the freshly ground espresso into the portafilter handle and tamp it level before inserting it into the espresso machine.
  • Aim to pull shots between 16 and 26 seconds, with an ideal range of 18 to 23 seconds.

After pulling the shots, pour two of them into the cup filled with steamed milk to preserve their flavor. For a milder coffee taste, use only one shot; for a stronger flavor, use three shots. Keep in mind that the espresso has a 10-second window before losing flavor and becoming bitter.

4. Finishing Touches and Tips

Finally, stir the Irish cream, milk, and espresso together in the mug or cup. Top the latte with one or two spoonfuls of froth or whipped cream, if desired. And voilà! You’ve just made a delightful Irish cream latte at home!

Remember that pulling espresso shots can be tricky, especially if you’re pressed for time. Practice pulling test shots beforehand to get a feel for the right tamping level. Be careful not to burn the milk, as it scorches at 180 degrees Fahrenheit; don’t steam it past 170 degrees, as the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees after steaming. Additionally, exercise caution when steaming milk or pulling espresso shots to avoid burns.

Now that you have the expertise and detailed instructions to make a scrumptious Irish Cream Latte at home, you can enjoy this delightful beverage anytime you crave it. With a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll master the art of latte-making and impress your friends and family with your newfound barista skills. Happy brewing!

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.