How to Froth Milk Without an Espresso Machine

I didn’t drink coffee until I lived in Miami and discovered Cuban coffee. Cuban coffee is a sweet espresso latte. It was a sad, sad day when I moved back to Ohio and couldn’t find it anywhere. I bought an espresso machine and learned how to make it myself.

I had a heck of a time trying to figure out how to use the steam frothing spout on my espresso machine to froth the milk for my latte. 10 years later I still can’t figure it out.

I gave up on the steam spout and bought an electric frothing wand. I have an Aerolatte Milk Frother. It works great. It also mixes a mean glass of chocolate milk. Well, unless the batteries die which happens almost every time I want to use it.

Then I discovered I can heat and froth milk using a small jar in a microwave oven. This is my favorite way to froth milk. I usually by pass the espresso machine attachment and frothing wand and grab a jar from the cupboard when I make a latte or want a cup of warm milk in the evening. This method works with cow’s milk as well as soy/almond/rice/coconut milk although the alternative milks may not be as frothy as cow’s milk.



1. Pour a small amount of milk or cow’s milk substitute (almond/soy/rice milk) into a glass jar.

2. Microwave the milk for approximately 30 seconds to heat the milk. You don’t want to microwave the milk too long because the milk may overflow the jar and/or scorch if it gets too hot. Guess how I know?

3. Use the oven mitts or potholders to remove the hot jar from the microwave.

4. Put the lid on the jar and shake. You might want to wear the oven mitts while you shake the jar.

5. Remove the lid and behold! Instant frothy milk.

 

Ta da! Warm and foamy milk

Pour the milk into your espresso and spoon the foam on the top of your latte and enjoy!

 

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