Use A Steamer Wand To Reheat Your Starbucks Latte To Perfection
Stopping by Starbucks can make your errands feel like a breeze. That is until you return to your car and realize that your white chocolate chai latte, which was once so frothy and warm, has gone flat and cold. Talk about a mood kill. At this point, you can either embrace it and add some ice or wait until you get home. There, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. However, if you want to return it to all of its frothy, foamy glory, you're going to want to use a steamer wand.
What's a steamer wand, you might ask? Well, you know when you're in the cafe and you hear those loud, hissing sounds coming from the espresso machine? That's where it's coming from. Each machine has one that baristas use to heat and froth the milk for your latte. If you have an espresso machine at home, you can pour your latte into the stainless steel pitcher, insert the wand, and turn the knob on the side of your machine to reheat it. There is a bit of a method to it, however.
When you use a steamer wand, hold you're pitcher at a slight angle and start by inserting the wand fully into your milk. Then, after a few seconds, slowly bring the wand closer to the surface to create the foam. It will take some practice to perfect — but, even if you don't have a steamer wand, there are options.
Read more: 31 Coffee Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best
How To Steam Milk At Home
While there are some affordable at-home espresso machines on the market, you'll have to spend a pretty penny to get your money's worth. Leading models can cost hundreds or even thousands -- which sounds like a lot if you'll only be using it for the steaming wand. Fortunately, there are some alternatives. You could go for one of the more affordable options, or — if its sole purpose is for heating and frothing — you can get yourself a stand-alone milk frother. These babies start around $20, and you have many options depending on your price point. But, truthfully, they all do the same thing: Heat and froth your milk.
Now, these aren't to be confused with the battery-powered, handheld milk frothers you see people using to blend their greens powder and whisk their matcha on Instagram. These machines are totally hands-free, and they're plugged into a power outlet so that they can simultaneously heat and froth your milk just like a steaming wand would. These machines are essentially smaller, quieter, and less expensive stand-alone steaming wands, and they're perfect if you're lacking countertop space, or just want something simple to jazz up your lattes at home. Simply pour what's left of it into the machine, press the power button, and within seconds, your cold, flat latte will be as good as new.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
