How to make coffee drinks?

How do I make gourmet coffee drinks like Starbucks?

• I usually don't drink coffee. However, when the holidays are round around the corner, I HAVE to have gourmet coffee. I would appreciate it if you can provide recipes for cappucinos, lattes, espressos, etc. Also, which gourmet coffee makers and steamers are best? Mr. Coffee? Thank you.

• Answer:

  At Starbucks, the standard number of shots for each size is: 8oz and 12 oz - 1 shot espresso. 16 oz and 20oz are 2 shots of espresso. Of course it all depends on personal preference and how strong you want your lattes etc to be. A cappuccino is espresso shot(s), half steamed milk and half foam. A latte is espresso, plus steamed milk and a light layer of foam. To make great steamed milk, you want the foam to be velvety smooth, like microfoam. Aerate the milk, but don't let the steam wand come up too close to the surface, or it will create large air bubbles that aren't unattractive. To get the most out of espresso, you should use the shot within 10 seconds of pouring it. When the espresso is still a light brown colour; this creates a nutty, caramelly flavour. When it is black, the espresso will taste very bitter. The latte is the base for almost every drink. From vanilla lattes, to mochas to caramel macchiatos. The machines at Starbucks are called Mastrenas, the older ones are Verismos. It depends on the machine, but the shot time for a Mastrena is 18-23 seconds, and Verismos are faster (I have forgotten the exact time). I hope this helps!