Cozy Winter Lattes (Printable Version)
Quick spiced latte with espresso, steamed and frothed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and maple syrup — cozy in minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Coffee
01 - 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
→ Milk Base
02 - 2 cups whole milk or milk of choice
→ Spices & Flavors
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Sweetener
07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
→ Toppings
08 - Whipped cream (optional)
09 - Additional cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
# Method:
01 - Prepare 2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine, or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee. Set aside.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Whisk continuously and heat until steaming but not boiling.
03 - Stir in the maple syrup or honey if using, and whisk until fully dissolved into the milk mixture.
04 - Using a milk frother or a vigorous whisking motion, froth the spiced milk mixture until foamy and light.
05 - Divide the hot espresso evenly between two mugs, then pour the spiced frothed milk over each.
06 - Top with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Tricks:
01 -
- The spice blend is warm without being overpowering, and it makes your kitchen smell incredible within seconds.
- It comes together faster than waiting in line at any coffee shop.
- You probably already have every ingredient sitting in your pantry right now.
02 -
- Never let the milk reach a full boil because it will scorch at the bottom of the pan and ruin the flavor entirely.
- Freshly ground spices make a noticeable difference compared to ones that have been sitting in your cabinet for over a year.
03 -
- Toast the spices in the dry saucepan for about twenty seconds before adding the milk to bloom their oils and deepen the flavor dramatically.
- Whole milk gives the thickest foam, but a combination of half whole milk and half heavy cream creates something almost dessert like.