Cozy Winter Lattes (Printable)
Warming spiced lattes with maple-sweetened steamed milk, cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with froth.
# What You'll Need:
→ Milk Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk or plant-based alternative
→ Espresso
02 - 2 shots freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee (about ⅔ cup)
→ Winter Spice Blend
03 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1 pinch ground cloves
→ Sweetener
06 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, adjusted to taste
→ Optional Toppings
07 - Whipped cream
08 - Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
09 - Cinnamon sticks for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching.
02 - Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sweetener to the heated milk. Whisk vigorously to blend the spices evenly and create a light froth.
03 - Prepare the espresso or strong coffee using an espresso machine or coffee maker.
04 - Pour one shot of espresso into each serving mug, then slowly pour the spiced steamed milk over the espresso.
05 - Top with whipped cream if desired, dust with additional cinnamon or nutmeg, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spice blend makes your whole kitchen smell like a holiday candle shop in the best possible way.
- It takes exactly ten minutes from thought to first sip, which is faster than waiting in line at any cafe.
02 -
- Boiling the milk will scald it and leave a skin on top and a burnt taste underneath, so watch it carefully.
- I once forgot the maple syrup and added it at the end and it would not dissolve properly, so sweeten while the milk is still on the heat.
03 -
- If you warm your mugs with hot water first the latte stays warm noticeably longer on cold mornings.
- Whisking the milk in the saucepan with purpose rather than lazily is what gives you that cafe quality froth without any special equipment.