Cozy Winter Lattes (Printable)
Spiced espresso lattes with steamed milk, maple and warm spices; froth and garnish for a cozy winter cup.
# What You'll Need:
→ Espresso Base
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
# Directions:
01 - Prepare 2 shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee using an espresso machine or coffee maker. Set aside.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Whisk continuously until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
03 - Stir in the maple syrup or honey if desired, whisking until fully dissolved and evenly incorporated.
04 - Using a milk frother or a vigorous whisking motion, froth the spiced milk mixture until light and foamy.
05 - Divide the hot espresso evenly between two mugs. Pour the spiced frothed milk over the espresso in each mug.
06 - Top each latte with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The spice blend here is something I stumbled onto by accident, and now my friends keep asking me to make it every time they visit.
- It takes almost no effort but tastes like you stood at a cafe counter waiting for something special.
02 -
- Never let the milk boil or it will scorch and ruin the delicate flavor you just built with those spices.
- Toast the spices in the dry saucepan for thirty seconds before adding the milk and it will double the intensity of the flavor.
03 -
- Grate fresh nutmeg instead of using the pre ground stuff and you will notice the difference immediately, it is far more aromatic and complex.
- Warm your mugs with hot water before pouring the latte in so your drink stays hot longer while you sip slowly by the window.