Brown Sugar Latte
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Say hello to the brown sugar latte, the ultimate blend of rich espresso and caramel-like brown sugar that will have you ditching the coffee shop line in no time. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly smooth, this homemade delight is your ticket to starting the day on a delicious note!
This recipe is a spin off from my Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso and is so good served with my almond biscotti!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Latte
- Cost-Effective: Save money by skipping the coffee shop and making this delicious drink at home.
- Customizable: Control the sweetness and strength of your latte to perfectly suit your taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Quick and Easy: Fast to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum enjoyment.
I made this recipe for my husband to taste test, a coffee naysayer, and it was met with an overwhelming five stars. In fact, he asked me to make it for him several more times throughout the week which was shocking, I think a little to us both.
This brown sugar latte tastes almost identical to the one I like to get from our local coffee house. It’s got a rich sweetness that is unbeatable with the creaminess from the milk that makes it the perfect finish! The secret really is in the homemade brown sugar syrup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need THREE simple ingredients for this recipe, or 5 if you want to make the delicious brown sugar syrup!
- Espresso: OR strong brewed coffee. We tested both variations and they are equally delicious. You might need slightly less brown sugar syrup if you use coffee.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: You can buy store-bought (affiliate) or make your own, which I strongly recommend. It’s so easy and super delicious!
- Milk: Tested with whole milk, 2%, and almond milk with an A+ rating to them all! My personal favorite is either Fairlife or almond milk.
That’s it! Simple as pie. You’ll save so much money making your own coffee at home and won’t even be able to tell a difference!
Brown Sugar Latte Recipe
- Make the Syrup: In a small pot, combine the brown sugar water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.
- Brew the Coffee: Brew 2 shots of espresso or, 6 oz of strong coffee, and pour them into a mug. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup to the espresso and stir.
- Froth the Milk: Pour 1 cup of milk into a tall glass. Use a milk frother to mix the milk until it becomes foamy, about 30 seconds.
- Assemble: Pour the foamy milk over the espresso in the mug. Stir gently if needed, and enjoy your homemade brown sugar latte!
Helpful Tools
Here are some helpful tools to help make a brown sugar latte at home:
- Airtight Container: (affiliate) To store the brown sugar syrup.
- Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker: (affiliate) To brew the espresso shots.
- Milk Frother: (affiliate) To froth the milk for a creamy, foamy texture.
- Tall Glass: (affiliate) For frothing the milk.
Expert Recipe Tips:
- Use Freshly Brewed Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso will give your latte a richer and more robust flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong brewed coffee as a substitute.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar syrup and add more if you prefer a sweeter latte. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed.
- Use Whole Milk for Creaminess: Whole milk froths best and adds a creamy texture to your latte. However, you can also use non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk if you prefer.
- Warm the Milk Slightly: Warm your milk slightly before frothing it. Cold milk can be more challenging to froth and won’t hold the foam as well.
- Frothing Techniques: If you don’t have a milk frother, you can use a French press. Pour the warm milk into the French press and pump the plunger up and down vigorously until the milk is frothy.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use a strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. It won’t be as intense as espresso, but it will still be delicious.
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk can be used. Just note that the frothing capability may vary with different types of milk.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the brown sugar syrup can last for up to two weeks.
This easy mason jar hack is my go-to when I don’t have access to a frother. Place the milk into a jar and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for one minute. Remove the lid of the jar and microwave for 30 seconds. Pour over the latte and enjoy.
More Popular Latte’s To Try
Craving a cozy, caffeinated pick-me-up? Dive into our collection of popular latte recipes that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds!
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Brown Sugar Latte
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Syrup
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Latte:
- 2 shots espresso (or 6oz strong brewed coffee)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar syrup
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
Brown Sugar Syrup
- In a small pot, combine the brown sugar water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.
Latte Assembly
- Brew 2 shots of espresso or, 6 oz of strong coffee, and pour them into a mug.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup to the espresso and stir.
- Pour 1 cup of milk into a tall glass. Use a milk frother to mix the milk until it becomes foamy, about 30 seconds.
- Pour the foamy milk over the espresso in the mug. Stir gently if needed, and enjoy your homemade brown sugar latte!
Notes
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
I just made this and will have in my coffee tomorrow! How long does the syrup keep in the fridge?
Thank you!
Hi Corinne! This simple homemade syrup typically lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge, stored in an airtight container or jar. If you notice any changes in texture, color, or smell, toss it out and make a fresh batch!
Came out delicious! I was a bit more generous with the amount of the syrup I added to the espresso, found out I really didn’t need to be! Can’t wait to have this again tomorrow morning. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it, Callie! The syrup really does pack a flavorful punch, doesn’t it? I love that you’re already planning to have it again tomorrow—sounds like it’s become a new favorite! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
10/10 one of our favorite latte’s