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Vanilla Latte Recipe

Vanilla Latte Recipe

Pinklady
The vanilla latte’s roots lie in the Italian café culture, where "latte" simply means milk. The latte as we know it today gained popularity in the U.S. during the coffeehouse boom of the 1980s and 1990s.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker (or strong brewed coffee as an alternative)
  • Milk frother or whisk
  • Heatproof cup or mug
  • Small saucepan (if heating milk on the stovetop)

Ingredients
  

  • Espresso: 1 shot (about 1 ounce)
  • Milk: 1 cup (any type, though whole milk or oat milk works best for creaminess)
  • Vanilla syrup: 1–2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional toppings: Whipped cream, ground cinnamon, or vanilla bean specks

Instructions
 

  • Brew the Espresso:
    Use an espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker to brew 1 shot (about 1 ounce) of espresso. If you don’t have access to espresso, strong brewed coffee (about ¼ cup) can work as a substitute.
  • Heat the Milk:
    Pour 1 cup of milk into a small saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling (about 150°F). Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
    Alternatively, heat the milk in a microwave-safe container for 1–2 minutes.
  • Froth the Milk:
    Use a milk frother to create foam. If you don’t have one, whisk vigorously or shake the milk in a jar with a tight lid for about 30 seconds. You want the milk to be creamy with a layer of foam on top.
  • Prepare the Vanilla Syrup:
    If you’re using store-bought syrup, measure out 1–2 tablespoons and pour it into your mug.
    For homemade vanilla syrup: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before use.
  • Assemble the Drink:
    Pour the brewed espresso into the mug with the vanilla syrup. Stir to combine.
    Slowly add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
    Spoon the foam on top to finish.
  • Add Optional Toppings:
    If desired, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few vanilla bean specks for added flair.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve your vanilla latte immediately while it’s hot and fresh. Pair it with a croissant or biscotti for a café-style experience.

Video

Keyword Vanilla Latte Recipe