September 14, 2025

Sea-Salt Caramel Latte

There’s something magical about the way sweet and salty flavors dance together, and this Sea-Salt Caramel Latte captures that harmony in every sip.

Rich, velvety espresso meets silky steamed milk, while a swirl of buttery caramel brings just the right touch of sweetness.

A delicate sprinkle of sea salt ties it all together, awakening the taste buds and adding a sophisticated twist to a classic coffeehouse favorite.

Whether you’re savoring a quiet morning or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, this latte turns an everyday cup of coffee into a café-worthy indulgence.

Sea-Salt Caramel Latte

A luxurious latte that blends buttery caramel sweetness with a pinch of sea salt, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.

Features rich espresso and creamy steamed milk for a café-quality experience at home.

Available hot or iced, making it a year-round indulgence.

Ideal for anyone who loves a sweet-meets-savory twist on their daily coffee.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
Small saucepan (if making syrup)
Milk frother or steam wand (or microwave/stovetop + whisk)
Mug or glass

Ingredients

For the caramel-salt syrup (if making from scratch):

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
2 Tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ – ½ tsp fine sea salt adjust to taste

For the latte:

1-2 shots espresso ≈ 2 oz — or ½ cup strong brewed coffee if no espresso
6 oz milk of choice whole milk, oat milk, etc.
1-2 Tbsp of the caramel-salt syrup or store-bought salted caramel sauce/syrup
Optional toppings: whipped cream extra caramel drizzle, pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

If making the caramel-salt syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring gently until sugar dissolves.
Once dissolved, let mixture come to a boil, then reduce heat; simmer until it turns a light amber color (watch closely—caramel can go from perfect to burnt fast).
Remove from heat; whisk in heavy cream and vanilla. Be cautious, as it’ll bubble when cream is added.
Stir in sea salt. Taste, and adjust saltiness if desired. Let cool before use. Syrup can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for about 1-2 weeks.

To make the latte:

Pull your espresso shots, or prepare strong coffee.
In your mug, add the caramel-salt syrup. Pour in the hot espresso, and stir to dissolve the syrup.
Steam or heat the milk until it’s hot and slightly frothy (around 150-160°F / 65-70°C).
Pour the milk over the espresso-caramel mixture, holding back foam, then spoon a little foam on top.
Finish with whipped cream (optional), a drizzle of caramel sauce, and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Notes

Tips & Variations

Milk alternatives: Oat or almond milk are great for those who prefer non-dairy; oat tends to froth nicely.

Adjust sweetness: Use less syrup if you want a subtler sweetness, or increase it for a dessert-like treat.

Salt type: Fine sea salt dissolves well; for garnish, flaky salt adds texture and visual appeal.

Extra flavor depth: Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a drop of butter for richness.

Make ahead: Syrup can be made in advance. Also, cold version can be prepped in bulk and kept chilled.

Keyword caramel espresso drink, homemade caramel latte, salted caramel coffee, sea salt caramel latte

Whether you brew it hot for a cozy morning or pour it over ice for a refreshing afternoon treat, this Sea-Salt Caramel Latte brings café indulgence straight to your kitchen.

The gentle hint of salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness, turning an everyday coffee break into something special.

Make a batch of the syrup ahead of time, and you’re only minutes away from a barista-worthy drink whenever the craving strikes.

Sip, savor, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every cup.

Looking for a cooler take on this classic? Try our Iced Sea-Salt Caramel Latte for the same sweet-and-salty flavor served refreshingly cold.