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Vanilla Honey Latte

Vanilla Honey Latte – A Smooth and Naturally Sweet Café Delight

If you love the cozy comfort of a classic latte but crave a hint of sweetness, the Vanilla Honey Latte is your next favorite drink.
This recipe combines the rich depth of espresso with the floral sweetness of honey and the soft aroma of vanilla — creating a beautifully balanced cup that’s both soothing and sophisticated.
No fancy syrups needed — just natural ingredients and a few barista tricks for that café-quality taste right in your kitchen.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 shot 30 ml espresso – freshly brewed
  • 200 ml steamed milk – whole milk or oat milk for extra creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon honey adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk foam for topping
Optional:
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

Equipment

  • Espresso machine or moka pot
  • Milk frother or steam wand
  • Latte cup (250 ml)

Method
 

  1. Brew Your Espresso: Start by pulling a single or double shot of espresso into your favorite mug. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a moka pot or a strong brewed coffee alternative.
  2. Add the Flavor: While the espresso is still hot, stir in honey and vanilla extract. The warmth will dissolve the honey perfectly and infuse the coffee with rich, fragrant flavor.
  3. Steam the Milk: Froth the milk using your espresso machine’s steam wand or a handheld frother. Aim for a silky microfoam texture rather than stiff foam — about 65°C (150°F) is ideal.
  4. Pour and Layer: Slowly pour the steamed milk into your espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once most of the milk is poured, gently spoon the foam on top.
  5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired — it enhances the honey’s warmth and adds a cozy aroma.

Notes

Barista Tip:
For a picture-perfect pour, swirl your milk pitcher before pouring to ensure the foam is evenly integrated.
This gives your latte that beautiful, glossy surface — perfect for a simple leaf or heart design if you want to try your hand at latte art.
Calorie Variations:
  • Using nonfat milk lowers it to ~110 kcal.
  • Using oat milk raises it slightly to ~160 kcal.
  • Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds negligible calories (<5 kcal).
Helpful Recipe Notes:
  • Choose quality honey: A light wildflower or clover honey works beautifully without overpowering the coffee. Avoid dark honeys (like buckwheat) unless you want a stronger, molasses-like flavor.
  • Temperature matters: For the perfect texture, heat milk to around 150°F (65°C) — hot enough for sweetness, but not so hot that it scalds.
  • Try different milks: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but oat milk adds a subtle nuttiness, and almond milk keeps it light with fewer calories.
  • Balance your sweetness: Honey's natural sugars can vary in intensity. Taste before adding extra — especially if your milk or espresso blend already has sweet notes.
  • Latte art tip: Tap your milk pitcher on the counter and swirl it before pouring — this incorporates air and helps create smooth, glossy latte art.
  • Make it iced: For a refreshing twist, pour the espresso-honey-vanilla mix over ice, then top with chilled frothed milk instead of steamed milk.
  • Caffeine-free version: Substitute espresso with a strong chicory brew or decaf espresso — the flavor still shines.
  • Add a seasonal touch: In winter, sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice; in summer, a drop of lavender extract or vanilla syrup gives a floral twist.