What is a honey latte?
A honey latte is a delicious blend of milk, espresso, honey (of course!), and optional ingredients such as cinnamon and vanilla extract.
As a busy mom, I enjoy a cup of coffee or a latte everyday as a little pick-me-up. I take my coffee seriously, and I know that you’ll love this honey latte recipe too!
Why I love this honey latte recipe.
No Refined Sugar- One of the main reasons why I love this honey latte recipe so much is that it’s made without any refined sugar. Instead, the natural sweetness of the honey gives it the perfect touch.
Simple Ingredients- This recipe calls for simple ingredients that probably already have in your kitchen. It’s so easy to whip up!
Room for Different Variations- Don’t like regular milk? No problem! You can easily swap it for a milk alternative. Prefer to drink your latte warm instead of iced? It’s totally customizable! And if you’re craving something floral, just add a little lavender for a tasty floral twist.
What is a latte?
A typical latte is one, or more, shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of frothed milk. It’s a smooth, creamy drink that can be customized by a variety of different flavors like caramel or vanilla.
What does a honey latte taste like?
Honey lattes are naturally sweet, with subtle floral notes from honey, which adds a unique flavor profile. The sweetness is balanced by the richness of the milk and espresso. If you add cinnamon to your latte, it brings an extra layer of warmth, making each sip comforting and cozy.
Do honey and milk taste good in coffee?
Yes, honey and milk pair together so nicely with coffee! The milk softens the strength and bitterness of the coffee or espresso, while the honey adds a delightful floral twist that enhances the overall flavor.
Can I caramelize the honey and then use it?
Absolutely! Caramelized honey will add a more robust flavor to the latte. Almost a butterscotch like taste, which can make the honey latte more indulgent.
To make caramelized honey, simply put the 2 tablespoons of honey into a sauce pan over low to medium heat. Stir constantly until the honey becomes a darker color with a deeper aroma, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the honey from the heat and stir into the espresso.
Can I make this latte iced?
Of course, you can easily make a honey latte iced! In fact, I love having an iced latte almost all year round- yes, even in the middle of winter!
What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A latte is creamier than a cappuccino because it has a higher milk-to-espresso ratio. In contrast, a cappuccino has a balanced ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, causing a lighter texture with more foam.
Can I make a honey latte vegan?
By definition, a honey latte isn’t vegan since it has honey. However, you can easily substitute it with maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio. Regular sugar is also an option if you prefer a different sweetener.
For a more natural taste, brown sugar or maple syrup work great alternatives. Just keep in mind that brown sugar is a bit sweeter than honey, so you might want to use less of it in your latte.
Additional drink add-ins
Cinnamon- Cinnamon gives a honey latte a whole new depth of flavor. If you’re wanting a latte with a more robust, cozy taste, then consider adding cinnamon. However, be sure to use Ceylon cinnamon and not cassia. Cassia cinnamon has a toxin that can be harmful if you have large quantities. Find out more on Ceylon vs. Cassia cinnamon here.
Lavender– Want your drink to taste more floral? Consider adding lavender to enhance the floral notes of honey. These two flavors go together perfectly and create a drink that’s especially good in the Spring and Summer months.
Vanilla- Vanilla is one of my favorites to add in to lattes for a hint of extra sweetness. Vanilla pairs well with many different flavors and a honey latte is no exception.
Brown Sugar– Brown sugar is a bit sweeter then honey, but you could do a little less honey with some brown sugar for even more flavor!
More Q and A’s
Do I need an espresso machine? No, you can use instant espresso or even strong coffee.
Can I use only one shot of espresso? Yes! You will have to adjust your amount of milk, maybe do 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup. Also, you may want to do a little less honey as well.
Do I have to steam the milk? For an iced latte, you don’t need to steam the milk. For a hot latte, steaming the milk will give it a creamy texture, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have a steamer.
Equipment needed for a honey latte
Espresso machine– optional
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon to stir
Your favorite cup or mug 🙂
Straw- optional
Ingredients for a honey latte
2 tablespoons of honey
2 shots of espresso- You could also use instant espresso or strong coffee. Use 1/2 cup if using strong coffee instead of espresso.
3/4 cup of milk- or milk alternative
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract- optional
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, plus a dash more to garnish- optional
A small pinch of salt- This will cut down the bitterness of the espresso.
Desired amount of ice if making an iced latte.
How to make a honey latte
Start by preparing 2 shots of espresso.
Then, stir in the honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt while the espresso is still hot. This will ensure that everything mixes together.
Next, pour the milk into a cup or mug.
Add desired amount of ice if you’d like the honey latte to be iced. Or steam the milk if making a hot honey latte, optional. Alternatively, you could just warm the milk for a hot latte.
Then, pour the espresso mixture over the milk and stir until everything is combined. Garnish with cinnamon or whipped cream, optional, and enjoy!
How to store
A honey latte is best if you drink it fresh. However, you can refrigerate in an air tight container for up to 24 hours.
Do not freeze because regular milk or a milk alternative can separate and developed an undesired texture.
Honey Latte
Equipment
- Espresso Machine- optional
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon to stir
- Your favorite cup or mug 🙂
- Straw (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 shots of espresso- You could also use instant espresso or strong coffee. Use 1/2 cup if using strong coffee instead of espresso.
- 3/4 cup of milk- or milk alternative
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract- optional
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon plus a dash more to garnish- optional
- A small pinch of salt- This will cut down the bitterness of the espresso.
- Desired amount of ice if making an iced latte.
Instructions
- Start by preparing 2 shots of espresso.
- Then, stir in the honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt while the espresso is still hot. This will ensure that everything mixes together.
- Next, pour the milk into a cup or mug.
- Add desired amount of ice if you’d like the honey latte to be iced. Or steam the milk if making a hot honey latte, optional. Alternatively, you could just warm the milk for a hot latte.
- Then, pour the espresso mixture over the milk and stir until everything is combined. Garnish with cinnamon or whipped cream, optional, and enjoy!
Notes
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Espresso Machines– I love my Casabrews espresso machine! It’s affordable, easy to assemble, and beautiful.
Additionally, I’ve used this portable Nanopresso Machine for a while too, and it works really well. However, I recommend buying the additional Barista Kit with the Nanopresso. This allows you to brew 2 shots of espresso at once.
Lavender– While this honey latte recipe doesn’t call for lavender, it adds a lovely, floral twist to your drink!
I hope you all love this recipe!
So delicious 😋
Practical recipe! There are so many things I need to try out, and this just made the list.
This looks delicious! I’m going to need to try this soon!
It looks terrific. I prefer the iced latte. Great post.
There is not much I love more than a honey latte! Thank you for sharing such a yummy recipe. I especially liked the pictures and step-by-step instructions. I cannot wait to try it.
Yum! I LOOOOVE lattes! I want a cup of this right now. I think I’d try it with light agave but that defeats the purpose of honey huh? I’ll save that for another day. I’m going to make one, hah thanks for sharing! I’m also pinning, this is too good not to share.
So good!!!