Vanilla Latte

What You’ll Need

A vanilla latte is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. It’s easy to make vanilla syrup at home; all you’ll need is a few minutes, some sugar, and vanilla extract. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this drink:

• 1 double shot espresso
• ½ cup whole milk, or oat milk for vegan
• ½ tablespoon vanilla simple syrup, made with granulated sugar and vanilla extract

How to Make a Vanilla Latte: Basic Steps

This vanilla latte recipe is similar to a basic cafe latte; the only difference is that you’ll add vanilla syrup when steaming or frothing the milk. Otherwise, it’s the same basic concept! You’ll need to find a great espresso method and a great steaming or frothing method. Here’s the overview of what to do:

• Step 1: Make 1 double shot of espresso (see the methods below).
• Step 2: Steam or froth the milk with the vanilla syrup (see the methods below).
• Step 3: Pour the steamed vanilla milk into the espresso.

Making Espresso at Home

The key to a latte is a great method for homemade espresso. You don’t need a countertop espresso machine, but this tool does make the highest quality espresso! However, you can make a great espresso shot in a manual espresso maker or French press. Here are some methods I recommend:

• Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso is with a countertop espresso machine; it makes the best espresso, hands down! Check out How to Make Espresso.
• Manual espresso maker: Without a machine, you can use a small manual espresso maker. It’s cheaper and portable! 
• French press: French press espresso is delicious and a good substitute for a machine.
• Moka Pot (Bialetti): Try Moka Pot coffee for a dark, espresso like flavor.

Steaming Milk vs Frothing

The other thing you need for this vanilla latte recipe? Steamed or frothed milk! If you’ve got an espresso machine, you can steam it. Otherwise use one of the frothing methods below.

Whole milk makes the best vanilla latte; is has the richest flavor and best frothy foam topping. For a vegan latte, use oat milk! It’s the best non-dairy milk for frothing.

Here’s what to know:

• Steam the milk with an espresso machine: If you’ve got an espresso machine, this is the way to go! The process requires a little technique, but the result is rich, creamy microfoam. Check out How to Steam Milk.
• Froth the milk by hand: There are several ways to froth milk. The best method is a hand frother, but you can also use a French press or whisk. Check out How to Froth Milk.

For the Vanilla Syrup

This vanilla syrup is a variation on a simple syrup: a liquid sweetener made with equal parts sugar and water. It’s popular for its use in Starbucks drinks. You can buy it bottled, but it’s also easy to make at home. While vanilla beans make for great flavor, they can be pricey.

Save those beans for baking, because it turns out you can make a delicious syrup with extract! Here’s how to make vanilla syrup:

• Combine sugar and water: Place ½ cup each of granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove.
• Heat until dissolved: Heat over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved. Do not simmer!
• Stir in vanilla extract: Remove from the heat and add 2 teaspoons vanilla. Cool to room temperature before using.

Variation: Iced Vanilla Latte

The Iced Vanilla Latte is a popular variation on this drink, and it’s even easier to make because you don’t need to steam or froth the milk. I like to give it a little shake in a ball jar to get it foamy before adding to the espresso and vanilla syrup. It’s ultra-delicious and perfect for warmer days!