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Want almond milk coffee? Here’s the best way to froth and use this nutty non-dairy milk in coffee drinks, both hot and iced!

Almond milk coffee
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Love almond milk and want to use it in your coffee? This non-dairy milk is a clear winner by the amount of gallons Starbucks goes through on a regular basis. As a coffee drink expert, it’s not my first choice for coffee, but I’ve learned some great ways to use it in delicious ways.

You can make a great latte using almond milk: both hot or iced! Here are my tips on the best almond milk coffee. (Want my best non-dairy latte? Try an Oat Milk Latte instead.)

Pros & Cons of Almond Milk In Coffee

When it comes to a non-dairy milk for coffee, oat milk is my favorite. Its creamy texture and milk-like flavor makes it ideal: plus, it steams and froths like a charm! But almond milk can work too. Here are some pros and cons for using it:

  • Cons: Almond milk has a watery texture that’s not as creamy as dairy and other non-dairy milks. It doesn’t steam well, and doesn’t get as frothy as oat milk. It also has a strong nutty flavor that’s easily detected in coffee.
  • Pros: Almond milk is easy to find at the store. Its nutty flavor can add a nice nuance to coffee drinks when made correctly. It works in hot coffee, but it’s even better in an iced coffee or iced latte.
Almond Milk Coffee

Option 1: Hot Almond Milk Latte

Does almond milk work in a hot latte? Yes! Cold almond milk can curdle in hot coffee. But if you heat it and froth it before adding, it makes a tasty latte. The flavor is very nutty and it won’t be nearly as creamy as a traditional latte: but it’s delicious in its own way. Here are the main steps:

  • Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso (go to How to Make Espresso for details).
  • Step 2: Froth ½ cup almond milk (see below for details).
  • Step 3: Add 2 teaspoons sweetener to the espresso, then pour in the steamed almond milk.

Tip: It’s best to add hint of sweetener when using almond milk in coffee, even if you don’t typically sweeten your coffee drinks. Almond milk has an almost bitter flavor compared to milk, which is lighter and sweeter.

How to Froth Almond Milk

The best type of almond milk for frothing is barista-style almond milk, which froths in a more similar way to dairy milk. You can also use the regular variety, but barista quality will froth better. I used normal almond milk here and you can see from the photos that it gets lightly frothy. Here’s what to do:

  • Heat the milk: Place the milk in a saucepan and heat it to scalding or 150 degrees Fahrenheit (measure using a food thermometer if possible). This is hot to the touch, but not simmering. 
  • How to froth with a milk frother (easiest and best method): Place the milk in a tall container. Hold the container at an angle and turn on the frother. Move the frother up and down until foamy bubbles form, about 20 seconds or so. Tap the container on the counter to break down any large bubbles.
  • How to froth with a French press: Add the scalding milk to the French press and pump using quick, short plunges until foamy bubbles form, about 25 times (try not to overwhip). Pour into a pitcher and tap it on the counter to break down large bubbles. You’ll get best results with 1 cup of milk for two drinks. 
  • Whisk method: Add the scalding milk to a bowl and use a whisk to vigorously whisk it until foamy bubbles form. Pour into a pitcher and tap it on the counter to break down large bubbles.
Iced vanilla latte
Almond milk is great in iced coffe!

Option 2: Almond Milk Iced Coffee

Almond milk works even better in cold coffee! The texture and flavor are more seamless in a cold drink. Popular choices are iced coffee with almond milk or cold brew with almond milk. Or, try it as an Iced Almond Milk Latte! It’s delicious sweetened with a little vanilla syrup (or even brown sugar syrup or pure maple syrup). Here are the basic steps:

  • Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso (go to How to Make Espresso for details).
  • Step 2: Froth ¼ cup cold almond milk by shaking it in a covered jar or whisking until frothy.
  • Step 3: Pour the espresso and 2 to 3 teaspoons syrup over ice. Add milk and serve.

Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives For Coffee

There are lots of great non-dairy milks to use for coffee besides almond milk! Here are some favorites:

  • Oat milk: The best non-dairy milk for coffee! It has a creamy texture and steams and froths the closest to a dairy milk
  • Soy milk: Also has a very creamy texture! The soy aftertaste makes it less desirable for coffee drinks
  • Cashew milk: Has a very creamy texture and a milder flavor than almond milk. (We haven’t experimented with it much in coffee, so let us know your thoughts in the comments below.)

More Coffee Drinks to Try

There are so many great coffee drinks you can make into non-dairy and vegan drinks! Here are some favorites:

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Almond Milk Coffee (Hot or Iced!)

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4.5 from 2 reviews

Want almond milk coffee? Here’s the best way to froth and use this nutty non-dairy milk in coffee drinks, both hot and iced!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Espresso
  • Cuisine: Coffee
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

For the hot latte:

  • 2 espresso shots (2 ounces)
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) fresh almond milk*
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup, vanilla syrup, or pure maple syrup

For the iced latte:

  • 2 shots espresso (2 ounces or ¼ cup)
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons simple syrupvanilla syrup, or pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. For the hot latte: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. Go to How to Make Espresso for instructions. Then steam or froth the milk: Heat and then froth the milk using your method of choice (milk frother, French press, whisk or covered jar). It’s easiest to steam or froth 1 cup of milk for 2 drinks; go to How to Froth Milk or see the section in the post above. Stir the espresso with the simple syrup, then pour the milk into center of the espresso, ending with light foam.
  2. For the iced latte: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. Place the milk in a covered jar and shake until foamy. Add the espresso to ice-filled glass. Stir in the syrup and top with the frothed milk. Enjoy immediately.

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About the authors

A Couple Cooks

Recipes by Alex & Sonja

We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser: cookbook authors, busy parents, & a real life couple who cooks together! We started the A Couple Cooks food blog in 2010 to share simple, seasonal recipes, healthy meal planning tips, and the joy of cooking. All recipes are written & photographed by us (and tested on our two kids!).

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2 Comments

  1. Tom. Denney says:

    Two or three table spoons of Nescafé ( instant) sweetener added, small amount of boiling water too melt then one liter of almond milk out a fridge . Sometimes it doesn,t manage to go back in the fridge

  2. Sonja Overhiser says:

    Let us know if you have any questions!