An almond milk latte is a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional lattes, perfect for anyone seeking a lighter, plant-based option.
It’s easy to make at home, ready in minutes, and packed with rich, nutty flavors.
Plus, this latte can be customized with flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate, making it versatile enough for all tastes.
With fewer calories and a vegan-friendly profile, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a creamy, satisfying coffee drink anytime.
Here’s how to easily make this delicious drink at home!
How to Make an Almond Milk Latte: At A Glance
- Brew a shot of espresso or ¼ cup strong coffee.
- Heat 1 ½ cups almond milk until steaming, then froth.
- Pour coffee into a cup, add frothed almond milk, and top with foam.
- For iced: cool coffee, cold froth milk, and pour over ice.
- Customize with flavors like vanilla, caramel, or cocoa.
What is an Almond Milk Latte?
An almond milk latte is a coffee drink that combines rich espresso or strong brewed coffee with almond milk for a smooth, creamy experience.
The almond milk gives it a slightly nutty, delicate flavor that blends well with coffee’s bold taste, making it both satisfying and refreshing.
This drink is unique because it offers a vegan, dairy-free option for latte lovers and is lower in calories than traditional milk-based lattes, appealing to those looking to reduce dairy or calorie intake.
Almond milk is also naturally lactose-free, which makes this latte a great choice for those with lactose intolerance.
Plus, almond milk lattes can be customized to suit any taste preference, with options to add vanilla, caramel, or even a touch of chocolate for added depth.
Ingredients Needed
Basic Ingredients
- Almond Milk: 1 ½ cups (preferably barista blend for better frothing and a creamier texture)
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee: 1 shot (about 1 ounce) of espresso or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
- Sweetener (optional): 1-2 teaspoons, to taste (options include maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey)
Optional Flavor Additions
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon for a warm, sweet hint
- Caramel Sauce: 1 teaspoon for a rich, buttery flavor
- Cocoa Powder: 1 teaspoon for a mocha twist
- Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon for a subtle, spiced note
Choosing the Right Almond Milk
When making an almond milk latte, selecting the right type of almond milk can make a big difference in texture and flavor.
Regular almond milk is often thinner and less creamy, which can affect how well it froths and blends with coffee.
In contrast, barista blend almond milks are specifically designed for coffee drinks.
These blends are typically thicker, creamier, and contain stabilizers or emulsifiers that help them froth more like dairy milk.
This extra thickness gives your latte a smooth, velvety texture with a layer of foam that’s ideal for latte art or simply a more luxurious sipping experience.
Popular barista almond milk brands include Califia Farms Barista Blend and Silk Barista Collection.
Both are widely available and known for their ability to create a rich, creamy foam that holds well in hot and iced coffee drinks.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Hot Almond Milk Latte
- Brew Coffee: Prepare one shot (about 1 ounce) of espresso or ¼ cup of strong brewed coffee.
- Heat Almond Milk: Pour 1 ½ cups of almond milk into a saucepan or microwave-safe container. Heat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming but not boiling.
- Froth the Milk: Use a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk to froth the heated almond milk until it’s creamy and has a layer of foam. If you don’t have a frother, you can pour the milk into a jar, close the lid, and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds, then microwave it briefly to stabilize the foam.
- Combine: Pour the espresso into a mug, then slowly add the frothed almond milk, holding back the foam with a spoon to layer it on top. Sweeten as desired with 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey, and stir.
- Optional Flavor: Add a dash of vanilla extract, caramel, or cinnamon on top for added flavor.
Iced Almond Milk Latte
- Prepare Coffee: Brew one shot of espresso or ¼ cup of strong coffee, then allow it to cool to room temperature. For faster cooling, you can place it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Cold Froth the Milk: Pour 1 ½ cups of cold almond milk into a jar or container. Use a handheld frother, blender, or French press to froth the milk until foamy. Cold foam creates a smooth, airy texture perfect for iced drinks.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes. For a stronger flavor, consider using coffee ice cubes (simply freeze brewed coffee in an ice tray) to prevent the drink from becoming diluted as it melts.
- Combine and Flavor: Pour the cooled espresso over the ice, then slowly add the cold frothed almond milk on top. Sweeten with 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup or other preferred sweeteners, and stir. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Frothing Almond Milk Without an Espresso Machine
If you don’t have an espresso machine, there are several easy methods to froth almond milk at home:
Handheld Milk Frother
Pour the warmed almond milk into a mug or container, then insert a handheld frother.
Move it up and down for about 20-30 seconds until the milk reaches a creamy, foamy texture.
Immersion Blender
Pour the heated almond milk into a deep container and use an immersion blender on low speed.
Blend for about 30 seconds until frothy, being careful not to over-blend, as it can make the milk too airy.
French Press
Pour the warm almond milk into a French press, filling it no more than halfway.
Place the lid on top, then quickly pump the plunger up and down for about 15-20 seconds to create foam.
This method can create a very smooth, thick froth.
No-Equipment Method (Jar Shaking)
Pour the almond milk into a microwave-safe jar, filling it halfway.
Secure the lid tightly, then shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until the milk doubles in volume.
Remove the lid, then microwave the jar for 20-30 seconds to stabilize the foam before pouring.
Flavor Variations
Almond milk lattes can be easily customized with a variety of flavors to suit any mood or season.
Here are some popular options:
- Vanilla Almond Milk Latte: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar. This brings a warm, subtle sweetness that complements the nutty almond milk.
- Mocha Almond Latte: Mix 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder directly into the espresso or coffee before adding the almond milk. This creates a rich, chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a seasonal favorite, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix to the almond milk before frothing. You can also sweeten it with a bit of maple syrup to enhance the autumnal flavors.
- Caramel Latte: Stir in 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce with the espresso for an indulgent touch. This adds a buttery, sweet richness that pairs well with almond milk’s creamy texture.
Health and Customization Tips
For those looking to control sweetness, almond milk lattes offer easy ways to adjust flavor without extra calories.
Using an unsweetened almond milk base keeps the drink lower in sugar, allowing you to choose natural sweeteners like stevia, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
These alternatives add flavor without a sugar overload and let you sweeten to your taste.
If you’re looking for other plant-based milks, oat milk and soy milk are great options that offer different textures and flavors.
Oat milk, with its creamy consistency, gives a slightly sweet taste and foams well, while soy milk is protein-rich and holds up nicely with coffee.
Storage Tips
When it comes to storing almond milk lattes, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind for the best flavor and freshness.
Iced almond milk lattes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days, but it’s best to leave out the ice and add it only when you’re ready to drink.
This way, the coffee won’t get diluted as the ice melts.
For those who want to prep in advance, cold almond milk lattes can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
This option is great for making a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week, though you may want to give it a quick shake or stir before each serving to refresh the flavors.
On the other hand, hot almond milk lattes are best enjoyed fresh.
As almond milk is heated, it can lose its froth and creamy texture over time.
Reheating can also affect the milk’s flavor and consistency, making it less enjoyable than a freshly made latte.
So, for a warm and foamy almond milk latte, it’s worth the extra few minutes to make it fresh each time.
Conclusion
Homemade almond milk lattes are an affordable, versatile way to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free coffee drink.
They offer endless options for customization, from adjusting sweetness to experimenting with flavors like vanilla, caramel, or mocha.
Making them at home lets you control ingredients and discover your favorite combinations.
So, get creative with your almond milk latte and find the perfect blend that suits your taste!
FAQs
How do almond milk lattes taste compared to regular lattes?
Almond milk lattes have a light, nutty flavor that’s distinct from regular dairy lattes.
The almond milk adds a subtle, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with coffee but is generally less creamy than dairy.
For a richer texture, using a barista blend almond milk can create a similar mouthfeel to milk-based lattes.
Can almond milk be frothed as well as dairy milk?
Yes, though it may take a little more effort.
Almond milk, especially barista blends, can froth up nicely but typically has a lighter foam compared to dairy milk.
The added stabilizers in barista almond milk help it hold foam better, making it ideal for coffee drinks.
Which coffee types work best, and why does espresso give the richest taste?
Espresso is preferred for almond milk lattes because its strong, concentrated flavor balances the almond milk’s light, nutty notes.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee can work as well, but espresso brings a fuller, more robust taste that’s ideal for lattes.
