This maple latte recipe uses real maple syrup to naturally sweeten freshly brewed espresso before it gets topped with steamed milk. It’s one of my favorite coffee recipes and is great hot or iced!
Maple is the unsung hero of fall flavors, in my opinion. Pumpkin usually gets all the attention with its flavored syrup and latte and cold foam (all of which are delicious!). And a chai latte also gets its due come the cooler months, especially a dirty chai, but it’s time for the humble maple latte to really shine!
Ingredients for this recipe
- Espresso – Or strongly brewed coffee, more on that below.
- Maple Syrup – The real stuff! Pure, Grade A. It’s widely available across Wisconsin and we buy jars every year from a local family down the road that makes their own.
- Milk – Whatever variation you prefer. Whole milk, 2%, even oat or almond will work.
- Maple Extract – Optional but adds an even more powerful maple punch.
How to Make a Maple Latte
- Combine the espresso and maple syrup. And the maple extract, if using. Stir well to combine.
- Top with steamed milk. And garnish with a maple leaf cookie if you’re feeling extra.
Real Maple Syrup
The key to getting the real maple flavor of this naturally sweetened latte is to use pure maple syrup. You’ll want to look for a bottle or jar of syrup from the grocery store that says “pure” and/or “Grade A” maple syrup.
If the ingredients list anything other than “pure maple syrup” it’s a hard pass. The larger brands of syrup are usually just flavored corn syrup and definitely not what we want!
Making a Latte Without an Espresso Maker
Trying to make a coffee shop-level drink at home but don’t have an espresso maker? Never fear! There are methods to make a strongly brewed cup of coffee that work fairly well in a pinch.
If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, I recommend using 3 ounces of very strongly brewed coffee so the drink doesn’t taste weak.
In a drip maker – to brew an extra strong cup of coffee at home, I recommend 3 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. This will get you about two servings of coffee to make two lattes.
Moka pot – A moka pot is a great option if you don’t have an espresso machine! It will brew a beautifully strong cup of coffee right on your stovetop. I recommend 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water for this option.
Making a Maple Latte Without a Milk Frother
While I love my milk frother and use it daily, not everyone has one.
To make steamed milk without a milk frother: place 8 – 12 ounces of your preferred milk in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until milk is steaming hot. Remove from heat and whisk vigorously for 10 seconds before pouring over espresso and maple syrup.
Iced Maple Latte Recipe
To make an iced version of a maple latte: combine your maple syrup and brewed espresso (plus the maple extract if using) in a tall glass. Fill the glass with a generous scoop of ice and top with the milk of your choice. Enjoy!
You could also use homemade cold brew coffee or cold brew coffee concentrate in place of the espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine!
Maple Latte (Hot & Iced)
Equipment
- Espresso Maker
- Milk Frother
- Mugs
Ingredients
- 1 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, more or less depending on how sweet you like it
- 2 shots espresso, or 3 ounces strongly brewed coffee
- ⅛ tsp. maple extract, optional
- 8 - 12 ounces milk of choice
Instructions
For a hot maple latte:
- In a mug, combine 1 – 3 tablespoon maple syrup and 2 shots of espresso. Add a dash of maple extract, if desired, and stir well.
- Using a milk frother, or the stovetop method (see post), steam 8 – 12 ounces of milk and pour over the espresso mixture.
- Garnish with a maple leaf cookie to serve, if desired.
For an iced maple latte:
- Combine 1 – 3 tablespoon maple syrup and 2 shots espresso in a tall glass. Add a dash of maple extract, if desired, and stir well.
- Fill the glass with a generous scoop of ice and top with the milk of your choice.
Notes
- Recipe makes one drink, is easily multiplied.
- Refer to post for instructions on making a latte without an espresso maker or milk steamer.
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