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Oh, the Dutch Latte. What a charming little gem in the coffee universe! If you’ve ever wandered through European café menus or fallen down a late-night rabbit hole of coffee TikToks, you might have stumbled upon this smooth, chilled, and irresistibly milky beverage.
But let’s get something straight right off the bat: a Dutch Latte isn’t brewed with Dutch coffee beans (although, hey, you could if you wanted to!). Instead, it’s a delightful blend of cold brew or espresso paired with milk, often served chilled – though it can be enjoyed warm too. Think of it as the classier, silkier cousin of your standard iced latte.
It’s the perfect pick-me-up for hot days, brunches, coffee dates, or when you’re just in the mood to sip on something elegant and energizing without the heaviness of a hot drink. Best part? You don’t have to be a barista to make it at home – I’ve got you covered!
You don’t need a cabinet full of complicated syrups or expensive gadgets. This recipe is all about simplicity, balance, and quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cold Brew Coffee (½ cup) or 1-2 shots of espresso
▸ For a traditional Dutch Latte, cold brew is the star. But if you’re craving a little more boldness, go for espresso.
▸ You can use any milk you like, but whole milk gives that ultra-creamy, café-style richness.
Ice cubes (if serving cold)
▸ Crystal-clear ice makes all the difference in presentation and taste.
▸ Adds a lovely, subtle sweetness and warmth.
Sweetener of choice – sugar, honey, agave, or a splash of flavored syrup
▸ Adjust based on your sweet tooth. Dutch Lattes are typically mellow and not overly sweet.
▸ Adds a little flair and depth.
Non-dairy milk alternatives (like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk)
▸ Go ahead and make it plant-based without losing the creamy vibe!
Now for the fun part! Making a Dutch Latte at home is honestly so satisfying – it’s like café therapy in your own kitchen. Here’s the full, step-by-step breakdown:
▸ If using cold brew: Make it ahead of time (steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-18 hours).
▸ If using espresso: Brew your shot fresh and let it cool slightly.
▸ Mix in sugar, syrup, or honey while the coffee is still warm (if you brewed espresso), so it dissolves easily.
▸ Use a glass that lets the layers shine! Pop in 5-6 ice cubes.
▸ About half the glass should be filled with your cold brew or espresso.
▸ Gently pour in your milk to create that beautiful layered effect – it’s basically coffee art for the soul.
▸ For extra aroma and flavor.
▸ Stir gently if you like a blended taste, or sip as-is to experience the flavor evolution from coffee to milk.
Want to level up your Dutch Latte game? Here are some insider tricks from café connoisseurs and coffee nerds alike:
The flavor of your latte hinges on your brew – choose beans with chocolatey, nutty, or caramel notes for best results.
Brew hot espresso, then shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker before pouring it into your glass – keeps flavor bold, texture smooth.
Yep, cold foam is a thing. Use a handheld frother or mason jar to froth cold milk for a barista-level touch.
They melt slower and keep your drink from getting watered down too quickly.
Prepare cold brew in batches and store it in the fridge for up to a week – that way you’re only a milk-pour away from bliss.
The Dutch Latte is a chameleon – it plays so well with flavors and add-ins. Here’s how you can tweak it to match your mood or the season:
▸ Add a splash of lavender syrup and garnish with dried lavender buds for a floral touch.
▸ Use coconut milk and a hint of vanilla. Tropics in a glass.
▸ A drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon – it’s cozy in a cup.
▸ Blend in a spoonful of pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice mix, and a touch of brown sugar.
Let’s be real – there’s something about making a Dutch Latte at home that just hits different. It’s not just about the caffeine kick (although yes, it definitely helps). It’s about creating a ritual: grinding the beans, pouring the milk just so, sipping slowly as the layers swirl together. You’re not just making coffee; you’re creating a moment.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or new to the scene, this recipe is approachable, customizable, and seriously rewarding. Plus, once you master the basics, you can experiment endlessly.
A Dutch latte is a coffee beverage made with espresso and steamed milk, often featuring rich, creamy textures and sometimes sweetened with syrups or spices. It can also refer to a style of latte inspired by Dutch coffee traditions, emphasizing strong coffee and smooth milk.
To make a Dutch latte, you typically need fresh espresso or strong brewed coffee, steamed milk (whole milk or alternatives), and optional sweeteners such as vanilla syrup, cinnamon, or brown sugar.
Start by brewing a shot of espresso or strong coffee. Steam and froth your milk until creamy and hot. Pour the espresso into a cup, then slowly add the steamed milk, creating a smooth blend. Optionally, add syrup or spices to taste.
Yes, many milk alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk work well in a Dutch latte, though the flavor and texture might vary slightly compared to whole milk.
A Dutch latte often emphasizes stronger coffee and sometimes includes unique flavor additions such as vanilla, caramel, or spices, reflecting Dutch coffee culture. It may also have a creamier texture due to specific milk steaming techniques.
A Dutch latte can be served both hot and iced. The hot version uses steamed milk, while the iced version is made with cold milk and ice, often with the same espresso base.
Typically, one or two shots of espresso are used, depending on the desired strength. The espresso is the base, with milk added in a ratio of about 1:3 or 1:4 espresso to milk.
Absolutely! Common additions include vanilla syrup, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of sea salt. These flavors complement the rich coffee and creamy milk.
Medium to dark roast beans are preferred for Dutch lattes because they provide a bold and robust espresso flavor that balances well with milk.
While inspired by Dutch coffee culture, the Dutch latte concept has gained popularity internationally, especially in specialty coffee shops looking to offer unique latte variations with rich flavor profiles.