Spanish Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.



Alright, picture this: a luscious, creamy coffee drink that somehow manages to feel both cozy and indulgent, perfect for those mornings when you want a little luxury with your caffeine kick. That’s the Spanish Latte for you. Unlike your typical latte, the Spanish Latte is all about that sweet, velvety blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a generous splash of sweetened condensed milk – yes, condensed milk! This ingredient elevates the latte to a whole new level of decadence, giving it a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that’s just chef’s kiss perfect.

Top 5 Must-Try Coffee Lineup

1. Old World Christmas Beans: Tastes like the holidays in every cup — discover the cozy magic of Old World Christmas Beans before the season slips away.
2. Kirkland Sumatra French Roast : Dark, bold, and wildly smooth—why Kirkland’s Sumatra French Roast is the best-kept secret of serious coffee drinkers.
3. Hot Fudge Whole Bean Coffee : What happens when dessert meets coffee? Meet the decadent whole bean that tastes like hot fudge—but better.
4. Aroma Ridge Guatemala Antigua Medium Roast : From the highlands of Guatemala to your morning mug—this rich, balanced roast is waking up coffee lovers everywhere.
5. Juan Valdez Cumbre Colombian Coffee : Crafted by Colombia’s most iconic coffee legend—why Cumbre is a must-try for fans of bold, authentic flavor.

Originating from Spain and widely loved across Latin America, the Spanish Latte has become a favorite for those who crave a rich, sweet coffee experience without the need for excessive syrups or sugars. It’s basically a hug in a cup – creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about crafting the perfect Spanish Latte right in your own kitchen – whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned barista wannabe. Ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to taste your creation? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Contents

• 1 Ingredients For Spanish Latte Recipe
  • • 1.0.1 Optional Toppings
• 2 How To Make Spanish Latte?
  • 2.1 Step-by-step
    • 2.1.1 Brew Your Espresso Shots
    • 2.1.2 Heat And Steam The Milk
    • 2.1.3 Mix Condensed Milk And Espresso
    • 2.1.4 Add Steamed Milk
    • 2.1.5 Top It Off
    • 2.1.6 Serve Immediately
• 3 Expert Tips
• 4 Recipe Variations
• 5 Final Words
• 6 FAQs
  • 6.1 What Is A Spanish Latte?
  • 6.2 How Is A Spanish Latte Different From A Regular Latte?
  • 6.3 Can I Make A Spanish Latte Without An Espresso Machine?
  • 6.4 What Type Of Coffee Is Best For A Spanish Latte?
  • 6.5 What Milk Should I Use For A Spanish Latte?
  • 6.6 How Do I Make A Spanish Latte At Home?
  • 6.7 Can I Make A Spanish Iced Latte?
  • 6.8 Is A Spanish Latte Very Sweet?
  • 6.9 Can I Make A Sugar-free Version Of A Spanish Latte?
  • 6.10 What Are Some Variations Of A Spanish Latte?

Ingredients For Spanish Latte Recipe

Before we get into the fun part (making the latte), let’s chat ingredients. The beauty of the Spanish Latte is that it’s super simple but relies heavily on quality components to shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Espresso shots (2 shots or about 60ml): The heart of the drink. Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor. Medium to dark roast is ideal to complement the sweetness.
• Whole milk (about 200-250ml): You want milk that steams nicely and adds creaminess. Whole milk is preferred because of its fat content, but feel free to use alternatives like oat milk or almond milk if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant (more on this in variations).
• Sweetened condensed milk (2-3 tablespoons): This is the magic ingredient that gives the Spanish Latte its signature creamy sweetness. It’s thick, syrupy, and intensely sweet, so a little goes a long way.

• Optional Toppings

  • A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to sprinkle on top for warmth and aroma.
  • Whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to go all out.
• Ice (if you want an iced Spanish Latte): Use good quality ice cubes to avoid watering down the flavor.

How To Make Spanish Latte?

Alright, let’s roll up those sleeves because making a Spanish Latte is as enjoyable as drinking one. The steps are straightforward, but the technique is key for that perfect balance of flavors.

Step-by-step

1. Brew Your Espresso Shots

   • Use an espresso machine or a strong stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot) to pull two rich shots of espresso. If you don’t have either, you can use a strong brewed coffee concentrate, but espresso is best for that bold flavor.

2. Heat And Steam The Milk

   • Pour your whole milk into a steaming pitcher and steam it until it’s hot and slightly frothy – think velvety microfoam. If you don’t have a steam wand, gently heat the milk on the stove or microwave until hot but not boiling. Then whisk vigorously to create froth.

3. Mix Condensed Milk And Espresso

   • In your serving glass or cup, add the 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Pour the hot espresso shots over it and stir well until the condensed milk is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

4. Add Steamed Milk

   • Slowly pour your steamed milk over the espresso-condensed milk mixture. This layering creates a beautiful marbled effect before mixing it all up.

5. Top It Off

   • Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you like, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little caramel sauce on top.

6. Serve Immediately

   • Enjoy your Spanish Latte hot and fresh. If you want to make it iced, simply let the espresso-condensed milk mix cool, pour over ice, and then add cold milk.

Expert Tips

Here’s where I get a bit nerdy because there are some little tricks that will take your Spanish Latte from ’meh’ to ’wow’:

• Use quality espresso beans: The depth of flavor in your espresso is crucial. A fresh medium or dark roast with chocolatey or caramel notes pairs beautifully with the condensed milk.
• Condensed milk balance: Start with 2 tablespoons and taste before adding more. It’s super sweet, so you want just enough to get that rich sweetness without overpowering.
• Milk temperature matters: If your milk is too hot, it can scorch and taste bitter. Aim for around 140°F (60°C) – warm and creamy, not boiling.
• Froth technique: For the best mouthfeel, focus on creating microfoam – tiny bubbles that make the milk silky and luscious.
• Layer your drink: Pouring the espresso over the condensed milk before adding milk helps to mix flavors evenly, but keeping the layers distinct until the last moment is visually stunning.
• Use a clear glass: If you want to show off those beautiful layers and colors, a clear glass latte cup is the way to go.

Recipe Variations

Because variety is the spice of life, and coffee lovers love to experiment, here are some fun twists on the classic Spanish Latte:

• Iced Spanish Latte: Just cool the espresso-condensed milk mix, pour over ice, then add cold milk. Perfect for hot days!
• Vegan Spanish Latte: Swap whole milk with oat milk or almond milk and use sweetened coconut condensed milk (available in specialty stores or online).
• Spiced Spanish Latte: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg directly into the espresso-condensed milk mixture for a warming spice kick.
• Mocha Spanish Latte: Mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup with the espresso and condensed milk for a chocolaty twist.
• Flavored Spanish Latte: Add a drop of vanilla or almond extract for a subtle flavor boost.

Final Words

Making a Spanish Latte at home is honestly one of the most satisfying coffee experiences you can treat yourself to. It’s simple, quick, and uses pantry staples you probably already have. Plus, the sweetened condensed milk adds a luscious texture and sweetness that feels like a special indulgence but without fussing with syrups or sugars.

Once you master the basics, you can customize your Spanish Latte in so many ways – iced, spiced, vegan-friendly – the possibilities are endless. It’s a wonderful drink to brighten your mornings, impress guests, or just cozy up with on a quiet afternoon.

FAQs

What Is A Spanish Latte?

A Spanish latte is a type of coffee drink that combines espresso with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a creamy and rich flavor. It’s popular in Spain and other Latin American countries, often served iced or hot.

How Is A Spanish Latte Different From A Regular Latte?

A regular latte uses steamed milk and espresso, while a Spanish latte incorporates sweetened condensed milk, making it sweeter and creamier. The use of condensed milk is the key difference.

Can I Make A Spanish Latte Without An Espresso Machine?

Yes, you can make a Spanish latte without an espresso machine. You can use strong brewed coffee or a stovetop espresso maker to substitute espresso. The key is to have a rich, concentrated coffee base.

What Type Of Coffee Is Best For A Spanish Latte?

Espresso is typically used for a Spanish latte due to its strong and bold flavor, but you can also use strong brewed coffee or coffee from a stovetop espresso maker like a Moka pot.

What Milk Should I Use For A Spanish Latte?

For a traditional Spanish latte, whole milk is commonly used for a creamy texture. However, you can also substitute it with non-dairy options like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk for a vegan version.

How Do I Make A Spanish Latte At Home?

To make a Spanish latte at home, brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee, heat some sweetened condensed milk, and combine them in a cup. Optionally, add steamed milk for a creamier texture, and top with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Can I Make A Spanish Iced Latte?

Yes, a Spanish iced latte is simply made by brewing espresso or strong coffee, adding sweetened condensed milk, and pouring the mixture over ice. You can also add milk or a milk alternative if you prefer a creamier drink.

Is A Spanish Latte Very Sweet?

Yes, a Spanish latte is typically sweeter than a regular latte because of the addition of sweetened condensed milk. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk, depending on your taste.

Can I Make A Sugar-free Version Of A Spanish Latte?

Yes, you can use sugar-free condensed milk or substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free syrup like vanilla or caramel syrup. Another option is to use a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

What Are Some Variations Of A Spanish Latte?

Some variations of the Spanish latte include adding flavored syrups (like vanilla or caramel), blending the drink with ice for a frappé version, or using flavored milk alternatives such as vanilla oat milk for a unique twist.