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My creamy almond milk latte recipe is quick, easy, and better than Starbucks. It’s naturally vegan, and you don’t need an espresso machine!
Love a good latte? Try my oat milk latte, gingerbread latte, or keto pumpkin spice latte next.
I tend to be quite smart with my money, but I do have one vice: coffee shops. My habit started during my university days…and I hesitate to tell you how long ago THOSE were.
My standing order at my local shop was always a latte with almond milk, and since I started making them at home, my wallet has thanked me! And so has my waistline because, let’s be real, I would always tack on a pastry…
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Simple ingredients. All you need is almond milk, espresso, and some optional sweetener.
- Better flavor than Starbucks. Because I can use higher-quality espresso beans.
- Way cheaper, too. I’ve paid close to $9 for a latte. That’s plain robbery!
- Make a hot or iced latte. I prefer warm lattes, but they’re easy to serve over ice if that’s your style.
- You don’t need a fancy espresso machine. You can use a pot, blender, milk frother, or even the microwave. I’ll explain how down below.
Ingredients needed
- Unsweetened almond milk. Nowadays, most grocery stores carry a ‘barista blend’ of almond milk, which is almond milk designed to not separate in hot coffee. I use plain, unsweetened milk so I can add my own sweetener.
- Espresso, strong coffee, OR instant coffee. Either one full shot of espresso or 2 teaspoons of instant coffee mixed with 2 tablespoons of boiling water.
- Sweetener. Optional, but add only if you prefer added sweetness.
How to make an almond milk latte
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Add the espresso. Pour the espresso into two mugs.
Step 2- Steam the milk. Pour the milk into a metal steamer and use the steam attachment on your espresso machine. Froth until you have an inch of foam.
Step 3- Assemble. Stir the milk into the espresso, then spoon the foam on top.
What if I don’t have a milk steamer?
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make a frothy milk topping. Here’s how:
Microwave. Pour the milk into a glass jar and cover with a lid. Shake until the milk becomes frothy. Remove the lid, microwave until warm, then add the milk and foam on top.
Milk frother. Microwave or simmer milk until warm, then pour into a glass container. Use a milk frother and froth until the milk doubles in size. Strain the milk and spoon the foam on top.
Blender. Heat the milk until warm, then add it to a blender (with the vent hole open) and blend low, then gradually increase until you’re blending at high speed. Once the milk is frothy, strain it and top with the foam.
Stovetop. Pour milk into a saucepan over medium heat. Once simmering, whisk vigorously until it starts to foam. Pour the warm milk into the two espresso glasses and top with foam.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a thermometer. The milk shouldn’t be higher than 60C/140F in temperature. Any hotter can scorch and taste burnt.
- For a hint of chocolate, use chocolate almond milk.
- Amp up the almond flavor. Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the other ingredients.
- Make an iced almond milk latte. Chill the latte briefly, then pour over ice. Better yet, have some coffee ice cubes ready to go so it doesn’t dilute the latte.
Variations
- Matcha latte. Replace the espresso with 1 1/2 teaspoons of matcha powder and 1 teaspoon of sweetener.
- Vanilla latte. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sweetener. Alternatively, add vanilla coffee syrup.
- Pumpkin spice latte. Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix and 1 teaspoon of sweetener.
- Honey latte. Use honey as your sweetener.
- Caramel latte. Add a drizzle of caramel syrup.
- Golden milk latte. Add a dash of cinnamon, turmeric, ginger powder, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in a small saucepan until warm.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. Lattes made with almond milk can be very sugary if you use sweetened almond milk or add extra syrups. For a healthier almond latte, use unsweetened almond milk and sugar-free sweeteners.
More recipes using almond milk
Almond Milk Latte
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or instant coffee * See notes
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk barista blend ** See notes
Instructions
- Prepare two shots of espresso into two coffee mugs or glasses.
- Add your almond milk into a metallic coffee jug. Steam your milk by using the steamer attachment of the coffee machine. Once it has around an inch of froth on top, remove it from the heat.
- Use a spoon to sieve the milk evenly amongst the two cups. Pour the foam over the top and serve.
Microwave instructions
- Add the milk into a glass jar and add the lid on top. Vigorously shake the jar until the milk becomes frothy and doubles in size. Remove the lid and microwave for 30-60 seconds, until froth appears on top and the milk is warm.
- Using a spoon, hold back the froth from the jar and pour the milk into the two cups. Spoon out the foam on top of both of them.
Simple and elegant. Good job
I can’t find the recipe for your chocolate vegan cake! It says “swipe up on stories” but I can’t find it! It looks delish!
Use the search function, I have several cakes on it 🙂