Flavoured Hot Coffee
Vanilla Latte
Quick answer
Vanilla syrups differ in sweetness, aroma, and thickness. Stir the listed amount into espresso while hot so it mixes before milk is added. If your syrup is especially sweet, taste the coffee base before adding anything else; the milk will soften it further.
Key takeaways
- Vanilla syrups differ in sweetness, aroma, and thickness.
- Heat the milk according to your machine ’s instructions and create a thin, even layer of foam.
- Serve the latte as written, or use a milk alternative that steams well if that better fits your diet.
Ingredients
- 60 ml espresso
- 180 ml whole milk
- 10 ml vanilla syrup.
Method
- Stir syrup into espresso.
- Heat and lightly froth the milk, then pour over the coffee.
Steam the milk for a smooth pour
Heat the milk according to your machine’s instructions and create a thin, even layer of foam. Swirl the pitcher before pouring to recombine the liquid and bubbles. A clean steam wand helps prevent old milk residue from affecting the next drink.
Make it suit your routine
Serve the latte as written, or use a milk alternative that steams well if that better fits your diet. Different products can change sweetness and texture, so try a small amount before changing the whole recipe. For comparisons, see caramel latte or rose vanilla latte.
Keep the espresso from getting lost
Vanilla syrup sweetens the latte and adds aroma, while milk softens the espresso. Stir the syrup into the coffee before pouring milk so it does not stay at the bottom. If the drink tastes more like sweet milk than coffee, reduce the syrup in a future serving or use an espresso whose flavor remains clear with milk.
Texture and serving
Lightly froth the milk for a smooth pour and serve soon after steaming. A thin foam layer keeps the drink closer to a latte than a cappuccino. If you use a plant-based alternative, choose one that behaves well in hot drinks and expect its flavor to change the result.
For another sweet latte, compare caramel latte; for a floral variation, see rose vanilla latte.
Adjusting the syrup for another cup
Syrup sweetness varies between brands. If the latte is too sweet, use less syrup next time while keeping the espresso and milk unchanged; if vanilla is barely noticeable, check that the syrup was stirred through the espresso. Record the change so you can repeat the balance you liked.