Feeling the first cold snaps of the approaching winter means it is time to get prepared. Bringing out the winter wardrobe, preparing the house for the cold, and even stocking the kitchen with your favorite cold-weather foods are all things we instantly do when the seasons change. While we may have our go-to comfort foods for winter, have you thought about your favorite drinks?
Yes, the right drinks can warm you up when things outside are not that great. For coffee lovers, one of the most popular drinks for winter is lattes. Let’s take a look at 4 of our favorite winter latte recipes that will help keep you warm.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Who does not love a pumpkin spice latte? This tasty drink is one of the most popular each holiday season. Having a recipe handy that allows you to make one at home, whenever the mood hits you, is a great way to save a bit of money and avoid the long lines at Starbucks.
What You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoons ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- 2 ½ cups cold water
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- French Press or coffee maker that uses paper filters
- Coffee cup
- Mixing spoon
1. Gather all ingredients & equipment.
Before starting your pumpkin spice latte, it is important to have all your ingredients and equipment at hand.
2. Combine ingredients & brew.
Using your preferred French press or coffee maker, place ground coffee and pumpkin spice in the maker then brew as usual using 2 ½ cups of water.
3. Add the maple syrup & vanilla extract to your cup.
Next, pour the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the bottom of your teacup. Then pour ½ the brewed coffee from the pot into your cup.
4. Add milk.
Add the cold milk in with the other ingredients and stir well.
5. Enjoy & repeat if necessary.
Now comes the best part. Sit back and enjoy your pumpkin spice latte and feel free to repeat if necessary.
Simple Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Equipment
- Coffee maker using paper filters or French Press
- Coffee cup
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice latte
- 2 ½ cups cold water
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients, including coffee maker, coffee cup, and mixing spoon.
- Combine the pumpkin spice and ground coffee in the coffee maker and brew using 2 ½ cups of water.
- Pour the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the coffee cup. Then pour ½ the coffee from the maker or French Press into your cup.
- Pour the cold milk into the mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Enjoy this yummy drink and repeat the steps if another is in order.
Nutrition
Gingerbread Latte
Have you ever had a gingerbread cookie around the holidays? These yummy sweets are enough to leave people dreaming of gingerbread all year round. For coffee lovers, however, the idea of having gingerbread in our cups is a dream come true. Here’s a recipe that does just that.
What You’ll Need
- 1½ cup almond milk or milk of choice
- ¼ cup espresso
- 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Sprinkle of nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon molasses for sweetening (optional)
- Espresso machine (to prepare espresso ahead of time)
- Whisk
- Small pot or bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Coffee cup
1. Make espresso & gather ingredients.
Use your espresso maker and make ¼ cup of espresso ahead of time. Once finished, gather the remaining ingredients and required equipment.
2. Warm milk and whisk ingredients.
Using a small bowl (or pot and stove if you prefer) warm the milk in the microwave. Next, whisk together milk, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and molasses if you wish. Do this for 30 seconds or until well blended.
3. Add to mug & enjoy.
Once mixed, add the finished product to your coffee cup and top with espresso. Now, it is time to drink and enjoy.
Mocha Latte
One of the easiest and tastiest lattes to make in the comfort of your own home is the Mocha Latte. Any coffee lover who wants a smooth, tasty coffee beverage, this is the answer. Let’s take a look at this quick recipe that can have you drinking a Mocha Latte soon.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cup of coffee
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons carob powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blender
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
- Coffee cup
1. Gather all ingredients & equipment.
Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment to make things go smoother.
2. Add all ingredients to the blender.
Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour & enjoy.
Pour the drink into your cup and enjoy.
Peppermint Mocha Latte
No winter experience is complete without a bit of peppermint being added into the mix. This Peppermint Mocha Latte is the perfect mix of the things that make you love the cold. Give it a try and see what you think.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup of milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup of espresso
- ½ teaspoon mint extract or ½ a peppermint candy cane
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Pinch of chocolate shavings
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoons
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- 2 large mugs for serving
1. Combine milk, sugar, & cocoa.
In a small saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and unsweetened cocoa. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved.
2. Brew espresso.
Brew ¾ cup of espresso, or very strong coffee, while the milk mixture is heating.
3. Add to mugs & enjoy.
Add both the espresso and the milk mixture to your mugs. Add the whipped cream and pinch of chocolate shavings for an eye-catching topping.
Conclusion
These four winter latte recipes are the perfect way to stay warm on those cold mornings. Each of these recipes is quick and easy, making them ideal for anyone’s kitchen. If you find yourself in the mood for a piping hot latte this winter, don’t hesitate to throw one of these tasty drinks together before you snuggle up under your favorite blanket.
Featured Image Credit: Brigitte Tohm, Unsplash
