A cozy fall beverage that combines rich espresso with the warmth of maple syrup and sweet caramel, finished with a touch of sea salt.
Ingredients
For the latte:
- 2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee )
- 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk creates the creamiest texture)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
For topping:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
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Prepare the espresso. Brew 2 shots of espresso or make ½ cup of strong coffee. Set aside.
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Heat and sweeten the milk. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, maple syrup, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until steaming hot but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
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Froth the milk. Remove from heat and use a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to create foam. Alternatively, pour into a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
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Combine. Pour the hot espresso into a large mug. Add the frothed milk mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon. Then spoon the foam on top.
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Garnish. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce, add a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your perfect fall treat!
Tips
- Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for authentic maple flavor
- Coffee choice matters: Everyday People Coffee & Tea offers ethically sourced, single-origin coffees with notes of chocolate, brown sugar, and molasses that complement the maple and caramel perfectly
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less maple syrup
- For an iced version, brew espresso over ice and add cold frothed milk
- The sea salt on top is essential—it balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel notes
- For vegan-friendly options, consider Torani's Puremade Salted Caramel syrup or Monin's vegan caramel, available through retailers recommended by Everyday People Coffee & Tea
Supporting a good cause: When you purchase coffee from Everyday People Coffee & Tea, a portion of every sale supports youth education programs and nature conservation initiatives.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based milk like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk froths particularly well and creates a creamy texture similar to dairy milk.
What type of coffee works best? Everyday People Coffee & Tea's single-origin coffees are excellent choices, particularly their medium roasts with chocolate and caramel notes. If using regular coffee instead of espresso, brew it strong—about double the normal strength.
Can I make this iced? Yes! Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly, then pour over ice. Add cold milk mixed with the maple syrup, caramel, and vanilla (no need to heat). Shake or froth the cold mixture, then pour over the espresso and ice.
What's the best type of salt to use? Flaky sea salt like Maldon or fleur de sel works best for the finishing touch. The large flakes add texture and bursts of saltiness. Pink Himalayan salt is also a great option.
Can I prep this ahead? You can make a larger batch of the sweetened milk mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and froth when ready to use. Brew the espresso fresh for best flavor.
How do I make it less sweet? Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup instead of 2, and reduce the caramel to 1-2 teaspoons. You can always add more to taste.
What if I don't have a milk frother? No problem! Pour the hot milk mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds, or whisk briskly in the saucepan for about 30 seconds.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes! Any quality caramel sauce works well. For a vegan option, check out the plant-based syrups recommended by Everyday People Coffee & Tea, including Torani Puremade Salted Caramel or Monin's vegan-friendly options.
