Easy Maple Spice Latte with Real Maple Syrup
When the weather gets chilly, as it has here this week–hello October!–I crave a maple spice latte. Yep, you read that right, maple spice. Not pumpkin spice. I LOVE pumpkin. And you will see lots of pumpkin recipes on this blog all season long, like these healthy pumpkin cheesecakes. But I am not a fan of pumpkin spice lattes.
I am, however, a huge fan of maple spice lattes.
We used to have THE BEST maple spice lattes at the coffee shop in our local mall. Back when the mall was a real mall, or at least a quasi-real mall, and not the likely setting for a horror movie. Back in the day we had a Macy’s and an Aeropostale and even an American Eagle. And the most adorable independently owned coffee shop with soft velvet couches and stacks of games that reminded me of Central Perk on Friends, minus the use service.
The family that owned the shop were the nicest people. And they were always creating amazing new coffee concoctions that really hit the mark. But my favorite, by far, was the maple spice latte. (They also did an incredible frozen version of if that was more milkshake than coffee, but boy was it good!)
Unfortunately, the coffee shop has long since closed. A cultish “church” has taken over the space. And the mall is more empty than not and just gives me the creeps. Especially now, when Spirit Halloween occupies one of the abandoned store fronts. It’s eerie really.
So, now I make my maple spice lattes at home.
Why You’ll Love It:
This maple spice latte tastes like autumn in a mug. It’s warm and cozy and oh-so-delicious.
And it’s easy to make. A few simple pantry ingredients are all you need to pull off a beautiful fall drink. I know coffee preferences re personal, and the great thing about this maple spice latte is you can use your favorite coffee. Espresso is great, But any strong coffee brewed just how you like it is perfectly okay.
My favorite part about this latte is that it uses real maple syrup. I am just not a fan of those artificially flavored syrups. Some are better than others, but I have had a hard time finding a maple one that doesn’t have an after taste. So, I’ll take real maple syrup any day.
Finally, as though you need another reason, a maple spice latte is a good excuse to eat some whipped cream too.
How to Make this Maple Spice Latte:
Start by adding your maple syrup and spice to the bottom of a large mug. Extra points for a pumpkin mug.
Brew your coffee. I use my Nespresso machine and make a STRONG espresso. I love strong coffee though. You can use a regular espresso machine if you have one (lucky duck) or just brew a strong cup of coffee. French press works great.
Then froth your milk. My milk frother only takes a few seconds and warms the milk. If you don’t have a milk brother you can pour your milk into a glass jar and use an immersion blender or just shake it up vigorously. Be sure to close the jar first. The secret to setting the milk and making it nice and warm is to pop in the microwave for thirty seconds. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overflow because hot milk makes a sticky mess.
Add your coffee to the mug and top with milk. One maple spice latte ready to enjoy! It’s that easy.
If you don’t have a milk frother or a glass jar, here’s a short cut. The maple spice latte will look a little different, but it will taste delicious. Pour all of the ingredients into a blender jar. Vent the lid, or keep the lid off and hold a towel over the lid, and pulse for thirty seconds. Pour into your mug and enjoy.
Enjoy!
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your cozy fall beverage.
I love to add some whipped cream a some orange sugar to my cup. Mostly because that’s how they served it at the coffee shop. But sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use sprinkles instead.
You could also add a cookie or one of those little orange pumpkins.
And this maple spice latte isn’t just for breakfast. It’s the perfect pick-me-up afternoon snack. Just take a few minutes to savor the deliciousness!
Happy Eating!
Easy Maple Spice Latte with Real Maple Syrup
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 shot of Espresso or 8 ounces strong coffee
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk – I use organic 2%
- 1 Tablespoon REAL Maple Syrup
- pinch of Ground Cinnamon
- pinch of Ground Nutmeg
- pinch of Ground Cardamom
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Add maple syrup and spices to the bottom of a mug, stir to combine.
- Using a milk frother, froth milk. (If you don't have a milk frother, see notes for other options.)
- Pour hot, espresso or strong coffee over maple syrup and spice mixture.
- Top with foamy milk. Garnish with whipped cream and more spices if desired.
Notes
Use a jar: Pour the milk into a large jar with a lid. Fill no more than a third of the jar because the milk will double in volume. Tighten the lid securely, and shake the jar vigorously until the milk is frothy and has roughly doubled in size. This should take about 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave the milk, uncovered, for 30 seconds. The foamy milk will rise to the top, and the heat from the microwave will stabilize it. Keep an eye on the jar. If you see the foam is close to overflowing (it will actually climb an inch or more above the top of the jar before spilling over), stop the microwave, let the foam settle a bit, and then restart to finish the 30 seconds, stopping again, if necessary, to allow the foam to settle. Voilá – warm, frothed milk Option 2:
I call this the lazy option. But it’s delicious. Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse on high for fifteen to thirty seconds. You will have a delicious, creamy, blended maple spice latte.
