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This Spanish latte recipe is so tasty and refreshing. Made with freshly brewed espresso shots and sweetened condensed milk, this delicious drink is perfect for latte lovers and coffee drinkers. It’s is creamy, it is sweet, and it is the best pick me up for those late afternoon slumps!
Why You’ll Love This Iced Spanish Latte
- Quick & Easy: Takes 5 minutes, no fancy equipment.
- Customizable: Enjoy it iced or hot, with your favorite milk.
- Café-style at home: Same creamy flavor without the coffee-shop price.
- Balanced sweetness: Not overly sugary, just perfectly smooth.
If you’re a coffee lover, make sure to check out these other fun recipes:
What is a Spanish Latte?
A Spanish latte is a creamy, slightly sweet latte made with espresso, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Its unique flavor profile makes it stand out from traditional lattes. Popular in the UAE and parts of Southeast Asia, it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a fun twist on their coffee routine.
But wait, did it actually come from Spain?
Not exactly! Despite its name, the Spanish latte doesn’t actually originate from Spain or traditional Spanish coffee culture. The name likely nods to sweetened condensed milk, a staple in café con leche and other Spanish or Latin American-style coffees. Modern cafés popularized the term to describe this creamy, sweet twist on a latte, inspired by those rich, condensed-milk coffee traditions.
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When I first tried a Spanish latte in the UAE, I was hooked. It’s like a cross between a latte and a dessert, rich, smooth, and just sweet enough to take the edge off the espresso’s bitterness. Once I got back home, I started testing different ratios of milk and condensed milk until I landed on this balanced version. Now, it’s my go-to when I want something indulgent but simple to make, especially on afternoons when I need a treat with a caffeine boost.
Ingredients for this Easy Spanish latte recipe
Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make this traditional Spanish latte recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: is the secret ingredient in this espresso-based drink.
- Whole Milk: Fresh milk brings a creaminess that balances out the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk. Of course, you can always substitute the ingredient with whatever type of milk you want.
- Shots of Espresso: I used a double shot for this recipe but you’re more than welcome to use however much you want. Since there are only a few ingredients, you will want to use the highest quality espresso coffee beans you can find to create a tasty strong coffee flavor.
- Ice Cubes: These will help chill the beverage.
Substitutions
- Espresso: Substitute with cold brew concentrate or strong instant coffee mixed with a small amount of hot water.
- Whole Milk: Try 2%, fat-free, or plant-based milk like oat or almond.
How to make this Spanish Latte Recipe
This is how you can make the perfect Spanish latte. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
- Brew the hot espresso shots with an espresso maker and leave it aside to let it briefly cool.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk to your serving glass.
- Top with the whole milk and mix to combine.
- Add in the ice, then the freshly brewed espresso shots.
- Give it a stir and enjoy!
For a fun added kick of spice you could add some ground cinnamon to this latte when you make it. Trust me it will elevate your morning coffee to a whole new level.
How Do I Make a Hot Spanish Latte?
- Add sweetened condensed milk to your mug and pour freshly brewed espresso on top. Stir to combine.
- Heat your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave, then froth it if desired.
- Pour the hot milk over the espresso and garnish with cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Pro Tips for the Best Spanish Latte:
- Flavor Variations: Add a dash of vanilla extract, a splash of caramel syrup, or even a pinch of sea salt for a unique twist.
- Toppings: Whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of nutmeg can take your Spanish latte to the next level.
- Cold Brew Option: Replace espresso with cold brew concentrate for a smoother, less acidic flavor.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
To store, you’ll want to remove the ice from the drink so that it doesn’t melt and water down your beverage. Remove the ice by fishing it out with a fork or by passing the liquid through a sieve into another cup. Place the leftover latte in an airtight container such as a mason jar and put it in the fridge. It should last for up to 3 or 4 days.
Yes, you can. Just make sure to stir it well after thawing to re-mix the ingredients because they will separate.ure to stir it well after thawing to re-mix the ingredients because they will separate.
Yes, this simple recipe is super easy to tweak to fit your needs! Use coconut sweetened condensed milk (available online or in specialty stores) and pair it with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
Spanish lattes are richer and sweeter due to condensed milk, while regular lattes rely on steamed milk alone.
Add an extra espresso shot or reduce the milk by ¼ cup.
Spanish Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk adjust to your liking
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 shots freshly brewed espresso
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the sweetened condensed milk to your serving glass.2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- Top with the whole milk and mix to combine.1 cup whole milk
- Add in the ice, then the freshly brewed espresso shots. Give it a stir and enjoy!2 shots freshly brewed espresso, ice cubes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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