Rosemary Vanilla Latte
This rosemary vanilla latte is a coffee shop copycat made at home with a homemade rosemary vanilla syrup that has real vanilla bean paste and a pinch of sea salt built right in. The rosemary adds a warm, herbal, slightly piney note that pairs beautifully with espresso and vanilla for a smooth, cozy latte that tastes elevated without being fussy.
Servings: 1
Ingredients
For the rosemary vanilla syrup (makes about 1 cup):
- 1 cup granulated sugar or sub monk fruit sweetener for lower calorie, see notes
- 1 cup water
- 3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the latte (per drink):
- 2 shots espresso about 2 oz
- 2 tablespoons rosemary vanilla syrup more or less to taste
- 6 to 8 oz steamed or warmed milk of choice or cold milk for an iced drink
Instructions
- Bruise the rosemary. Take each rosemary sprig and twist it gently between your hands a few times. This breaks up the leaves slightly and releases a lot more of the aromatic oils, so you get bigger rosemary flavor without needing more sprigs.3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
- Make the rosemary vanilla syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and bruised rosemary sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, 3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
- Steep. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste and sea salt. Let the rosemary sprigs steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more rosemary flavor you'll get. Strain out the sprigs and transfer the syrup to a jar.1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Build the latte. In your mug, combine 2 tablespoons of the rosemary vanilla syrup with 2 shots of hot espresso and stir well.2 shots espresso, 2 tablespoons rosemary vanilla syrup
- Add milk. Pour in your steamed or warmed milk and give it a gentle stir. Top with foam if you like, garnish with a small sprig of rosemary, and serve right away.6 to 8 oz steamed or warmed milk of choice
Notes
Sweetener swaps and how each one tastes:
White sugar gives you a clean, neutral sweetness that lets the rosemary and vanilla shine without competing. This is the best option if you want the rosemary flavor to be the star. You can also sub monk fruit sweetener 1:1 here to cut calories without changing the flavor much.
Honey adds a soft floral, slightly earthy sweetness that pairs really well with rosemary since both have herbal notes. The latte will taste a little more wintery and warm. Use the same ratio (1 cup honey to 1 cup water) and warm it gently just until the honey dissolves, no need to fully simmer.
Brown sugar brings a deeper, almost caramel-like sweetness with molasses notes. It makes the latte taste cozier and more dessert-like, but it can slightly mute the rosemary. Great for fall and winter or if you like a richer, sweeter latte.
Honey adds a soft floral, slightly earthy sweetness that pairs really well with rosemary since both have herbal notes. The latte will taste a little more wintery and warm. Use the same ratio (1 cup honey to 1 cup water) and warm it gently just until the honey dissolves, no need to fully simmer.
Brown sugar brings a deeper, almost caramel-like sweetness with molasses notes. It makes the latte taste cozier and more dessert-like, but it can slightly mute the rosemary. Great for fall and winter or if you like a richer, sweeter latte.
Nutrition
Calories: 210Calories | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 283mg | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 1mg