This Spanish latte is creamy and strong. Made with a double espresso shot and oat milk, it's the perfect way to start your morning! This coffee shop favorite is actually really easy to make at home!
What is a Spanish latte?
If you’re a fan of strong hot coffee, you will love a Spanish latte! Spanish lattes are basically a strong latte using equal amounts of espresso and milk. They have less milk than a regular latte. My local coffee shop here in Los Angeles, Urth Caffe, is a popular vegan spot where one of their most popular drinks is a Spanish latte.
While a traditional latte usually has 2 parts milk to 1 part espresso, a Spanish latte is made with a stronger coffee to milk ratio using 1 part milk to 1 part coffee. Because of this, Spanish lattes taste stronger than a standard latte. This makes it a great option for people who like a stronger coffee flavor.
Some Spanish lattes even add a splash of condensed milk. Another difference is that a traditional Spanish latte uses scalded milk (milk that has been heated past 170°F) instead of frothed or steamed milk.
Jump to RecipeWhy this recipe works
This recipe is:
- This simple recipe is easy to make.
- Ready in under 5 minutes!
- Vegan and Dairy free
Ingredient Notes
You only need TWO simple ingredients for this delicious coffee recipe.
Espresso
You will need a double shot of espresso for this recipe. I love making espresso at home with my espresso maker for that coffee shop taste. If you don’t have an espresso machine, there are actually still ways to make an espresso shot at home. You actually don’t need a fancy coffee machine, and can use cheaper alternatives like the Aeropress or a Moka pot. You could also brew strong coffee in a french press in place of espresso for this recipe.
Oat milk
The type of milk you use for this recipe is up to you. I use oat milk in this recipe, but you can substitute out for your favorite non-dairy milk like almond milk. I like using oat milk for its creamy texture similar to whole milk. You can also use regular milk.
Optional
I like adding a pinch of cinnamon to my Spanish lattes. You can also add a sweetener to your latte if you like.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Instructions aka How to make this recipe
Brew 1 double shot of espresso.
Regular lattes use frothed or steamed milk, but a Spanish latte uses scaled milk. Scalded milk is heated up to a higher temperature than steamed or frothed milk.
Scald the oat milk by using your espresso machine or stove top to heat the milk to 170ºF. Alternatively, scald milk in the microwave on medium-high power for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. You can also froth or steam the milk.
Combine espresso and hot milk in a mug. Top with a little bit of cinnamon if desired.
Enjoy your perfect Spanish latte!
Variations
- Make it iced - You can easily make an iced Spanish latte, which would be so great for hot summer mornings! Make the espresso shots and pour over ice cubes then add your milk.
- Make it sweet - If unsweetened coffee isn't your thing, you can always add your favorite sweetener! Try some brown sugar or a splash of condensed milk. You can also try a flavored syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spanish latte with these breakfast ideas:
- Savory Mexican Breakfast Quinoa Bowl
- Smashed Avocado and Halloumi Bagel
- Huevos con Chorizo
- Protein Overnight Oats (6 Ways!)
- Oat Milk Pancakes
Expert Tips
Scalding milk: An authentic Spanish latte includes scalded milk instead of frothed or steamed milk. However for this recipe, you can froth, steam or scald the milk.
Scald the oat milk by using your espresso machine or stove top to heat the milk to 170ºF. Alternatively, scald milk in the microwave on medium-high power for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. You can also froth or steam the milk.
Looking for more coffee recipes? Try this Walnut Espresso Martini!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Spanish latte and a regular latte?
A normal latte usually has 2 parts milk to 1 part espresso, and includes steamed or frothed milk. A typical Spanish latte is made with a stronger coffee to milk ratio using equal parts milk and coffee. It has scalded milk rather than frothed or steamed milk. Some Spanish lattes even add a splash of condensed milk.
How to make an iced version of a Spanish latte?
To make an iced Spanish latte, add the espresso over ice, then add the scalded milk or stick to cold milk.
Related Recipes
- Walnut Espresso Martini
- Rose Tea Latte (Caffeine Free, Dairy Free)
- Pumpkin Chai Latte (Dairy Free)
- London Fog Tea Latte (Dairy-Free)
- Creamy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
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Spanish Latte
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso a double shot
- ½ cup oat milk or your favorite milk
- pinch cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Brew 1 double shot of espresso.
- Scald oat milk using your espresso machine or stove top by heating milk to 170ºF. Alternatively, scald milk in the microwave on medium-high power for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. You can also froth or steam the milk.
- Combine shots of espresso and scalded milk in a mug.
- Top with a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ever since she taught herself how to cook, Elise has been making simple recipes with fresh ingredients. She believes the best recipes highlight the ingredients by using the best of cooking techniques. She’s an avid juicer and has juiced each and every fruit and vegetable there is. She also creates savory recipes inspired by what’s available in California. Many of her authentic Mexican recipes are passed down from her from mother in law and is a huge influence on her cooking.
Thank you for teaching me about this latte! You make it look so easy with your beautiful imagery!