This almond milk latte is your new morning favorite. If you're looking for a drink that's creamy, delicious, and completely dairy-free, you've found it. Making your own almond milk latte at home takes just five minutes and costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the coffee shop. Plus, you get to control exactly what goes in your cup.
Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just love the nutty taste of almond milk, this almond milk latte recipe will become your go-to. It's smooth, perfectly sweetened (or not, your choice), and topped with beautiful foam that rivals any barista creation. Let me show you how easy it is to make this almond milk latte right in your own kitchen.
Why This Almond Milk Latte Will Change Your Coffee Game
Almond milk has become one of the most popular plant-based milk options, and for good reason. When you make an almond milk latte, you're getting a lighter alternative to traditional dairy that still delivers on flavor and texture. The key is using the right kind of almond milk; barista blends work best because they're designed to froth beautifully without separating.
This recipe stands out because it teaches you exactly how to froth almond milk for latte perfection. Many people struggle with getting that silky microfoam at home, but with the right technique, your almond milk latte will have that coffee shop quality every single time. The nutty undertones of the almond milk pair wonderfully with espresso, creating a balanced flavor that's neither too bitter nor too sweet. You can customize this almond milk latte with vanilla, cinnamon, or even turn it into an iced sugar cookie almond milk latte when the weather gets warm.
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Ingredients
For the Latte Base
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Sweetener of choice
- Vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- Cinnamon
- Sugar cookie syrup
- Cocoa powder
- Caramel sauce
Substitutions
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk
- Soy milk
- Cold brew coffee
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
- Pull two shots of espresso using your espresso machine or brew ½ cup of very strong coffee.
- Pour the hot espresso into your favorite mug.
- If using sweetener, add it now while the espresso is hot so it dissolves completely.
- Stir in vanilla extract if you're using it.
Pro tip: If you don't have an espresso machine, use a Moka pot or make extra-strong coffee with a French press. The key is getting that concentrated coffee flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Almond Milk
- Pour the almond milk into a small saucepan or microwave-safe container.
- Heat on medium until it reaches about 150°F (65°C); don't let it boil or it might curdle.
- For microwave heating, go for 45-60 seconds, checking every 20 seconds.
- Remove from heat as soon as you see steam rising.
Pro tip: Heating to the right temperature is crucial for frothing success. Too hot and your almond milk latte will taste burnt; too cool and it won't foam properly.
Step 3: Froth the Almond Milk
- Use a milk frother, French press, or whisk to create foam in your heated almond milk.
- If using a handheld frother, submerge it just below the surface and froth for 30-40 seconds until you see creamy microfoam forming.
- For a French press method, pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- You want to create that silky, velvety texture that holds its shape.
Pro tip: Barista almond milk froths better than regular unsweetened almond milk because it contains stabilizers. Look for brands like Califia Farms Barista Blend or Almond Breeze Barista Series.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Slowly pour the frothed almond milk into your espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Once the mug is about three-quarters full, spoon the remaining foam on top.
- If you want to try latte art, pour from a height first, then bring the pitcher closer to the surface for designs.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired.
Expert Cooking Tips
Perfect Foam
- Use cold almond milk.
- Warm gently (barista-style works best).
- Add a drop of oil if regular milk won’t froth.
No Curdling
- Match milk and espresso temperatures.
- Heat milk to 140 °F.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to reduce acidity.
Flavor Variations
- Vanilla: vanilla extract + syrup.
- Sugar Cookie (Iced): cold milk, espresso, syrup, ice.
- Cinnamon Spice: cinnamon in espresso.
- Honey Lavender: honey + lavender extract.
Temperature Tips
- Thermometer helps until you get the feel.
- Steam between 140–160 °F.
- Never boil.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dairy-Free Alternatives
If almond milk isn't your thing, this recipe works beautifully with other plant-based milk options. Oat milk creates an even creamier texture and is my second favorite for lattes. Coconut milk adds a tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with coffee. Soy milk froths exceptionally well and has more protein than most non-dairy options.
Sweetener Options
You don't have to use refined sugar in your almond milk latte. Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Honey brings floral notes. Agave nectar dissolves quickly and has a neutral taste. For a sugar-free option, try monk fruit sweetener or stevia, but use less since they're much sweeter than regular sugar.
Making It Iced
For an iced version, skip the heating step entirely. Brew your espresso, let it cool for a few minutes, then pour it over ice. Add cold almond milk and shake or stir vigorously. You can even blend it with ice for a frappé-style drink. An iced almond milk latte is perfect for summer mornings.
Protein Boost
Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to your heated almond milk before frothing. This turns your morning coffee into a post-workout drink. Just make sure to blend or whisk thoroughly so there are no clumps.
Equipment Recommendations
- Espresso Machine or Moka Pot: For authentic espresso; a Moka pot is a budget-friendly alternative that makes strong coffee perfect for lattes
- Milk Frother: A handheld electric frother costs under $15 and makes frothing quick and easy
- Small Saucepan: For heating almond milk on the stovetop with precise temperature control
- Kitchen Thermometer: Helps you nail that perfect 150°F temperature every time
- French Press: A multi-tasker that can froth milk beautifully when you pump the plunger
- Latte Mug: A wide-mouth ceramic mug that holds at least 12 ounces
Budget tip: If you don't want to invest in fancy equipment, a simple mason jar with a tight lid works for frothing. Heat your almond milk latte ingredients, pour into the jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Espresso Prep
- Brew and store in an airtight container (up to 2 days).
- Reheat 20–30 s before use.
Almond Milk Storage
- Lasts 7–10 days after opening.
- Shake well before use.
- Barista blends may expire sooner.
Sweetener Batch
- Make vanilla syrup in advance.
- Keep in a squeeze bottle in the fridge.
Freezing Tips
- Freeze almond milk cubes to avoid watered-down lattes.
- Freeze espresso in cubes for iced drinks.
The Foam Secret That Changes Everything
Here's what most people don't know about making an incredible almond milk latte: the type of almond milk matters more than your frothing technique. Regular almond milk is too thin and low in fat to create stable foam. Barista blends contain added ingredients like sunflower lecithin and gellan gum that help create that thick, creamy microfoam you see at coffee shops.
If you only have regular almond milk, you can still make it work. Add a tiny bit of coconut cream or a drop of neutral oil before frothing. This gives the milk just enough fat content to trap air bubbles and create foam. Your almond milk latte will have that professional look and silky texture that makes every sip satisfying.
FAQ
Can you use almond milk in lattes?
Yes! Almond milk works great in lattes, especially barista-style blends. Heat it to 150°F and froth well. An almond milk latte is a delicious dairy-free coffee option.
How to make the best almond latte?
Use quality espresso and barista-blend almond milk. Heat the milk to 140-160°F, froth until creamy, then pour slowly into espresso. Fresh ingredients make the best almond milk latte.
Why does almond milk not mix well with coffee?
Almond milk can curdle from temperature shock or acidity. To prevent separation in your almond milk latte, heat the milk first and use fresh coffee. Barista blends resist curdling better.
How many calories are in a Starbucks latte with almond milk?
A grande Starbucks almond milk latte has about 100 calories. Homemade versions have 60-80 calories for 12 oz, making an almond milk latte a lighter coffee choice.
Sip, Savor, and Start Your Day Right
Making the perfect almond milk latte at home is easier than you think, and now you have all the tips to create coffee shop quality drinks in your own kitchen. This creamy, dairy-free alternative saves you money and lets you customize every element to your taste. From choosing your sweetness level to experimenting with flavors, your almond milk latte can be exactly what you want it to be.
Don't stop here; try making a Sugar Cookie Latte next for a festive treat, or experiment with a rich Biscoff Latte Recipe that brings cookie butter into your coffee routine. Both pair beautifully with the techniques you've learned for perfecting your almond milk latte. Now grab your favorite mug and start brewing; your best coffee moment is just minutes away.
Perfect foam, perfect flavor, perfect morning ☕; Adams
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Almond Milk Latte recipe:
Dairy-Free Almond Milk Latte
Equipment
- 1 Espresso machine or Moka pot
- 1 Milk frother or whisk
- 1 Saucepan or microwave
- 1 Thermometer (optional)
- 1 Mug
Ingredients
- 2 shots Espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk barista blend preferred for better foam
- 1–2 teaspoon Sweetener of choice honey, sugar, or maple syrup (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract optional
- 1 pinch Cinnamon optional
- 1 tablespoon Sugar cookie syrup optional
- Cocoa powder / caramel optional toppings
Instructions
- Brew espresso.
- Heat almond milk.
- Froth milk.
- Combine & top with foam.
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