On those crisp mornings when you want to wrap your hands around a warm, steaming mug, an apple cider latte will warm your body and spirit.
This recipe turns apple cider into a creamy, warm treat full of warm spices and soft flavors. And it’s not just an alternative to a pumpkin spice latte—you might even find you like it better! In this recipe, apple cider is warmed with spices and sugar, spiked with a shot of espresso, and topped with foamy milk.
This apple cider latte will transform your morning coffee into a drink that smells and tastes like a rich slice of warm apple spice cake. Try having it with a bowl of yogurt and some apple compote, alongside a slice of warm pumpkin bread, or with a slice of toast covered in apple butter.
For the steamed milk, if you don’t have a steamer, you have options! My favorite technique to make frothy milk is to put the milk in a glass jar with a lid and shake it vigorously.
If you make lattes often, consider purchasing an inexpensive milk frother. I used a frother for years before I bought an espresso machine. If you have a French press, you can use it to make frothy milk. Put the milk in the French press and pump the depressor up and down until a thick froth forms.
What You Need to Make an Apple Cider Latté
You only need a few ingredients to make an apple cider latte: apple cider, milk, sugar, espresso and cinnamon. I like to add cinnamon sticks for decoration, but it’s not necessary.
You will need to use apple cider, and not apple juice in this recipe. I used store-bought apple cider—it’s delicious and saves time! But if you want to use your own apple cider, you can.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider
- Whole milk
- Cinnamon
- Granulated Sugar
- Espresso or strong coffee
Tools:
Apple cider lattés require a few tools, but can easily be adapted to the kitchen equipment you have. You will need a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl with a spout. To make the espresso and steamed milk, I used an espresso machine. However, this dish is delicious if you need to use instant espresso, or very strong coffee instead.
How To Make an Apple Cider Latté
Make espresso: Using your favorite roast, make 2 shots of espresso.
Make the apple cider base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the espresso, sugar, apple cider and cinnamon, and warm until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot. Remove from heat.
Make the steamed milk: Steam the whole milk using a steamer. If using another method, make sure to warm your milk before frothing it.
Assemble the latté: Pour the apple cider into mugs. Add the steamed milk.
Add extra cinnamon or an anise star for decoration and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
How can I make apple cider?
There are a few ways to make apple cider from scratch. The easiest and fastest way starts with apple juice. Add warm spices and orange peel and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and continue to cook for 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Remove from the heat and strain.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! You can replace the milk with a nut milk alternative. Almond, soy, or oat milk would be tasty.
Can I use half and half?
You can replace some of the whole milk for half and half. You can also use lower-fat options, but the result will be less creamy.
Apple Cider Latté
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Make 2 shots of espresso.
- In a small saucepan, add the espresso, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups apple cider, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, warm until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot.
- Using a steamer or other frothing method, steam 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.
- Pour the warmed apple cider mixture into mugs.
- Add the steamed milk and garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Arielle is a food and drink photographer based in Washington, D.C. She was previously a social science researcher before she fell in love with photography.