Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Almond Milk Latte

• It’s incredibly cozy and comforting. The combination of warm cinnamon and creamy almond milk is a classic for a reason—it just feels like home. It’s the perfect drink for a quiet morning or a chilly evening.
• It’s surprisingly simple to master. You might think you need a professional espresso machine, but you really don’t. We’ll use methods that work with basic kitchen tools, so anyone can become their own barista.
• It’s wonderfully customizable. Love it sweeter? Prefer a stronger coffee kick? This latte is a fantastic base recipe that you can tweak to your heart’s content. It’s your personal café creation.
• The aroma is half the experience. As the cinnamon heats up with the milk, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly. It’s an sensory delight that starts before you even take the first sip.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener (optional)
• A tiny pinch of salt (trust me on this!)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)

Tools: A small saucepan, a whisk (a handheld milk frother is even better!), a mug, and an espresso maker or method for strong coffee.

The quality of your almond milk makes a real difference here—look for one with minimal ingredients, as some brands can contain stabilizers that don’t froth as well. And that pinch of salt? It’s not for saltiness, but to subtly enhance all the other flavours, making the cinnamon pop and balancing any potential bitterness.

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 7 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Choosing Your Almond Milk. For the best froth, opt for a “barista blend” almond milk if you can find it. These are specifically formulated to steam and foam beautifully. If using a standard variety, shake the carton vigorously before using—this helps incorporate any separated ingredients.
• Espresso vs. Strong Coffee. A shot of espresso will give you that authentic, robust latte base. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot, an AeroPress, or even just very strongly brewed coffee from a French press or drip machine. The goal is a concentrated coffee flavour.
• The Cinnamon Question. You can use regular ground cinnamon, but if you have access to Ceylon cinnamon (often called “true” cinnamon), its slightly sweeter, more complex flavour is wonderful here. The trick is to whisk it into the cold milk at the start to prevent clumping.
• Sweetener Flexibility. The optional sweetener is just that—optional. I find a teaspoon of maple syrup complements the almond and cinnamon notes perfectly, but you could use date syrup, a sugar-free alternative, or simply omit it entirely. Taste your milk mixture before adding it to the coffee.

How to Make Cinnamon Almond Milk Latte

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• Oatmeal with Berries — The creamy, spiced latte pairs wonderfully with a bowl of warm oatmeal. The tartness of fresh berries cuts through the richness perfectly.
• A Buttery Croissant — For a truly indulgent breakfast, you can’t beat the classic combination of a flaky, buttery croissant with a warm latte. It’s a simple luxury.
• Almond Biscotti — The nutty flavour of the biscotti echoes the almond milk, and its crunchy texture is ideal for dipping without falling apart.

Drinks

• Sparkling Water with Lemon — A glass of crisp, cold sparkling water served alongside helps cleanse the palate between sips, making each taste of the latte feel fresh.
• A Simple Glass of Cold Water — Honestly, sometimes the best companion is just a tall glass of water. Staying hydrated is key, especially when enjoying a warm beverage.

Something Sweet

• Date and Nut Energy Ball — These no-bake bites offer a natural sweetness that complements the latte without being overpowering. They’re a healthy and satisfying little treat.
• Dark Chocolate Square — A single square of high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) melted slowly on the tongue alongside a sip of latte is a sublime experience.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Boiling the almond milk. Heating the milk too quickly or letting it come to a boil can cause it to separate or develop an unpleasant, slightly bitter taste. Gentle heat is your friend.
• Mistake: Adding cinnamon to hot milk. If you sprinkle cinnamon into already hot milk, it will likely clump up into little gritty balls. Always whisk it into cold milk at the beginning for a smooth, integrated flavour.
• Mistake: Not whisking enough. If you want foam, you have to put in the effort! A few lazy stirs won’t create that lovely froth. Vigorous, fast whisking for a good 30-60 seconds is essential for that café-quality texture.
• Mistake: Using old, stale coffee. The coffee is the foundation of your drink. If your beans are old or your pre-ground coffee has been sitting in the cupboard for months, the latte will taste flat. Use fresh, good-quality coffee for the best results.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make a cinnamon paste. If you’re worried about clumping, mix the cinnamon with a teaspoon of your sweetener or a tiny splash of milk to form a paste before adding it to the rest of the cold milk. This guarantees a perfectly smooth latte.
• Tip: Warm your mug. For a truly professional touch, rinse your mug with hot water before you start. A warm mug will keep your latte hotter for longer, extending that cozy feeling.
• Tip: Experiment with infused syrups. While maple syrup is classic, a dash of vanilla syrup or even a hazelnut syrup can create a whole new flavour profile. A little goes a long way!
• Tip: Create latte art. Once you’ve mastered the pour, try your hand at simple latte art. After pouring the initial liquid milk, lower the pitcher and pour a slow, steady stream through the center of the foam to create a simple heart or dot. It’s easier than you think!

FAQs

Can I make this iced?
Absolutely! This makes a fantastic iced latte. Simply brew your coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Instead of heating the milk, combine the cold almond milk, cinnamon, and sweetener in a jar with a lid. Shake it vigorously for 30-60 seconds until frothy. Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the coffee, and then top with the shaken cinnamon almond milk and foam. It’s incredibly refreshing.

My milk isn’t frothing. What am I doing wrong?
This is a common issue, often due to the specific brand of almond milk. Some brands simply don’t froth well. Look for ones with a higher protein content or those labeled “barista blend.” Also, ensure you’re using a cold saucepan and starting with cold milk—whisking as it heats helps incorporate air. A handheld electric frother is a game-changer for this if you’re struggling with a whisk.

Can I use a different type of milk?
Of course! Oat milk is another excellent choice that froths beautifully and has a naturally creamy sweetness. Cashew milk would also work well. The method remains exactly the same. Just note that different plant-based milks will have slightly different flavours and frothing capabilities.

How can I make this without any coffee?
You can easily turn this into a comforting caffeine-free “Cinnamon Almond Milk Steamer.” Just follow the recipe but omit the coffee. Heat and froth the cinnamon almond milk as directed, then pour it into a mug. It’s like a warm, spiced hug in a cup—perfect for kids or for a cozy evening treat.

Can I prepare a larger batch in advance?
You can pre-mix the almond milk, cinnamon, and sweetener and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good shake before heating and frothing your portion when you’re ready for a latte. I don’t recommend frothing a large batch in advance, as the foam will deflate. The coffee is always best brewed fresh.