Spanish Latte Recipe: Get the Authentic Taste at Home in 2025
Introduction
Coffee has evolved into much more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s now an essential part of lifestyle and culture worldwide. One of the most beloved yet underrated coffee beverages is the Spanish Latte. Known for its creamy texture, sweet balance, and bold coffee notes, this drink has become increasingly popular in specialty coffee shops globally.
In this article, we’ll uncover the authentic Spanish Latte recipe you can try at home in 2025. Whether you're a beginner or a coffee aficionado, this step-by-step guide will help you recreate this classic drink easily, with helpful tips to elevate your coffee experience.
What is a Spanish Latte?
The Spanish Latte, traditionally called “Café con Leche” in Spain, is a warm and rich coffee drink made by blending strong espresso with steamed or scalded milk and adding a sweetener like sugar or condensed milk.
Unlike the regular latte, which contains more milk and minimal sweetness, the Spanish Latte leans on a bolder espresso base and richer sweetness—making it perfect for those who prefer a stronger and creamier coffee flavor.
Spanish Latte vs Regular Latte: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Spanish Latte | Regular Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Base | Strong espresso or brewed coffee | Espresso |
| Milk Type | Scalded or steamed milk | Steamed milk |
| Sweetener | Sugar or condensed milk (optional) | Usually unsweetened |
| Flavor | Bolder, sweeter | Smooth, mild |
| Serving Options | Hot or iced | Mostly hot |
Ingredients for Spanish Latte (Serves 1)
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2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee
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½ cup whole milk (can substitute with oat or almond milk)
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1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk or 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
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Optional garnish: A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Espresso machine, Moka pot, or strong coffee maker
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Saucepan or milk steamer
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Coffee mug or glass
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Spoon or milk frother
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Thermometer (optional, for scalding milk)
How to Make a Spanish Latte at Home (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Start by brewing 2 shots of espresso using your preferred method. A Moka pot or French press also works if an espresso machine isn’t available. The coffee should be strong to balance the sweetness of the milk.
Step 2: Scald the Milk
Heat ½ cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat. You want it to be hot but not boiling—about 180°F (82°C). Stir gently while heating. Scalded milk brings out a slightly sweeter and richer texture compared to steamed milk.
Step 3: Sweeten the Coffee
Pour the espresso into a cup. Add 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk (or sugar). Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the hot milk slowly into the sweetened espresso. Stir gently. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for added aroma.
Iced Spanish Latte Variation
Want to enjoy your Spanish Latte cold?
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Prepare the espresso and sweeten as normal.
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Let it cool slightly.
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Pour the coffee and milk over the ice.
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Stir well and serve chilled.
Pro Tip: Use coffee ice cubes to avoid dilution!
Customization Ideas
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Dairy-Free Version: Use oat milk or almond milk instead of whole milk.
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Sugar-Free Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for fewer calories.
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Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or cinnamon while heating the milk.
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Vanilla Twist: A few drops of vanilla essence can add a café-style flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-180 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 10-14g |
| Caffeine | 80-100mg |
Note: Values may vary based on milk and sweetener type.
Spanish Latte in Popular Culture
In recent years, the Spanish Latte has grown in popularity across North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Many premium cafés now serve it as part of their signature drinks. Its smooth yet robust profile makes it an excellent entry point for people exploring global coffee flavors.
Common FAQs About Spanish Latte
Q1. Is Spanish Latte stronger than a regular latte?
Yes, it usually contains more concentrated espresso and less milk, resulting in a bolder flavor.
Q2. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
While espresso is ideal, a strong instant coffee made with minimal water can be used as a substitute.
Q3. How is Spanish Latte different from Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnamese coffee uses robusta beans and is typically made with condensed milk and a metal drip filter, offering a stronger and more bitter flavor.
Q4. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and a vegan-friendly sweetener like agave or coconut sugar.
Q5. What’s the best milk for this recipe?
Whole milk gives the creamiest results, but oat milk is the best plant-based alternative due to its thickness.
Final Thoughts
The Spanish Latte is a flavorful and indulgent twist on the classic latte. With its creamy sweetness, strong coffee notes, and versatility (hot or iced), it’s the perfect beverage to enjoy any time of day. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home—even if you don’t have a fancy espresso machine.
Whether you're hosting friends, needing a productive boost, or simply enjoying a cozy moment alone, a Spanish Latte is your perfect companion.
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