Back in my barista days, I loved experimenting with different latte flavors. Today, I'm geeked to share my recipe for a super delish and super simple honey cardamom latte.
This post may contain affiliate links. Check out the full disclosure.
This latte is perfectly balanced and sweet, but adding a refreshing twist of orange zest will take it to the next level. With warm and slightly floral notes of cardamom, a bright and refreshing pinch of orange zest, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, this latte is a sure hit.
It's naturally sweetened and lighter than your traditional latte, so it'll wake you right up without weighing you down.
If you don't have an espresso machine, no worries. You can still enjoy a delicious honey cardamom latte, you just need a small, concentrated cup of coffee or a shot or two of espresso from your local coffee shop.
If you're making coffee at home, you can use a stovetop espresso maker, an Aeropress inverted, or a French press to make a strong coffee that'll work perfectly in this recipe.
Ingredients
The rich and bold flavor of coffee pairs perfectly with the warm and slightly spicy notes of cardamom, honey sweetens the deal and brings it all together. An optional pinch of orange zest will give your latte a citrusy twist.
- espresso
- milk
- cardamom
- honey
- whipped cream optional
- orange zest optional
Instructions
Use an Aerolatte or another handheld milk frother to froth your milk. If you don't have an espresso machine with a built-in milk frother, a handheld frother is probably your next best bet. They're super easy to use and create a nice foam for your caps and lattes. Otherwise, check out this post from The Pioneer Woman on frothing milk without a frother.
- Pour a tablespoon or two of honey into your mug, depending on how sweet you like your latte. Next, sprinkle a teaspoon of ground cardamom on top of the honey, and give it a quick stir to combine. This mixture of honey and cardamom will be the show's star, so make sure it's well mixed before moving on to the next step.
- If you have an espresso machine, pull a shot or two and pour them over the honey and cardamom mixture. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can still enjoy this latte with a strong cup of coffee or a shot from your local coffee shop. Just make sure it's hot and fresh before adding it to the mug.
- Give the mixture a good stir to make sure the honey, cardamom, and espresso are well combined. This is where the magic happens! The aroma of cardamom mixed with the citrusy scent of orange zest is already making me drool.
- Finally, top your latte with frothed milk and garnish it with a sprinkle of additional orange zest or ground cardamom. You can also add whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Get creative with your garnish and try different combinations until you find your favorite.
Substitutions
- Honey - use maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia in place of honey as a sweetener.
- Cardamom - sub out ground cinnamon or nutmeg for ground cardamom if you don't have it on hand.
- Espresso - use espresso powder or a strong cup of coffee in place of espresso shots.
Variations
- Dairy Free - use your favorite plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk. Use maple syrup with your non-dairy milk for a vegan variation!
- Spiced - Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for an even spicier twist on this latte.
- Boozy - Add a splash of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, for an extra kick.
FAQ
Make yourself a latte (or two) and let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you add any fun twists or garnishes? Any tips or tricks to share? I'm all ears!
Stay curious!
Related
Looking for sweets to pair with your coffee? Try these:
Recipe
Honey Cardamom Latte
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 shot espresso *see recipe notes
- ½ cup milk dairy or non
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon honey *see recipes notes
- whipped cream optional
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
Instructions
- Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee and setting it aside.
- Heat your milk in a saucepan or microwave until it's hot, but not boiling. Froth the milk using a milk frother or whisk until it's nice and foamy.
- In your mug or glass, mix together the ground cardamom and sweetener of your choice. Pour in your espresso or concentrated coffee and gently stir to combine.
- Add the frothed milk to your mug, and top with whipped cream (optional), a sprinkle of ground cardamom, and a pinch of orange zest!
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use your favorite non-dairy milk and skip the whipped cream.
- Iced Option: Pour the spiced espresso or coffee over ice and add cold frothed milk.
- If you're opting for strong coffee over espresso, you don't necessarily need to brew double or triple-strength coffee, but you can use more coffee grounds than you typically would for a regular cup of joe. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
- If you're opting for espresso powder, mix 1 tablespoon of espresso powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water to make a concentrated shot of espresso. Add the espresso shot to your mug with the honey and cardamom mixture, and stir well to combine.
Nutrition
kitchenverve.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes on our site. This information is provided as a courtesy from online calculators and should be used only as an estimate. Although we attempt to provide the most accurate nutritional information possible, these figures will vary based on your chosen ingredients and cooking methods.
Join the discussion