Happy Friday! Actually, happy fun drink Friday! This month’s recipe combines two of my favorite things: caffeine and alcohol. I mean if you made it through a whole work week, you deserve an adult treat, right?!
The Key to a High Quality Latte
There is one commonality with good coffee shops- a good espresso machine. In my past life, I worked as a barista at two different small town coffee shops as well as at Starbucks during college. Each of these places had amazing specialty coffee drinks because they all used high quality espresso machines. A good shot always makes the difference.
But of course, chances are you can’t afford or fit a huge expensive espresso machine in your home. But fortunately there is an alternative to still be able to make delicious espresso drinks at home and it is called Nespresso.
We first tried Nespresso while at a resort for our honeymoon. I was in love! The machine is compact and doesn’t take up a lot of counter space but more importantly it produces incredible coffee.
But don’t worry, if you don’t have a Nespresso you can still make a delicious Vegan Hazelnut Spiked Latte. The key is still the beans. Use fresh coffee preferably recently ground and if you are using coffee from a drip coffee maker, make it a little stronger than normal.
Steaming the Non-dairy Milk
First off, I would recommend using either soy or almond milk for a rich and creamy vegan latte. Some non-dairy milks tend to be a little watery but these two steam just like the real deal.
There are a few options for steaming your milk. If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand that is the best way to make dreamy frothy steamed milk. It can produce perfectly foaming milk to pour over your espresso.
This is the espresso machine that we have and the steam wand actually works great. And yes, we have a small espresso machine along with our Nespresso. A little overboard I know…
If you don’t have an espresso machine with a steam wand, you can also heat your milk in a saucepan over medium heat or use a microwave. Just be sure not to overheat your milk, there is nothing worse than burned milk.
Additionally, if you want to add a little froth in an economical manner, this handy tool does the trick. It also works great for mixing powdered mixes such as emergen-c with water too!
An Adult Kick
Finally, don’t forget to add your hazelnut liquor to make your latte a real special treat! We like to use Frangelico. Add between 1/2 shot to one full shot per latte depending on your preference.
The Frangelico will provide your nutty hazelnut flavor along with a little zip. A delicious weekend afternoon pick-me-up!
If you want to have a non-spiked hazelnut latte, hazelnut milk can also be used for your non-dairy milk. If you want LOTS of hazelnut flavor try using both hazelnut milk and the liquor for an extra sweet treat! We enjoy Elmhurst Hazelnut Milk.
Beautiful and Decadent
Finally, for one last finishing touch roast some whole hazelnuts and grate them on top of your latte. Ground nutmeg or cinnamon can also be used if you prefer. A light sprinkle will add that element of pizazz.
If you are looking for a drink that provides an energy boost with a little buzz, give this Vegan Hazelnut Spiked Latte a try. Cold afternoon games don’t stand a chance! Happy sipping!
- 1 Cup Plant-Based Milk (Soy or Almond Work Best)
- 1 Shot Espresso
- ½ oz - 1 oz Frangelico (Depending on how strong you want your latte)
- Raw Hazelnuts Roasted (Optional Garnish)
- In a dry frying pan over medium heat toast the hazelnuts until golden brown, if using.
- Steam the milk using the steam wand attachment on your espresso machine or heat in small saucepan over medium heat.
- Pull 1 shot of espresso and pour it into a mug.
- Slowly pour the frothed milk into the mug and scoop some of the foam on top.
- Add the frangelico and grate a hazelnut or two on top of the latte. Enjoy immediately!
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I have a cold today, and this is just what the doctor ordered. Well, probably not but it looks too good to pass up.
😂❤️
This looks SO good and I wish I had everything to make one right now, it would be a perfect lazy weekend morning treat!
Thanks so much, Anne! It is a perfect adult drink. Hope you treat yourself soon!