Thank you so much for being here — I’m truly excited to share this warm, cozy little treat with you! If you’re craving a comforting pick-me-up that’s rich, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent, you’re going to fall in love with this Brown Sugar Latte Recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a coffee shop–style drink right at home — and trust me, it’s even better than the one you get at the drive-thru!
There’s something about brown sugar in coffee that just hits differently — it adds a deep, almost caramel-like flavor with a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with espresso and steamed milk. Whether you’re starting your morning or cozying up in the afternoon, this latte is a warm hug in a mug.
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Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Latte Recipe
Let’s take a quick look at what makes this latte such a special sip.
What Is a Brown Sugar Latte?
A brown sugar latte is a creamy espresso drink sweetened with a homemade brown sugar syrup. It’s typically made with espresso, steamed milk (or any milk of your choice), and brown sugar syrup that brings in that signature toasty, molasses-y flavor.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
Only 3 core ingredients (plus water!)
Can be made hot or iced
Customizable with dairy-free milk, flavor add-ins, or whipped cream
Ready in 10 minutes
Way cheaper than a coffee shop run!
What Does It Taste Like?
Smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet. The brown sugar adds a subtle warmth and richness you don’t get from regular sugar, giving it almost a toffee-like vibe. Pair that with bold espresso and creamy milk? It’s cozy perfection.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Latte
Here’s what you’ll need to make 1 delicious latte:
1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
¾ cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or soy all work beautifully)
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup (recipe below)
For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup water
Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor
Tools You’ll Need
Small saucepan (for syrup)
Espresso machine, Nespresso, or coffee maker
Milk frother, small whisk, or French press
Mug or heat-safe glass
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
Milk alternatives: Use oat milk for extra creaminess, or almond/soy for a lighter option
Make it iced: Brew coffee or espresso and pour over ice, then top with cold milk and syrup
Add flavor: Try a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract in the syrup
Add foam or whipped cream: For a café-style finish, froth your milk or top with whipped cream and a brown sugar sprinkle
How to Make a Brown Sugar Latte
Ready to make a cozy café drink in your own kitchen? Here’s how:
Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat. Optional: stir in vanilla or cinnamon. Let cool slightly.
Tip: This syrup stores in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make extra!
Step 2: Brew Your Coffee or Espresso
Brew 1–2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong coffee. Pour into your favorite mug.
Step 3: Steam or Froth the Milk
Heat your milk until hot but not boiling. Froth using a milk frother, whisk, or French press plunger.
Step 4: Assemble the Latte
Add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup to the espresso. Stir well. Pour in the frothed milk and give it a gentle stir. Top with foam or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like!
What to Serve with a Brown Sugar Latte
This warm, cozy drink is the perfect companion to:
Homemade muffins (try cinnamon apple or pumpkin!)
Toasted bagels or croissants
Brown sugar oatmeal cookies
A slice of banana bread or coffee cake
Mid-morning journaling, reading, or just a quiet moment for you ☕💛
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Latte
Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor (but light brown works too!)
Froth oat milk for an ultra-creamy texture — it’s the best dairy-free option for lattes
Adjust sweetness to taste — start with 1 tbsp of syrup and add more if needed
Make extra syrup ahead for quick lattes all week long
Use fresh espresso for the richest, boldest flavor
Storage Instructions
Brown Sugar Syrup:
Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Shake or stir before using, as it may separate slightly
Leftover latte:
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate and reheat gently (or serve over ice later!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely. Just use very strong brewed coffee — like from a French press or pour-over — for the best flavor.
Is this like the Starbucks brown sugar shaken espresso?
It’s similar, but this version is creamier and uses steamed milk instead of being shaken over ice with oat milk. You can easily make it iced and add a dash of cinnamon to match that flavor profile!
Can I make it iced?
Yes! Just chill your coffee or espresso, pour it over ice, and add cold milk and brown sugar syrup. Stir and enjoy!
Can I make it sugar-free?
You can try it with a brown sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol, though it may not taste quite the same. Start with a small batch of syrup and adjust from there.
Conclusion
This Brown Sugar Latte Recipe is your new go-to when you want something cozy, easy, and just a little indulgent. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a café-worthy drink that’s full of warmth, sweetness, and that irresistible brown sugar richness. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a slow afternoon, this latte is the perfect companion.
☕ Want more cozy drinks? Check out my Pumpkin Spice Latte, Vanilla Oat Milk Latte, or Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew for more at-home barista magic.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Tried this latte? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag your cozy drink pics on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your creations! 💛
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 120 (with whole milk and 1 tbsp syrup)
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 16g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 4g
Caffeine: ~75–150mg (depending on espresso/coffee)
brown sugar latte recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brown Sugar Latte Recipe is cozy, creamy, and deeply flavorful with rich brown sugar syrup and your favorite milk — a warm, homemade coffee shop experience in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Latte:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or soy)
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup
- For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup water
- Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved (about 2–3 minutes). Optional: stir in vanilla or cinnamon. Let cool slightly.
- Brew 1–2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong coffee. Pour into a mug.
- Heat milk until hot but not boiling. Froth with a milk frother, whisk, or French press.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar syrup to the coffee. Stir well. Pour in the frothed milk and top with foam. Sprinkle cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Store extra syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Use oat milk for extra creaminess or make it iced by pouring over ice and using cold milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: brown sugar latte, homemade latte, cozy drinks, espresso, coffee recipe