Spanish Latte Recipe: Easy DIY Coffee You Can Make at Home

Quick Answer

A Spanish latte combines espresso, scalded milk, and sweetened condensed milk for a decadently creamy coffee experience. Despite its name, it didn't originate in Spain but gained popularity in Middle Eastern coffee shops. This fusion drink borrows elements from Vietnamese coffee and traditional café con leche. It creates a rich beverage that's easy to make at home with just three main ingredients and basic equipment.

Key Takeaways

• Spanish lattes blend espresso, milk, and sweetened condensed milk in customizable ratios.
  
• The secret is in the layering - condensed milk first, then espresso, topped with scalded milk.
  
• Middle Eastern coffee shops popularized this drink, not Spain.
  
• An iced version works perfectly for hot weather with cold foam topping.
  
• Making it at home requires just 10 minutes and basic coffee equipment.
  
• Adjust sweetness by changing the amount of condensed milk used.
  

The Surprising Origin of My Favorite Coffee Treat

I discovered Spanish lattes during an unexpected layover in Dubai. Standing in line at a bustling airport café, I noticed nearly everyone ordering the same drink. Curious, I asked for one too – and that first sip changed my coffee world forever. The creamy sweetness balanced the espresso perfectly.

The name "Spanish latte" is actually misleading. The drink isn't from Spain at all! According to coffee professionals in Saudi Arabia, where the beverage has become a menu staple, the Spanish latte is likely a variation of Vietnamese coffee. It gained massive popularity throughout Middle Eastern coffee shops, where it now accounts for roughly half of all coffee sales in some areas.

What makes it different from a regular latte? One magic ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. This thick, sweet addition transforms an ordinary espresso-milk combination into something extraordinary.

What Makes a Spanish Latte Different?

The Secret Ingredient

The defining characteristic of a Spanish latte is sweetened condensed milk. This single ingredient separates it from its cousin, café con leche, which combines equal parts espresso and scalded milk without the sweet addition. 

The condensed milk creates both unique flavor and visual appeal. When poured correctly, it sinks to the bottom and creates beautiful layers of milk, espresso, and sweet condensed milk. Each sip offers a slightly different ratio as the layers gradually mix together.

According to nutrition data, a standard cup of Spanish latte (about 240 grams) contains approximately 150 calories, with 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. The sweetened condensed milk contributes most of the sugar content, so adjust amounts based on your sweetness preference.

Spanish Latte vs. Café Con Leche

Don't confuse the Spanish latte with café con leche, despite their similar names. Traditional café con leche originated in Spain and consists of equal parts strong coffee (usually espresso) and scalded milk. It's a breakfast staple throughout Spain and Latin America.

The traditional café con leche contains no sweetened condensed milk and it gives it a simpler flavor profile that lets the coffee shine. Some regions, particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico, commonly add sugar to their café con leche, but never condensed milk.

How to Make a Spanish Latte at Home

Ingredients You'll Need

Making a Spanish latte requires just three main ingredients:

• 2-3 ounces of espresso (double shot)
  
• 4 ounces of whole milk
  
• 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)

The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity. The ingredients work together to create something greater than their parts.

Equipment Requirements

You don't need professional barista gear to make this at home. Here's what helps:

• Espresso machine (or Moka pot/AeroPress alternative)
  
• Small saucepan for scalding milk
  
• Milk frother or whisk
  
• 10–12-ounce coffee mug
  
• Thermometer (optional but helpful)
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Mug

Add 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a warmed mug. Start with less - you can always add more after tasting.

Step 2: Scald Your Milk

Heat 4 ounces of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a whisk to prevent burning. Heat until it reaches about 180°F or shows tiny bubbles at the edges - but don't let it boil.

Step 3: Pull Your Espresso

Brew a double shot of espresso using your preferred method. A dark or medium-dark roast works beautifully in this drink. It provides a strong coffee flavor that stands up to the sweet milk.

Step 4: Froth Your Milk

After scalding, froth the milk until it has a paint-like consistency. You're not looking for stiff cappuccino foam - just a light, creamy texture.

Step 5: Assemble Your Drink

Pour the espresso over the condensed milk and give it a quick swirl. Then add the frothed milk on top. Once done it creates a layered effect.

For an extra touch, dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder. The entire process takes about 8-10 minutes from start to finish.

Delicious Spanish Latte Variations

Iced Spanish Latte

The iced version is especially popular in hot climates. In fact, its popularity in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries stems partly from the hot weather, where iced versions offer refreshing relief.

To make an iced Spanish latte:

1. Add condensed milk to a tall glass
2. Pour in freshly brewed espresso and stir
3. Fill the glass with ice
4. Top with cold milk or cold foam

The layered effect looks particularly beautiful in a clear glass.

Vegan Spanish Latte

Create a plant-based version by:

1. Substituting almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy milk
2. Using vegan condensed milk (typically made from coconut or soy)

Skip the milk scalding step since plant milks don't scald the same way as dairy. The flavor profile differs slightly from the original, but the creamy texture remains delightful.

Flavored Spanish Lattes

Add flavor variations with:

• Cinnamon (most traditional addition)
  
• Vanilla extract or syrup
  
• Orange zest
  
• Cardamom
  
• Nutmeg
  
• Chocolate syrup
  

A dash of cinnamon adds warmth without changing the fundamental character of the drink.

Why Everyone Should Try a Spanish Latte

The Spanish latte occupies a unique position in coffee culture. It's sweet enough to appeal to those who don't usually drink coffee, yet complex enough to interest coffee enthusiasts.

In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it serves as an introduction to specialty coffee for many young people. Coffee shop owners report that Spanish lattes often make up half their sales.

The drink's appeal lies in its balance. The condensed milk softens espresso's bitterness but doesn't completely hide the coffee flavor. The scalded milk adds body and creaminess that brings everything together.

For home brewers, it offers an easy way to create a coffee shop experience without expensive equipment or complicated techniques. The visual layers make it impressive enough for serving guests.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Too sweet

• Reduce condensed milk to 1 teaspoon
  
• Use darker roast coffee to balance sweetness
  

Problem: Not creamy enough

• Use whole milk instead of reduced fat
  
• Make sure to properly froth the milk
  

Problem: Layers not visible

• Pour each component slowly
  
• Use a clear glass for iced version to showcase layers
  

Problem: Milk curdling

• Let espresso cool slightly before adding milk
  
• Make sure milk hasn't been overheated
  

Final Thoughts

The Spanish latte proves that great coffee drinks don't need complicated ingredients or techniques. With just three components, you can create a creamy, balanced beverage that satisfies both coffee lovers and sweet-tooths alike.

What makes this drink special is its taste and flexibility. Adjust the sweetness, serve it hot or cold, make it with dairy or plant milk - the Spanish latte works in countless variations.

Next time you're tired of your usual coffee routine, try this unexpected fusion drink. It might not be Spanish, but it's definitely delicious!

If you are ready to take your Spanish latte to the next level, then try making it with Lifeboost's premium low-acid coffee beans! Our organic, shade-grown beans deliver a rich and smooth flavor that pairs perfectly with sweetened condensed milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a Spanish latte actually from Spain?

No, despite its name, the Spanish latte didn't originate in Spain. It became popular in Middle Eastern coffee shops, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as a fusion drink.

How sweet is a Spanish latte?

A Spanish latte is noticeably sweeter than regular coffee drinks due to the sweetened condensed milk. You can adjust the sweetness by using 1-4 tablespoons of condensed milk.

Can I make a Spanish latte without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! Use a Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press to make strong coffee as a substitute for espresso. The key is getting a concentrated coffee base.

How many calories are in a Spanish latte?

A typical 8-ounce Spanish latte contains about 150 calories, with most coming from the condensed milk. Reducing the condensed milk portion lowers the calorie count.

What's the difference between a Spanish latte and Vietnamese coffee?

Both contain sweetened condensed milk, but Vietnamese coffee typically uses stronger, darker coffee and more condensed milk. Spanish lattes incorporate frothed milk for a creamier texture.

Can I use regular sugar instead of condensed milk?

You can, but it won't have the same creamy texture or flavor depth. The condensed milk provides both sweetness and richness that's hard to replicate with plain sugar.

About the Author

This article was written by the Lifeboost writing team based on extensive coffee recipe testing and research. We consulted international baristas, coffee shop owners, and recipe developers to perfect our Spanish latte recipe. Our team regularly tests coffee preparation methods to provide accurate, practical advice for home brewing enthusiasts.

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on available data. Actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods used. This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age for caffeinated beverag.

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