@BaristaInPajamas is a home barista, photographer, and social media influencer based in Canada. You can follow him for more delicious and innovative recipes.
When apple season arrives, it’s time to bring those warm, familiar flavors into your autumn latte. This Cinnamon Apple Spice Latte combines the rich taste of espresso with sweet apple and warming fall spices for a seasonal drink that will rival your favorite fall coffee recipes.
Created by @BaristaInPajamas, this easy-to-make latte is a delicious way to give your everyday coffee routine a seasonal upgrade. So, if you're looking for fall latte ideas, look no further!
What Is an Apple Cinnamon Latte?
Instead of relying on traditional coffee syrups, this recipe uses a homemade apple cinnamon syrup made by reducing apple juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, maple syrup, and vanilla.
The result is a drink that balances fruity sweetness and warm spice with the rich flavor of espresso. Finished with creamy milk and an optional cinnamon-dusted apple topping, it's a simple way to work fall lattes into your routine.
Ingredients
This recipe makes one latte, plus a batch of homemade apple cinnamon syrup to use in future drinks.
For the homemade apple cinnamon syrup
- 450 g fresh apple juice (approximately 1 lb)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- A pinch of salt
- 30 g maple syrup (2 tbsp)
- 5 g vanilla extract (1 tsp)
For one Apple Cinnamon Latte
- 15 g apple cinnamon syrup (approximately 1 tbsp), for the espresso
- 5 g apple cinnamon syrup (approximately 1 tsp), for the milk
- 1 double shot of espresso
- 120 ml milk (approximately 4 fl oz)
- Ice (optional - if served cold)
- Optional: diced apple tossed in cinnamon, for garnish
What you'll need
A small saucepan, a fine-mesh sieve, a clean bottle or covered container for storing the syrup, and your espresso machine.
How to Make Homemade Apple Cinnamon Syrup
Recipe by BaristaInPajamas
The homemade syrup is what gives this latte its signature fall flavor. Reducing the apple juice concentrates its sweetness, while cinnamon and cloves add warmth and depth.
-
Combine the ingredients. Add the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, salt, and maple syrup to a small saucepan.
-
Simmer and reduce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
-
Cool and add the vanilla. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Strain and store. Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices, then transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or covered container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
With your syrup prepared ahead of time, assembling your next Apple Cinnamon Latte is easy.
How to Make an Apple Cinnamon Latte
Once your syrup has cooled, it's time to put your latte together.
-
Sweeten your espresso. Add 15 g (approximately 1 tbsp) of apple cinnamon syrup to an espresso cup. Brew a double shot of espresso directly over the syrup and stir to combine.
-
Prepare the milk. Fill a serving glass with 120 ml of milk (and ice if serving cold). Stir in the remaining 5 g (approximately 1 tsp) of syrup.
-
Combine the layers. Pour the espresso mixture over the milk.
-
Add the finishing touch. Garnish with diced apple tossed in cinnamon, if desired.
Give your latte a quick stir before sipping to bring the espresso, milk, and apple spice together.
Watch the video and comment "Coffee" to get this recipe direct messaged to you:
View this post on Instagram
The Best Coffee for an Apple Cinnamon Latte
The right espresso makes all the difference in a flavored latte. You want a coffee with enough character to complement the apple and spices without overpowering them.
For this recipe, try Caffè Borbone 100% Arabica. Made with Arabica coffee sourced from Africa, Central America, and South America, this medium-roast blend offers notes of chocolate, malt, and chestnut with floral and fruity undertones.
Its balanced flavor profile makes it a lovely choice for autumn latte recipes. The chocolate and malt notes complement the maple syrup, while the chestnut and fruity character adds depth to the sweet apple and warming cinnamon.
Prefer a more intense, full-bodied espresso? You can also experiment with one of our bolder blends to find the balance of coffee, sweetness, and spice that suits your taste.
→ SHOP WHOLE BEAN COFFEE FOR ESPRESSO
Barista tip: Start with the recommended syrup measurements, then adjust the sweetness to your preference. A flavorful espresso should still shine through every sip.
Make It Your Own
Homemade coffee drinks are all about finding the combination you love. Here are a few ways to personalize your Apple Cinnamon Latte:
-
Adjust the sweetness. Start with the recommended amount of syrup and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
-
Experiment with milk. Dairy milk, oat milk, and other milk alternatives can each bring a different texture and flavor.
-
Add a little extra spice. A light dusting of cinnamon on top enhances the drink's warm, seasonal character.
-
Try a different espresso blend. Our 100% Arabica Crema Superiore offers balanced sweetness and a smooth flavor profile, while bolder blends can bring a more intense coffee character.
Bring a Little Fall to Your Coffee Ritual
Pumpkin may get much of the attention when fall arrives, but apple cinnamon coffee deserves a spot in your rotation of fall coffee drink recipes. With homemade apple cinnamon syrup, rich espresso, and creamy milk, this latte is a delicious way to add a seasonal twist to your everyday routine.
Ready to try it? Brew your favorite Caffè Borbone espresso, prepare a batch of homemade apple cinnamon syrup, and enjoy a taste of fall in every cup.
Rember to follow @BaristaInPajamas on Instagram or join his newsletter to see more innovative recipes.