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Cardamom Vanilla Latte Mocktail Recipe

Cardamom Vanilla Latte Mocktail Recipe

Aromatic cardamom and smooth vanilla blend with creamy coffee notes in this warm, frothy latte-inspired mocktail that delivers cafe indulgence without the alcohol.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
A tall, clear glass showcases distinct layers of creamy beige coffee-infused milk topped with a cloud of frothy foam. Sprinkled atop sits a delicate dusting of ground cardamom and cinnamon creating a rich, warm-toned surface. A whole cardamom pod and vanilla bean rest against the glass rim, while natural daylight catches the tiny bubbles in the foam. The mocktail sits on a wooden surface with scattered coffee beans and cardamom pods creating interesting texture around the base, highlighting the aromatic coffee and spice elements that define this sophisticated alcohol-free beverage.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml strong brewed coffee, cooled slightly (or decaffeinated coffee)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml vanilla syrup (or 15ml simple syrup plus 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 cinnamon stick</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cardamom, plus extra for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml cream (optional, for extra richness)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Vanilla bean pod or cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Milk frother or French press</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tall glass</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, crushed cardamom pods, ground cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Gently warm the mixture until it begins to steam but does not boil (around 70°C) - boiling will change the milk's texture and create a less pleasant flavor profile. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to infuse the spices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Remove from heat and strain the mixture to remove the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. Add the vanilla syrup and stir to incorporate completely. The spice infusion should be aromatic but balanced - if you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, you can steep for an additional 2 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Reserve about 60ml of the infused milk mixture for frothing. Using a milk frother, handheld frother, or even a French press (pump the plunger up and down rapidly with warm milk), create a rich foam with the reserved milk. The milk should double in volume and form soft peaks that hold their shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the brewed coffee, followed by the remaining spiced milk mixture. The coffee should create a beautiful gradient effect with the milk - pour slowly along the side of the glass to create distinct layers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently spoon the frothed milk on top, creating a cloud-like layer. The foam should sit on top of the drink rather than immediately sinking - if it's sinking, the foam may need more aeration.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the optional cream over the top in a circular motion. Garnish with a light dusting of ground cardamom and/or a vanilla bean pod or cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while the temperature contrast between the cool coffee layer and warm milk creates that signature cafe experience.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 mocktail
🔥 Calories: 120 calories
🥑 Fat: 5 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 3 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 15 g
🍭 Sugar: 12 g
🍗 Protein: 4 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 15 mg
🧂 Sodium: 65 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this spiced coffee mocktail without caffeine?

Absolutely! Simply substitute decaffeinated coffee for regular coffee to enjoy all the aromatic cardamom and vanilla flavours without the caffeine. This makes it perfect for evening enjoyment or for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

What's the best milk to use for creating perfect foam in this latte mocktail?

Whole dairy milk creates the richest, most stable foam due to its fat content. For plant-based alternatives, barista versions of oat or almond milk work exceptionally well as they're specially formulated to produce silky, long-lasting foam.

How can I intensify the cardamom flavour in this coffee-based mocktail?

To enhance the cardamom notes, toast the pods lightly before crushing them, increase steeping time to 6-8 minutes, or add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom. Using freshly ground cardamom rather than pre-ground also significantly amplifies the aromatic quality.

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