Cardamom Vanilla Latte Mocktail Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade cardamom vanilla latte mocktail with this easy alcohol-free recipe. This non-alcoholic drink combines freshly brewed coffee with aromatic cardamom, smooth vanilla, and frothy milk for a cafe-quality experience that's perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sophisticated virgin cocktail without the buzz.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 mocktail

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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

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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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cardamom Vanilla Latte Mocktail Recipe?

This aromatic mocktail features strong brewed coffee, milk, vanilla syrup, cardamom pods, ground cardamom, cinnamon stick, optional cream, and ice. Garnishes include additional ground cardamom and optional vanilla bean pod or cinnamon stick.

How to make Cardamom Vanilla Latte Mocktail Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Cardamom Vanilla Latte Mocktail at home by infusing milk with cardamom and cinnamon, adding vanilla syrup, creating a foam layer, then building the drink with coffee and spiced milk over ice. The layering technique creates a stunning visual effect while the spice-infusion adds complex flavours.

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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