Spiked Vanilla Latte Recipe

By What’s Baking

Rich espresso, creamy vanilla notes, and smooth spirits meld into a warming cocktail that elevates your coffee experience to indulgent heights.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml freshly brewed espresso (or 90ml strong brewed coffee)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml vodka or Baileys Irish Cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml vanilla syrup (or 10ml simple syrup with 5 drops vanilla extract)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml steamed milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5ml coffee liqueur (optional for extra coffee flavor)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Whipped cream for topping (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ground cinnamon or grated chocolate for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Coffee maker or espresso machine</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Milk frother or small saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tall glass or mug</li></ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Brew your espresso or strong coffee. The quality of your coffee greatly impacts the final drink, so use freshly ground beans if possible. Allow to cool slightly (about 1 minute) – coffee that's too hot will burn off some of the alcohol.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While coffee is brewing, heat your milk in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling (about 65°C). For best texture, use a milk frother to create a silky microfoam – this creates the perfect latte texture that allows the cocktail ingredients to blend harmoniously.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the vanilla syrup into your serving glass or mug. The syrup will settle at the bottom, which helps to properly distribute sweetness throughout the drink as you sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add your choice of vodka (for a cleaner, less sweet profile) or Baileys (for a creamier, more indulgent version). If using vodka and wanting more coffee intensity, this is when to add the optional coffee liqueur.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour in the hot espresso or coffee and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients. The heat will help release the aromatic compounds in both the coffee and alcohol.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Slowly pour the steamed milk over the back of the bar spoon held just above the coffee mixture. This technique creates a layered effect and preserves the foam on top of the drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>If desired, top with a small amount of lightly whipped cream for extra indulgence. The cream should float on top, creating a luxurious mouthfeel with each sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or freshly grated chocolate for aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately while still warm, as the drink's flavors are best experienced at the proper temperature.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice

🔥 Calories: 315 calories

🥑 Fat: 24 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 14 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 16 g

🍭 Sugar: 2 g

🍗 Protein: 12 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 135 mg

🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this boozy coffee cocktail without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! While espresso creates the best flavour, you can substitute with 90ml of very strong brewed coffee. A Moka pot, French press, or even instant coffee (made extra strong) will work. The key is ensuring your coffee has enough intensity to stand up to the alcohol and milk.

What's the best alcohol to use in a coffee cocktail?

For a coffee cocktail, Baileys Irish Cream offers creamy sweetness, while vodka provides a cleaner profile that lets the coffee shine. Other excellent options include Kahlúa, rum, bourbon, or amaretto. The choice depends on whether you prefer a sweeter, creamier drink or one with more defined coffee notes.

How can I create the perfect milk foam for my spiked latte?

For perfect milk foam, use cold milk with at least 2% fat content. Heat to 65°C without boiling, then froth using a dedicated milk frother, espresso machine steam wand, or a French press by rapidly plunging up and down. The microfoam creates a silky texture that beautifully complements the cocktail.