Last week, I visited a cozy coffee shop that served a Spanish latte, but making it at home is so much better—mainly because I can control the sweetness and milk-to-coffee ratio. The Spanish Latte is a creamy and luxurious coffee drink that perfectly blends the richness of espresso with the velvety sweetness of condensed milk. Popular in many cafés across Spain and the Middle East, it has become a favorite for coffee lovers who enjoy something smooth, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic. The version I make is smooth, rich, and comforting, especially on slow mornings. The balance of bold espresso and sweet condensed milk is just right and always makes me feel like I’m in a quiet café in Madrid.

I have made this recipe many times, and I use whole milk for its creamy consistency. Always brew your coffee strong—it gives a bolder flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly. I sometimes add a little cinnamon or vanilla for extra aroma, and it makes the drink feel even more special.

You can serve it warm in a ceramic mug, with toast, churros, or also with croissants and butter cookies for a café-style breakfast or afternoon snack.

It’s Perfect For:

• Morning rituals when you want a rich and sweet coffee
• Afternoon breaks with a book or music
• Treating guests with a café-style drink
• Pairing with pastries or desserts
• Sipping slowly while journaling or relaxing at home

Ingredients

• ½ cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 2–3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Ice cubes (for iced version)
• Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Small saucepan or milk frother
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof mug or tall glass
• Spoon for mixing
• Milk frothing wand (optional)

How to Make Spanish Latte

Step 1

Brew the espresso or strong coffee: Start by brewing about ½ cup of espresso or strong coffee using your espresso machine, moka pot, or French press. Make sure it’s rich and aromatic since the Spanish latte relies on a deep coffee flavor balanced with sweetness.

Step 2

Warm or steam the milk (for hot version): In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until it’s hot but not boiling. If you have a milk frother or steamer, use it to create a light foam — this adds a café-like touch to your drink.

Step 3

Mix in the condensed milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk into your cup or glass first. This allows it to dissolve smoothly later. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your coffee. Stir in the optional teaspoon of sugar for an even sweeter taste.

Step 4

Combine coffee and milk: Pour the brewed coffee over the condensed milk and mix well until fully combined. Then, slowly pour in the steamed milk (or cold milk if you’re making it iced). Stir gently to create a creamy, layered texture.

Step 5

For an iced Spanish latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the coffee and condensed milk mixture over it. Add the milk last and stir until perfectly blended. You’ll get a cool, smooth coffee drink with a hint of caramel-like sweetness from the condensed milk.

Step 6

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for an aromatic finish. You can also drizzle a touch of condensed milk on top for presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Spanish Latte

• Use a strong espresso base: A deep, rich espresso helps keep the flavor balanced instead of overly sweet.
• Don’t boil the milk: Warm it gently to keep it creamy and smooth. Boiling can change the texture and taste.
• Adjust sweetness slowly: Add condensed milk one spoon at a time to avoid making it too sweet.
• Froth the milk: Frothing makes the drink lighter and more café-like, adding that signature texture.
• Use cold coffee for iced versions: This keeps the drink strong and prevents ice from diluting the flavor.
• Add a hint of spice or syrup: A little cinnamon, nutmeg, or caramel can give your latte a unique twist.
• Use quality condensed milk: The better the condensed milk, the smoother and richer your drink will taste.

Optional Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon caramel syrup
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Cocoa powder
• Whipped cream for topping

How to Serve Spanish Latte

I love serving my Spanish latte in a tall glass when it’s iced. The way the coffee and milk blend into those soft caramel-colored layers looks stunning. I usually add a few ice cubes, pour the coffee mix slowly, and top it with cold milk—it feels like a drink from a fancy café but made right in my kitchen.

When serving it hot, I prefer using a ceramic or glass mug. The heat enhances the comforting aroma of espresso and condensed milk, making it ideal for rainy mornings or lazy afternoons. I like to sip it slowly while watching a show or reading a book. It pairs beautifully with simple snacks like cookies, pastries, or buttered toast.

I also love offering it to guests because it always impresses them. It looks elegant, tastes indulgent, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Whether you serve it with a light breakfast or a sweet treat, it adds a touch of warmth and luxury to your day.

Is Spanish Latte Healthy?

Spanish lattes are naturally richer than standard lattes due to the condensed milk, which adds both sweetness and calories. However, you can make it healthier by reducing the condensed milk or substituting it with low-fat or plant-based alternatives. It’s a treat drink—something to enjoy occasionally when you want something sweet, creamy, and satisfying without feeling guilty.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut condensed milk for a creamy, lactose-free twist.
• Vanilla Spanish Latte: Add a drop of vanilla extract for a fragrant and cozy version.
• Iced Caramel Spanish Latte: Mix in a spoonful of caramel syrup for a dessert-like flavor.
• Cinnamon Honey Latte: Swap condensed milk for honey and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a lighter sweetness.
• Mocha Spanish Latte: Blend in cocoa powder to create a chocolatey, rich twist.
• Cold Brew Spanish Latte: Use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso for a smoother, less acidic taste.
• Coconut Spanish Latte: Use coconut milk and coconut condensed milk for a tropical flair.
• Matcha Spanish Latte: Replace espresso with matcha for a creamy green tea variation.

How to Store and Reheat

For iced Spanish lattes, store any leftovers in a jar or airtight bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before serving, as milk and coffee can separate over time.

For hot Spanish lattes, let the drink cool before refrigerating. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid boiling to maintain the smooth, creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Latte

Can I make a Spanish latte without condensed milk?
Yes, you can. Use regular milk with a teaspoon of sugar or honey for a lighter taste. It won’t be as creamy but still delicious.

What kind of coffee works best?
Espresso is ideal because it’s strong and rich, but you can also use a moka pot or French press to brew concentrated coffee.

Can I make it vegan?
Definitely! Just use plant-based milk like oat or soy and coconut condensed milk for the same creamy sweetness.

What’s the difference between a Spanish latte and a regular latte?
A regular latte is unsweetened and made only with espresso and milk, while a Spanish latte includes condensed milk, making it sweeter and thicker.

Spanish Latte Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: DrinksCuisine: Spanish-InspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Make a creamy and sweet Spanish Latte at home! Learn how to make this café-style drink hot or iced with easy instructions, serving tips, and variations for every coffee lover.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)

• ½ cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee

• 2–3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

• Ice cubes (for iced version)

• Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Brew the espresso or strong coffee: Start by brewing about ½ cup of espresso or strong coffee using your espresso machine, moka pot, or French press. Make sure it’s rich and aromatic since the Spanish latte relies on a deep coffee flavor balanced with sweetness.
• Warm or steam the milk (for hot version): In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until it’s hot but not boiling. If you have a milk frother or steamer, use it to create a light foam — this adds a café-like touch to your drink.
• Mix in the condensed milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk into your cup or glass first. This allows it to dissolve smoothly later. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your coffee. Stir in the optional teaspoon of sugar for an even sweeter taste.
• Combine coffee and milk: Pour the brewed coffee over the condensed milk and mix well until fully combined. Then, slowly pour in the steamed milk (or cold milk if you’re making it iced). Stir gently to create a creamy, layered texture.
• For an iced Spanish latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the coffee and condensed milk mixture over it. Add the milk last and stir until perfectly blended. You’ll get a cool, smooth coffee drink with a hint of caramel-like sweetness from the condensed milk.
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for an aromatic finish. You can also drizzle a touch of condensed milk on top for presentation.