Want to celebrate Mardi Gras without having to fly to New Orleans? Beignets and chicory coffee may be good enough for a regular Tuesday, but for Fat Tuesday, you will need something a little more special.
That’s where this king cake latte recipe comes in! It is easy, delicious, and incredibly festive. Fat Tuesday is on February 16th this year, and you don’t want to miss out on the celebration! Scroll down to find the simple steps:
King Cake Latte Recipe:
- Coffee beans
- Milk
- 1 tablespoon caramel
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon (to taste)
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Large mug
- Milk frother
- Spoon
1. Add caramel, sugar, and cinnamon to the mug.
Pour the caramel, brown sugar, and cinnamon into the bottom of your coffee mug. You can adjust the proportions of each of these ingredients to your taste.
2. Pull two shots of espresso.
Pull two shots of espresso directly into the mug. You can use any kind of espresso machine, including portable espresso makers and stovetop Moka pots. If you do not have any espresso equipment, you can substitute strong coffee.
3. Stir the mixture.
Give the mixture a good stir. You want the sugar to melt and the flavors to meld.
4. Froth the milk.
Froth about half a cup of milk using a milk frother, steamer, or Mason jar. If your frother doesn’t heat the milk, you’ll probably want to microwave it or heat it on the stovetop before frothing.
5. Pour the milk on top and garnish.
Pour the milk into the mug, topping with spoonfuls of froth. Then sprinkle on cinnamon and enjoy your tasty treat! Or for extra Mardi Gras panache, top with purple and green sprinkles.
King Cake Latte Variations
The above king cake latte recipe is straightforward and affordable. But maybe you’d like to alter it to suit your tastes or your specific celebration! Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:
Sugar and Spice
Brown sugar, caramel, and cinnamon is a delicious combination that goes especially well with coffee, but you can substitute other spices and types of sugar if you prefer. Try nutmeg and honey for a healthier drink, or add chocolate syrup for extra decadence.
Fun Garnishes
A classic New Orleans king cake traditionally has a bean or plastic baby doll baked into it. Whoever finds it in their slice gets to be the king for the day — but has to host the party next year! You can easily carry this tradition into your kitchen by tossing an uncooked bean or plastic toy into your latte. This will work best if you’re making a large batch of lattes — just add the king to one — and make sure you warn your guests of the choking hazard. Sip carefully, Mardi Gras kings!
Incredible King Cake Latte
Equipment
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Large mug
- Milk frother
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 ounce coffee beans finely ground
- 2 ounces water
- 1/2 cup milk any kind
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 pinch cinnamon to taste
Instructions
- Pour the caramel, brown sugar, and cinnamon into the bottom of your coffee mug. You can adjust the proportions of each of these ingredients to your taste.
- Pull two shots of espresso directly into the mug. You can use any kind of espresso machine, including portable espresso makers and stovetop Moka pots. If you don’t have any espresso equipment, you can substitute strong coffee.
- Give the mixture a good stir. You want the sugar to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Froth about half a cup of milk using a milk frother, steamer, or Mason jar. If your frother doesn’t heat the milk, you’ll probably want to microwave it or heat it on the stovetop before frothing.
- Pour the milk into the mug, topping with spoonfuls of froth. Then sprinkle on cinnamon and enjoy your tasty treat! Or for extra Mardi Gras panache, top with purple and green sprinkles.
Nutrition
Conclusion
There you have it: an easy and tasty way to celebrate Mardi Gras at home. Whip up a king cake latte (with or without the king) and enjoy a very special Fat Tuesday. And if you want to try this sweet treat at a different time of year, go for it! We won’t tell.
Looking for more delicious coffee recipes?