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How to Make a Mardi Gras King Cake Latte (Easy Recipe)

mardi gras latte

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:

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King Cake Latte Recipe:

Ingredients
  • Coffee beans
  • Milk
  • 1 tablespoon caramel
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • Pinch of cinnamon (to taste)
Equipment

1. Add caramel, sugar, and cinnamon to the mug.

adding caramel for mardi gras latte
Image by Coffee Affection

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.

pouring two shots of espresso with breville machine
Image by Coffee Affection

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.

stirring the caramel, sugar, and espresso for mardi gras latte
Image by Coffee Affection

Give the mixture a good stir. You want the sugar to melt and the flavors to meld.

4. Froth the milk.

frothing milk with breville steamer
Image by Coffee Affection

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.

adding milk froth to mardi gras latte
Image by Coffee Affection

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.

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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.

mardi gras celebration
Image credit: Unsplash

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!


chai latte

Incredible King Cake Latte

Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with this incredible spiced King Cake latte recipe! The brown sugar, caramel, and cinnamon make festive additions to a classic latte.
5 star average
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 latte(s)
Calories 150 kcal

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

Calories: 150kcal
Keyword King Cake Latte, Mardi Gras

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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?

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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