The Best Homemade Almond Milk Latte (Hot or Iced!)

Craving something cozy, dairy-free, and coffee-shop worthy? You’re in the right place.

An almond milk latte is everything you love about a classic latte—warm, creamy, comforting—minus the dairy.

It’s lighter, plant-based, and perfect for anyone vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious about almond milk.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make a café-style almond milk latte at home, whether you like it hot, iced, or flavored with a little vanilla or mocha magic.

Let’s turn your kitchen into your new favorite coffee spot!

Why Choose Almond Milk?

It’s Light, Dairy-Free, and Kind to Your Gut

Let’s face it, dairy doesn’t agree with everyone. If milk leaves you bloated, gassy, or just feeling “meh,” almond milk is a gentle alternative.

It’s naturally lactose-free, making it a solid choice for anyone with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities. And for vegans or plant-based folks? It’s a no-brainer.

Even if you’re not vegan, almond milk is great when you want a lower-calorie option. Most unsweetened almond milks hover around 30–40 calories per cup.

Compare that to whole milk or even oat milk, and you’re saving quite a bit. That means you can enjoy your latte and still feel good about it. No post-caffeine calorie guilt here.

Flavor That Plays Nice With Coffee

Almond milk has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with espresso. It doesn’t overpower your drink like some other dairy alternatives.

Instead, it adds a smooth, subtly sweet base that complements bold coffee notes.

Think of it like a background singer that lets your coffee take center stage but still adds something special to the harmony. It’s especially tasty when you add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon.

Bonus: almond milk doesn’t have that “bean-y” aftertaste that soy milk sometimes leaves behind.

It Frothed… Better Than You Think

Here’s the deal: not all plant milks are created equal when it comes to foam. Some just flop. Others separate like oil and water. But almond milk?

When you use the right kind (hint: look for barista blends), it foams surprisingly well.

Barista-style almond milk is designed to steam, froth, and swirl like a champ. It creates a silky, airy foam that’s perfect for latte art or at least a good swirl if you’re not feeling Picasso-level today.

Regular almond milk can still work, but it might be a bit more finicky. It’s best to heat it gently and froth it right before pouring. If you go too hot or let it sit, it may separate or turn grainy.

But don’t worry because once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your almond milk latte. You can keep it simple or dress it up with fun flavor twists; it’s your call.

Basic Version

• 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
  The heart of your latte. Use espresso for a bold, rich flavor or strong brewed coffee for a gentler taste.
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  This gives your latte that creamy texture without the dairy. Unsweetened keeps things light and lets you control the sweetness.
• Optional sweetener (maple syrup, vanilla extract, honey, etc.)
  Just a teaspoon or two can balance the flavors. Go with your favorite or skip it for a more pure coffee vibe.

Optional Add-ins

• Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
  Adds a warm, cozy touch. Perfect for fall mornings or whenever your latte needs a little hug.
• Flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut)
  Turn your latte into a coffeehouse treat. These are great for customizing your drink or mimicking your favorite café order.
• Cocoa powder or chocolate drizzle
  Want a mocha twist? A spoonful of cocoa or a swirl of chocolate syrup instantly turns your almond milk latte into a dairy-free mocha.

Equipment Checklist

You don’t need a full barista setup to make a killer almond milk latte. Just a few simple tools will do the trick, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

Coffee Brewing Tools

• Espresso machine
  Ideal for a strong, concentrated shot—classic latte style.
• AeroPress
  A budget-friendly way to brew rich, espresso-like coffee at home.
• Moka pot
  Great for bold, Italian-style coffee with minimal effort.
• Strong-brewed coffee
  No fancy gear? No problem. Just brew your favorite dark roast a bit stronger than usual.

Milk Frothing Tools

• Milk frother (handheld or electric)
  The easiest way to get that café-style foam. Battery-powered frothers are cheap and work well.
• French press
  Not just for coffee! Pumping warm almond milk in a French press creates surprisingly good froth.
• Handheld whisk
  Old-school but effective. Whisk vigorously for frothy results, but just be ready for an arm workout.

Serving Vessel

• Mug or latte glass
  Any sturdy mug will do, but a clear latte glass lets you admire the layers (and show off your creation).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below you’ll find easy instructions for both the hot and iced versions. Pick your mood. Grab your mug (or glass). Let’s make some magic!

🔥 Hot Almond Milk Latte

1. Brew your espresso or strong coffee

Start with 1–2 shots of espresso or about ½ cup of strong brewed coffee. The stronger the better—almond milk is light, so bold coffee gives your latte a richer backbone.

2. Heat the almond milk (but don’t boil it)

Pour about 1 cup of almond milk into a small saucepan and warm it over low to medium heat. Keep a close eye because it should be hot but not bubbling.

Boiling can cause almond milk to separate or develop a weird texture.

3. Froth the milk

Use a milk frother, French press, or even shake the warm milk in a tightly sealed jar. You’re looking for a nice layer of foam on top.

Barista-style almond milk will froth best, but any unsweetened version will work with a bit of elbow grease.

4. Assemble your latte

Pour the brewed espresso into your favorite mug. Slowly add the frothed almond milk, using a spoon to hold back the foam, then spoon the foam on top. It’ll look and feel just like a café latte.

5. Sweeten and garnish (if you like)

Drizzle in some maple syrup or add a drop of vanilla extract. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder on top if you’re feeling fancy. Now sip, smile, and relax.

❄️ Iced Almond Milk Latte

1. Brew your espresso and let it cool

Hot coffee + cold milk = sad, watered-down mess. Brew your espresso or strong coffee and let it sit for a few minutes to cool.

For a quicker chill, pop it in the fridge or over ice for a minute, then discard the ice.

2. Fill your glass with ice

Use a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. Crushed ice works too if you like it slushy-style.

3. Add cooled espresso and almond milk

Pour the cooled coffee over the ice. Then top it off with cold almond milk, about ¾ to 1 cup, depending on how strong you like your latte.

4. Stir and sweeten to taste

Mix it up with a spoon or straw. Add sweetener, flavored syrup, or a splash of vanilla. You can even top it with cold foam if you want to go the extra mile.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of a homemade almond milk latte? You can customize it to your heart’s content. Below are some simple yet delicious twists to level up your latte without needing a fancy menu board.

Vanilla Almond Latte

Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a pump of vanilla syrup

Vanilla is like the little black dress of latte flavors because it’s simple, classic, and always a good idea. A touch of vanilla balances the nuttiness of almond milk and rounds out the bitterness of coffee.

Use pure extract for a more natural taste, or vanilla syrup if you like it a bit sweeter. Bonus points if you sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for that bakery-fresh vibe.

Mocha Almond Latte

Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate syrup

Love chocolate? Say no more. Stir in unsweetened cocoa powder for a bold mocha flavor, or use chocolate syrup for something smoother and sweeter.

This combo is basically a grown-up hot chocolate with a caffeine kick. A dollop of whipped cream (dairy-free if needed) and a dusting of cocoa on top? Chef’s kiss.

Cinnamon Spice

Sprinkle cinnamon on top or infuse it into the milk while heating

This one’s cozy in a cup. Add ground cinnamon while heating your almond milk for an infused, warm flavor. Or just sprinkle it over the foam for a spiced aroma every time you take a sip.

Feeling extra festive? Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of cardamom.

Pumpkin Spice (Seasonal Favorite)

Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice mix + 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup

Fall in a mug. Stir the spice mix and maple syrup into your milk while it heats. The almond milk picks up those warming flavors beautifully.

You get the signature pumpkin spice vibe without the drive-thru line or questionable ingredients. This version is perfect with espresso or strong cold brew if you’re doing it iced.

Tips for the Best Almond Milk Latte

Making a good almond milk latte isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tricks that can take it from “meh” to café-worthy.

If you’ve ever had almond milk curdle in your cup or foam that just… flops, these tips will save your latte (and your mood).

Use Barista-Style Almond Milk for Better Foam

Not all almond milk is latte-friendly. Some separate. Some don’t froth. Some just taste… off. That’s where barista-style almond milk comes in. It’s specifically designed to steam and froth like dairy milk.

It has a bit more fat and stabilizers, which means better texture, creamier sips, and foam that actually holds up.

Look for labels that say “barista blend” or “barista edition.” It makes a world of difference, especially if you’re after that dreamy, pillowy top layer.

Froth Milk Before Sweetening

This one’s easy to miss, but it matters. Always froth your almond milk before adding any sweeteners or flavorings. Syrups, sugars, and extracts can weigh down the milk and mess with foam production.

Froth it first, then stir in your maple syrup, vanilla, or cinnamon after. It’s a small step that makes your foam tighter, lighter, and more consistent.

Plus, it keeps your flavors from burning or becoming bitter during heating.

Heat Milk Gently to Avoid Separation

Almond milk has a fragile ego. Heat it too fast or too hot, and it might split on you, leaving clumps, curdles, or a weird, grainy texture.

To avoid that, warm your milk slowly over low to medium heat. Never let it boil.

Aim for warm and steamy, not bubbling or scalding. If you’re using a microwave, zap it in short bursts and stir between each one. Gentle heat = silky smooth milk.

Use a Dark Roast or Espresso for Balance

Almond milk is light, mild, and a little nutty. If you pair it with weak coffee, your latte might taste watered down or flat. Use a dark roast or bold espresso to balance things out.

The strong coffee flavor will shine through the almond milk and give your drink real depth.

If you’re using brewed coffee, just make it a bit stronger than usual. You want it to hold its own and not get lost in the foam.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Almond milk lattes are definitely best enjoyed fresh, but there’s something magical about the contrast of hot espresso and creamy foam coming together in real time.

But if you’re short on time or planning ahead (hello, busy mornings), there are a few smart shortcuts you can take.

Brewed espresso or strong coffee can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Just let it cool before refrigerating so it doesn’t go stale or pick up off-flavors.

As for the almond milk, hold off on frothing until right before serving because frothed milk doesn’t keep well and tends to deflate or separate when stored.

Instead, warm and froth it fresh when you’re ready to drink. If you’re a fan of flavored lattes, you can prep your syrup or spice base ahead of time.

Mix up a batch of vanilla syrup, cinnamon-maple blend, or pumpkin spice mix and stash it in a small jar in the fridge.

That way, all you have to do is pour, heat, and froth for a barista-style drink in five minutes flat—no caffeine-fueled chaos required.

Final Words

Almond milk lattes are proof that dairy-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and way cheaper than your daily café run.

Try it hot. Try it iced. Add a swirl of chocolate or a dash of cinnamon, whatever fits your mood.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened almond milk?

Absolutely. Sweetened almond milk works just fine and can even save you a step if you like your latte on the sweeter side.

Just keep in mind it may affect the flavor balance, especially if you’re adding syrups or other sweeteners too.

Can I make it without a frother?

Yes! If you don’t have a frother, you’ve still got options. You can shake warm almond milk in a sealed jar, whisk it by hand, or pump it in a French press.

It won’t be coffeehouse-level foam, but it’ll still get you that cozy, creamy texture.

Is this drink vegan?

It sure is, as long as you skip honey or dairy-based toppings. Stick to almond milk, plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or agave, and you’ve got a fully vegan latte ready to go.

What coffee is best for lattes?

Espresso is ideal because it’s rich, bold, and made to cut through milk.

But if you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee, Moka pot coffee, or AeroPress espresso-style shots work well too.

Just aim for something with a deep roast so it doesn’t get drowned out by the almond milk.

Why does almond milk sometimes curdle in coffee?

It usually comes down to temperature shock or acidity. If your coffee is piping hot and your almond milk is cold, or if your brew is super acidic, the milk can separate.

To avoid curdling, warm your almond milk gently and add it slowly to the coffee—not the other way around. Barista-style almond milk is also less likely to split.