Coconut Milk Latte Recipe
This coconut milk latte is the perfect, dairy-free start to your morning!
I have to admit, lattes are a weakness. Decaf or fully leaded, I just love the flavor. I even have this one cup, pictured below, that I drink them out of. In fact, it’s just not a latte if I don’t drink it from that cup. It’s this whole little ritual I have, and I love it.
Since I gave up dairy (and boy has that been a bumpy ride! Ha!), I have relied more and more on the use of light coconut milk in cooking. So I figured, why not try it in my coffee too?
Holy moly!! I didn’t know coffee could be that creamy without real cream!
I have to admit, however, that this recipe falls into the “not-really-sure-you-can-call-this-a-recipe” category simply because it’s so adjustable. Which is why I won’t be giving you any measurements. Hence, the not-really-sure-it’s-a-recipe thingy.
But you tell me! Give it a try!
Is Coconut Milk Good With Coffee?
It is! But it’s one of those things that you either love or hate. There is very little in between.
Does Coconut Milk Taste Good In Lattes?
Starbucks has a coconut latte, so I’m going with, “yes”. If made correctly, coconut milk is quite tasty in a latte. But when you make it at home, you do what to find that one perfect ratio of coffee (or espresso) to coconut milk. The amounts in the recipe below are simply suggestions. Adjust them to your liking.
Can Coconut Milk Be Frothed?
For clean eating purposes, I recommend canned coconut milk with no added sugar. However, canned coconut milk does not froth or foam as well as the stuff from a carton. So if you want to keep this on the healthier side, you can simply add a bit of water to your canned coconut milk and it will froth just like the stuff from the carton. Start with a tablespoon or two. You can always add more if needed.
Can You Make A Coconut Latte With Cold Brew?
Sure! Make sure you do not use full-fat coconut milk. You definitely want light coconut milk or the fat will clump in your cold coffee. But aside from that, it will work just fine.
Dietary Questions
Vegan
This is a vegan latte if you use a vegan sweetener.
Dairy-free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. There is no cow’s milk called for.
Recipe Variations
Coconut Mocha latte – Simply add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or a tablespoon of melted chocolate.
Cinnamon – A sprinkle of cinnamon over the top of your finished latte.
Coconut flakes – You can use them to rim your glass if you wish. But I do not recommend adding it to the coffee for the sake of overall texture.
What Not To Use
Don’t use full-fat coconut milk, and do not use coconut cream. This recipe does not work well with higher fat content. The latte won’t blend well.
What You’ll Need
Hot coffee or espresso – Pick your favorite.
Canned light coconut milk – Make sure there is no added sugar or other unwanted ingredients.
Pure vanilla extract – Don’t use vanilla flavoring.
Honey – optional and to taste. Maple syrup works too.
How To Make A Coconut Latte
To your brewed coffee or espresso, add vanilla extract.
Pour in the coconut milk. You want a ratio of approximately ⅓ coffee to ⅔ coconut milk.
Add honey to taste.
Stir well to combine.
How To Store Leftover Coconut Latte
Keep this in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days. Freezing is not recommended. This will store well in a mason jar.
How To Reheat A Coconut Latte
This is best heated up in a pot on the stove. While a microwave will do the trick, the coconut milk won’t hold up well. It tends to separate in a microwave.
Recipe Supplies
Make sure you have a nice mug to enjoy your latte in! If you like the ones below, simply click the image to be taken to that mug on Amazon. (Affiliate links)
More Healthy Latte Recipes
Coconut Milk Latte Recipe Card
Latte With Coconut Milk
Ingredients
- ⅓ coffee ( or espresso – as much as you like)
- ⅔ light coconut milk (to taste)
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (to taste – Usually 1 tsp. is about right)
- honey (optional – to taste)
Instructions
- To your brewed coffee or espresso, add vanilla extract.
- Pour in the coconut milk. You want a ratio of approximately ⅓ coffee to ⅔ coconut milk.
- Add honey to taste.
- Stir well to combine.
Notes
This recipe from the Gracious Pantry archives, originally posted 12/9/11.
Sheri – It is!
LB – Interesting! I’ve never had that happen. What type of coconut milk did you use?
I used the canned Thai Kitchen light coconut milk. I checked the “best before” date, and it wasn’t expired. I’m going to try again and see if it happens again. It was still delicious! 🙂
L Breaux – It may have been some of the fat settling on top as well. That brand tends to have a bit more fat in it than the Trader Joe’s brand. Both excellent brands, but it may indeed act differently than the brand I use from Trader Joes. Glad you enjoyed it!
Diane – If it doesn’t bother you, enjoy it! I miss it terribly!
Stephanie – I hope you enjoy them both!
Hilliary – Give it a try! Definitely very warming!
Teresa – Haha! And I’m sure it doesn’t just SEEM better in your cup, it probably IS better! I swear that’s how it works with my cup! Haha!
Patty – This one is better warm. The pumpkin latte you can do either way. Enjoy!
Wolf – No worries! I buy the canned variety. The stuff in the carton has way too many added ingredients, most of which are not clean. At least in my experience. I get the canned, light coconut milk from the ethnic section of the store. I think even walmart sells it now!
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try this now!
Wolf – Hope you enjoy it!
I use canned also. Trader Joes seems to have the best prices for light coconut milk (99 cents a can compared to over 2.00 per can that all my local grocery stores charge!) So I always stock up when I make a trip to TJ’s.
Diane – Me too!!!
Dandan – I’ve had one or two people say the same thing. What brand did you use? Maybe it’s one particular brand that does this…
This sounds really amazing. I LOVE coconut and coffee and this sounds like an absolutely delightful alternative to the uber sugary and pricy drinks at Starbucks and Coffee Bean. I can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy it!
How does honey go with coffee? Never tried, but curious to give it a go. I just have a few doubts about the taste combination… Do you ever use agave to sweeten your coffee? I have never tasted agave, but that is certainly another thing to try on asap.
Agave is processed. Not clean. I love honey in my coffee. I thinks it’s wonderful, but you’ll have to try it and see if it’s something you like.
will try this one in my freezie makers too!!
That should be good!
Pipsa…with the coconut milk you might not even need the sweetener!! give it a try!!
Am I correct in assuming that you usually order lattes with the full fat milk? The coconut milk is pretty darn rich and creamy, especially if you use the full fat variety. But I tend to use the light version far more often. I find it to be creamy enough without all the added fat (even if it is healthy fat). It could also depend on the type of coconut milk you are using. If you use the stuff in the refrigerated carton, it will never be creamy enough. You need to use the stuff in the can. The pure stuff. It makes a huge difference.
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
No, but it sounds like a fun project! Thanks!
Nope… can’t win…
Just had this, and shared your blog link on my Facebook Page! This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this! Am becoming a bit of a Graciouspantry stalker!
Haha! Why thank you!