Honey Cinnamon Latte (Naturally Sweet & Comforting Recipe)

Have you ever tried adding honey to your coffee instead of sugar? It sounds simple, but it changes everything.

Since I can remember, I’ve always loved honey. Back then, I mostly enjoyed it in the winter, drizzled into a steaming cup of melissa or tília tea.

But now that I run a coffee blog, well… let’s just say tea has taken a back seat. I drink a lot more coffee these days, and naturally, I started experimenting.

One morning, I swapped my usual sweetener for a spoonful of honey and added a touch of cinnamon, just out of curiosity. And it turned a regular latte into something soothing, warm, and almost nostalgic.

The honey brought a floral sweetness that blended beautifully with espresso’s boldness, and the cinnamon added enough spice. That’s how the Honey Cinnamon Latte became one of my favorite coffees

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make this latte at home. Both hot and iced versions. Plus a few easy tips, and even its hidden health perks.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Cinnamon Latte?

I always enjoy this latte when autumn comes. The mornings get quieter, the air turns crisp, and suddenly, all I want is something warm and comforting to sip on.

This drink has that gentle warmth from the cinnamon and a soft sweetness from real honey.

And if you’re like me, you’ll probably end up experimenting with different types of honey. Some bring a light floral note, others a deeper, nearly caramelized richness.

Also, it’s pretty simple to make. No espresso machine required, no complicated steps. Just a few simple ingredients you probably have sitting in your kitchen: honey, cinnamon, and milk. Ten minutes tops, and you’re done.

If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can try oat milk or almond milk. In fact, they might even make it better. Both add that subtle nutty flavor that blends so well with honey and cinnamon, making it taste almost like dessert.

Honey Cinnamon Latte (Step-by-Step Recipe)

So for this simple recipe, all you need is ten minutes and some basic ingredients and tools.

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Total Time 10 minutes mins

Equipment

• Small Saucepan:
• Whisk or milk frother
• Espresso machine, moka pot, or French press
• Mug (bonus points if it’s your favorite cozy one)

Ingredients

  

• For the Latte:
• 1–2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• ¾ cup milk (whole, almond, oat, or your favorite
• 1–2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for smooth flavor)
• For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
• Milk foam or whipped cream
• Drizzle of honey
• Cinnamon dust or stick for garnish

Instructions

 

• Step 1) Brew the Espresso or Coffee: Start with your coffee base. If you have an espresso machine, go for one or two shots. Otherwise, a Moka pot or French press will do fine. The goal is something strong and rich to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Step 2) Warm the Milk Mixture: In a small saucepan, pour in your milk, honey, and cinnamon. Heat over medium (not high) so the milk steams gently without boiling. Stir continuously to blend the honey smoothly into the milk. When it’s warm and fragrant, add a splash of vanilla extract if you want a softer and more rounded flavor.
• Step 3) Froth the Milk: Now, froth your milk until it’s velvety. A handheld frother works perfectly, but even a whisk or a French press can do the job. (Tip: if you’re using the French press, pump it up and down quickly for 10–15 seconds, instant foam.) You want small, creamy bubbles, not big, airy ones.
• Step 4) Assemble the Latte: Pour the espresso into your mug, then gently stir in the warm honey-cinnamon milk mixture. Take a second to enjoy that aroma. You can top it with the foam or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Step 5) Garnish & Enjoy: Finish it off with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you have a cinnamon stick, it doubles as a stirrer and makes it look extra cozy.

Notes

Barista Tip:

If you want the cinnamon to mix in perfectly (and not clump on top), whisk it into a spoonful of warm milk before adding it to the pot.

It helps the spice dissolve evenly and smoothens your latte. Now sit back, take a sip, and enjoy that honey-cinnamon comfort in every cup.

Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte Version

As I’m writing this, it’s October here in Portugal. Technically fall, but the weather still feels more like late summer. Warm afternoons, sunlight lingering a bit too long… the kind of days where a hot latte doesn’t sound right.

So, if you live somewhere with a similar climate or you’re reading this in the middle of summer, this iced version might be your go-to.

Step 1) Brew the Espresso and Let It Cool

Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. One or two shots are perfect, depending on how bold you like it. I usually set mine aside for a few minutes to cool slightly.

Not completely cold, only enough so it won’t melt all the ice instantly. If I’m in a rush, I’ll pop it in the fridge for five minutes while I grab the rest of my ingredients.

Step 2) Mix the Honey and Cinnamon

In a small bowl, whisk together your honey, cinnamon, and a splash of warm water. The warm water helps the honey dissolve smoothly, and it prevents the cinnamon from clumping. You’ll end up with this fragrant, golden mixture.

Step 3) Combine with Coffee and Ice

Fill a glass with ice cubes (I enjoy using larger ones so they melt more slowly). Pour in your espresso, then stir in that honey-cinnamon mix.

The moment it hits the coffee, it creates this warm scent that feels oddly comforting even in a cold drink. Give it a good stir. The honey tends to settle if you skip this part.

Step 4) Pour in the Milk or Foam

Now for the fun part. Slowly pour in your cold milk. Oat milk makes it extra creamy and almond milk keeps it light. You can stop there or take it a step further and top it with cold foam. That layer of froth adds texture.

I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on top right before sipping. Not just for looks, but because that first whiff always reminds me of cozy mornings, even when it’s 25°C outside.

Personal tip: if you want a smoother blend, mix the honey and espresso together before adding ice. It dissolves perfectly that way and gives your latte a more balanced sweetness all the way through.

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

Little details can make a big difference with this latte, especially when your ingredients are so simple. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned after making this one too many times.

1) Choose the Right Honey

Not all honey tastes the same. For this latte, go for something real and raw. It gives a deeper, more floral sweetness that blends beautifully with cinnamon.

I personally love Rowse Pure & Natural Honey and Nature Nate’s Raw & Unfiltered Honey. Both add warmth without that cloying sweetness some supermarket honey has.

2) Add Honey After Heating the Milk

This one’s important. Honey loses some of its natural flavor and nutrients if it’s overheated. So instead of mixing it in while the milk is on the stove, wait until you remove it from the heat. Stir it in before frothing; you’ll taste a noticeable difference.

3) Use Freshly Ground Cinnamon

If you’ve only ever used pre-ground cinnamon, try grating it fresh from a cinnamon stick once. It’s warmer, more aromatic, and somehow more “alive.” The scent fills your kitchen before the first sip even happens. Fresh spice really makes the latte feel special.

4) Let the Honey Shine

It’s tempting to add more sweetness (specifically if you have a sweet tooth). But honey’s richness can easily get lost under too much. Start with a teaspoon, taste, then adjust. The natural depth of the honey and spice is what makes this drink so good.

Sometimes, I’ll even drizzle a touch of extra honey on top instead of stirring it all in.

Health Benefits (Optional Section)

Lastly, I couldn’t end this without sharing a bit of what I found while researching honey and cinnamon. This drink is not only comforting but also comes with a few quiet perks. So here’s a simple breakdown:

I’m not saying this latte will fix your mornings. But it’s a better way to start the day. Real ingredients that make you feel good, not just wired on sugar and caffeine.

Also, using real honey means skipping the artificial stuff, and cinnamon adds that gentle warmth while keeping your energy steady.

Last Thoughts

Do you usually prefer your coffee sweetened with honey, or are you more of a plain espresso person? And if you try this one, will you go for it hot or iced?

Let me know your thoughts or any variations you add in the comments below. I always love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Sip, relax, and… voilà.