How To Make a Coconut Latte At Home (Step-By-Step)
Do you ever crave the tropical vibes of a piña colada but wish you could combine it with your morning coffee?
That was me. I’ve always been a huge fan of piña coladas—there’s something about that creamy coconut flavor that feels like an instant vacation.
One day, I started wondering if I could bring a bit of that tropical flair to my daily coffee routine. Sure, coffee and piña coladas seem worlds apart. But once I tried experimenting with coconut milk in my latte, I was hooked.
In this guide, I’m going to show you how to make a coconut latte at home, step by step. You’ll learn the perfect recipe, a few fun variations, and some common mistakes to avoid. So, let’s start brewing!
What Is A Coconut Latte?
A coconut latte is a twist on the classic latte. It blends the richness of espresso with coconut milk’s creamy and tropical flavor.
Instead of regular milk, you use coconut milk, which gives it a slightly sweet and nutty taste. The result? A silky, frothy drink with a hint of coconut that works beautifully with the boldness of coffee.
I find it refreshing and wonderful if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative and something a little different from the usual latte.
Coconut Latte Recipe (Step-By-Step)
Equipment
- Espresso machine (or a French press or strong brewed coffee as an alternative)
- Milk frother (a handheld frother or even a mason jar works in a pinch)
- A small saucepan (to heat the coconut milk)
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or 1/3 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of coconut milk (I personally love using Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk—it's creamy and blends smoothly)
- 1-2 teaspoons of your preferred sweetener (maple syrup is my favorite)
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew your coffee or espresso: Make a single shot of espresso or about 1/3 cup of strong coffee if you're using an alternative method like a French press.
- Heat the coconut milk: Pour your coconut milk into a small saucepan and heat it gently on the stove until it's warm but not boiling. You can also use a microwave if you're in a rush.
- Froth the milk: Once the coconut milk is heated, use a milk frother to create foam. If you don't have one, pour the milk into a mason jar, seal it tight, and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Assemble the latte: Pour the espresso (or strong coffee) into your favorite mug, then slowly pour the warm and frothy coconut milk. Then add sweetener to taste and stir.
- Add a personal touch: Here's my little secret—after assembling your latte, I like to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. It might sound odd, but it balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the coconut and coffee flavors.
Video
Notes
Favorite Coconut Latte Variations
I love to try new coffee drinks, and here are three of my favorite combos:
Iced Coconut Latte
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave something cold and refreshing, especially on a hot afternoon. That’s where the iced coconut latte comes in.
It’s super simple to make—just brew your coffee or espresso, let it cool, then pour it over ice with some chilled coconut milk.
You can sweeten it with a splash of vanilla syrup or even add a dash of cinnamon for a little extra kick. The coconut milk gives it a smooth, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the cold brew.
Coconut Mocha
If you’re a fan of mochas, you’ve got to try this one. Start with your usual coconut latte base, then stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or add a pump of chocolate syrup.
The result? A dessert-like treat that still feels light enough to enjoy any time of day. I’ll admit, I’ve made this one way too often!
Matcha Coconut Latte
This one is pretty unique. Matcha pairs so well with coconut milk because the creaminess balances the matcha’s earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
I usually enjoy using Jade Leaf Organic Matcha—it’s high quality and not too overpowering. To make it, whisk your matcha with hot water, add steamed coconut milk, and sweeten with a touch of honey or agave syrup. You get a smooth, vibrant green drink that feels energizing and delicious.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
I made plenty of mistakes—some small, some not-so-small. But hey, that’s part of the learning process, right? Here are three unique mistakes I’ve encountered and how to avoid them too:
1 – Using the Wrong Coconut Milk
One of my biggest missteps was assuming all coconut milk is the same. Well, it’s not! I once used thick canned coconut milk, resulting in a heavy and almost curdled mess.
What I learned is that for lattes, you want to use a lighter, drinkable version like the kind you find in cartons, which is designed for beverages.
This coconut milk froths up nicely and blends smoothly with your coffee. Trust me, this swap makes a world of difference.
2 – Not Frothing the Milk Properly
At first, I was so excited about the flavor that I skipped over the frothing step a few times. Big mistake. Frothing isn’t just about texture—it helps bring out the natural sweetness in coconut milk.
If you don’t have a milk frother, no worries! You can easily warm the milk on the stove and whisk it vigorously until it becomes creamy and foamy. The extra minute is worth it for that light and airy finish.
3 – Overpowering the Coffee with Coconut Flavor
I’ll admit, I’ve gone a bit coconut-crazy in the past. One time, I added way too much coconut syrup, and the flavor completely drowned out the coffee.
Last Thoughts
I hope this guide inspires you to make a coconut latte at home! It’s a fun and rewarding way to mix up your coffee routine. If you give it a shot, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Also feel free to drop any tips you’ve discovered or ask questions in the comments. And with that “voilà !”