How to Make Rose Latte (Hot or Iced Recipe)
Ever had one of those conversations that changes your coffee game? That’s what happened to me just a few weeks ago. I was chatting with a barista friend, swapping favorite drinks like we usually do, when he casually mentioned a rose latte.
I paused—wait, rose? As in the flower?
Naturally, I was curious. He offered to whip one up, and I wasn’t about to say no. The moment I took a sip, I was hooked. It was smooth, lightly floral, not too sweet, and unlike anything I’d tasted before.
I didn’t expect it to work so well in coffee, but somehow, it does and now I have to show you how to make rose latte at home too.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything step by step. From ingredients, how to make both hot and iced versions, flavor tips, and a few fun twists you can try. So let’s start brewing!
What Is a Rose Latte?
A rose latte is essentially a regular latte with a floral twist. You make it by combining espresso (or strong brewed coffee), steamed milk, and a few spoonfuls of rose syrup.
If you’ve never tried rose syrup before, don’t worry. I’ve got a guide on “how to make rose syrup at home” using dried petals or culinary rose water. It’s easier than it sounds and takes about 15 minutes.
Why is this rose latte great?
The floral notes mellow out the bitterness of the espresso without overpowering it. The flavor is soft, lightly sweet, almost like a dessert, but not too rich or sugary.
Just enough to make your regular coffee feel fancy without needing to pull out the whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
How to Make a Hot Rose Latte?
Equipment
- Espresso machine, moka pot, or coffee maker
- Milk frother, small saucepan, or microwave-safe jar
- Measuring Spoons:
- Heat-safe mug
Ingredients
- Rose syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, etc.)
- Optional: dried rose petals, a drop of vanilla extract, or a pinch of cardamom
Instructions
- Step 1) Brew the Espresso: Use 1–2 shots of espresso, or about ½ cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso setup. A moka pot or even instant espresso powder can work in a pinch.
- Step 2) Steam or Heat the Milk: Warm about ¾ cup of milk until hot but not boiling. Next, froth it using a handheld frother, whisk, or by shaking in a jar (then microwaving to heat if needed).
- Step 3) Add Rose Syrup and Assemble: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of rose syrup into the espresso. Afterward, pour your steamed milk over it, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top if you’ve got some. You can garnish with a few dried rose petals if you’re feeling fancy.
Video
How to Make an Iced Rose Latte?
This floral iced latte is perfect for summer when you want something refreshing. It’s easy, quick, and looks beautiful in a glass.
Step 1) Prepare Espresso and Chill: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. I usually go with two shots of espresso (about 2 ounces), but cold brew concentrate works great too.
Next, let it cool down for a few minutes and don’t skip this or it’ll melt the ice too fast and water things down.
Step 2) Mix with Rose Syrup: Once the espresso’s cooled a bit, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of rose syrup. If you’re using a homemade version, you can adjust the sweetness level here to your liking. The syrup blends in easier while the coffee’s still slightly warm, so don’t wait too long.
Step 3) Pour Over Ice and Add Milk: Fill your favorite glass with ice. It can either be crushed or cubed. Both work fine.
You then want to pour the rose-coffee mixture over the ice, then top with cold milk (I love oat or almond for this one). Next, give it a gentle swirl, toss on a few dried rose petals if you’re feeling extra, and sip away.
Rose Latte: Flavor Variations & Tips
Once you’ve mastered the basics of a rose latte, there’s a lot of room to play around and make it your own. Here are a few flavor tweaks and tips that’ve worked really well for me.
Add Vanilla or Cardamom for Extra Depth
If you want your rose latte to feel a little more complex, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a small pinch of ground cardamom. Vanilla makes it smoother and a little richer, while cardamom gives it a spiced, slightly exotic edge that plays really well with floral notes. Just go easy—too much cardamom and it takes over fast.
Use Beet Powder for Natural Pink Coloring in Hot Lattes
If you’re after that Pinterest-worthy blush-pink hue, beet powder is a solid trick. Add about ¼ teaspoon to your milk before frothing. It doesn’t really affect the flavor, but the visual payoff is worth it—especially in clear mugs.
Try Coconut Milk for a Tropical-Floral Vibe
Coconut milk changes the whole game. It makes your rose latte creamier and gives it a soft, sweet twist that leans a little tropical. I find it works best iced, but it’s cozy hot too.
Sweeten to Taste or Adjust Rose Syrup Depending on Brand Strength
Not all rose syrups are created equal.Some are super fragrant and sugary, while others are subtle. Start with 1 tablespoon, then adjust based on how bold your syrup is and how sweet you like your drinks. If you make homemade rose syrup, you’ve got more control over both.
Rose Latte: Serving Suggestions
If you’re going to the trouble of making a beautiful rose latte, you might as well serve it in a way that really shows it off. Here are a few ideas I’ve picked up along the way.
Pair with Light Pastries or Macarons
Rose lattes have a gentle, floral sweetness that pairs so nicely with delicate desserts. Think lemon shortbread, vanilla scones, or a few pastel macarons (rose or raspberry work great). Just skip the heavy stuff—anything too rich tends to overpower the subtle notes in the drink.
Serve in Clear Glass Mugs to Highlight the Color (Especially Iced!)
If you’re making an iced rose latte, trust me, presentation matters. That soft blush color looks amazing in a clear glass mug or tall tumbler. It’s part of the experience, especially when the milk and rose syrup swirl together—honestly, it’s like café art at home.
Use Rose Petal Ice Cubes for an Aesthetic Touch
This one takes a little planning but it’s totally worth it. Just drop a few edible dried rose petals into your ice cube tray and freeze with filtered water. When you pour the latte over, those little petals float and give your drink that wow factor… perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon treat.
Last Thoughts
Have you tried a rose latte before? Share your twist in the comments. I’d love to hear how you make it your own. And with that… voilà, your café-style rose latte at home.
