How to Make a Brown Butter Latte (Hot Version)
Making a brown butter latte at home is super easy once you know the steps. It takes less than 10 minutes, and the flavor payoff is so worth it.
Equipment
- Small Saucepan:
- Espresso machine, Moka pot, or strong coffee maker
- Milk frother, whisk, or French press
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1–2 tsp unsalted butter (browned)
- ¾ cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, etc.)
- Optional: maple syrup, brown sugar, or vanilla
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, sea salt, or whipped cream
Instructions
- Step 1) Brown the Butter: Add the butter to a small pan over medium heat. Next, let it melt, then cook it until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty (usually 3–5 minutes). You should stir occasionally and don’t walk away. This stuff can go from brown to burnt quickly. Once it looks golden and smells amazing, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a sec.
- Step 2) Brew the Espresso: Brew 1–2 shots of espresso, or about ½ cup of strong coffee. You can also use a Moka pot, or even a strong instant espresso will work here if you’re not using an espresso machine.
- Step 3) Froth the Milk: Heat your milk until it’s hot but not boiling, then froth it up. I usually use a handheld frother, but a French press (pump the plunger up and down) or even a whisk can do the trick in a pinch.
- Step 4) Assemble the Drink: Pour the brown butter into your brewed espresso and stir it together until smooth. Next, add your frothed milk. Sweeten it to your liking with maple syrup or brown sugar, and if you’re in the mood, top it with a little whipped cream or a pinch of sea salt.