Cinnamon Swirl Latte Recipe
served hot or iced, our signature cinnamon glaze, dirty chai, milk
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Ingredients
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Cinnamon Glaze
Dirty Chai Concentrate
Milk & Assembly
Method
Cinnamon Glaze
Make the glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat combine granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Add water and stir until sugars begin to dissolve.
Add the unsalted butter, ground cinnamon and salt. Stir constantly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Do not boil vigorously.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool for 5 minutes — glaze will thicken as it cools. If too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon warm water to loosen to pourable consistency.
Dirty Chai Concentrate
Prepare tea and espresso
Brew 1/2 cup very strong black tea (use a double-strength steep or two tea bags in 1/2 cup water) and immediately add chai spice blend and the lightly crushed cardamom pod if using; steep for 2 minutes, then remove tea bag(s)/strain and discard cardamom.
Pour the hot tea into a heatproof cup and add 1 shot of espresso (about 1 oz) or 1 oz very strong brewed coffee. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust chai spice (add up to 1/4 tsp more if desired). Keep hot if serving hot, or let cool slightly for iced.
Milk & Assembly
For Hot Cinnamon Swirl Latte
Heat 1 cup milk in a small saucepan or steam wand to 150–160°F (warm and slightly frothy). If using a milk frother, create microfoam. Spoon 1.5–2 tablespoons of warm cinnamon glaze into the serving mug and swirl to coat the inside.
Top with remaining foam, a dollop of whipped cream if desired (about 2 tablespoons), and a light sprinkle (about 1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.
For Iced Cinnamon Swirl Latte
Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice. Spoon 1.5–2 tablespoons of cinnamon glaze into the bottom and swirl so some glaze coats the glass interior.
Pour the dirty chai concentrate (cooled) over the ice and glaze. Add 1 cup cold milk over the top and stir vigorously to combine glaze with the chai-milk mixture. Taste and add more glaze (up to 1 tablespoon) if you want it sweeter or starchier.
Top with whipped cream if desired and a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve with a straw.