Changing leaves, cozy scarves...might we suggest a snug beanie? Fall is soon upon us, and with that comes the staple of seasonal drinks. Pumpkin spice, salted caramel, and, recently popular, the brown sugar latte. This sweet but subtle flavor serves well as a hot drink to enjoy by a cozy fire, or as a refreshing iced beverage to sip while walking under the trees or through the city. Here, we break down our recipe to make your own tasty brown sugar latte at home.

The recipe is fairly simple, but there are some variations you can try. 

Brown Sugar Syrup 

• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar 
• 1/2 Cup Water 
• Dash of Cinnamon

Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, bring down heat and let the mixture simmer for three to five minutes. Add the cinnamon and simmer for another minute. 

Let the brown sugar syrup cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Texture will thicken up to a syrup consistency as it cools.

Iced Brown Sugar Latte

You've made the brown sugar syrup. Now, the fun begins! Let's start with an iced Brown Sugar Latte.

Here, you'll use either an automatic or manual milk frother. For a 16 ounce latte, froth about 8 ounces of milk in the frothing pitcher or cup. For more texture, add some cinnamon.

Once the milk is frothed, pour into your desired drinking cup, but hold back the top froth and set aside. Add three ounces of espresso or cold brew concentrate to the milk, then add 1.5 ounces of brown sugar syrup. Mix well, then add ice. Top with the milk foam.  

Hot Brown Sugar Latte

For the hot Brown Sugar Latte, we'll start with an espresso-based version, then a drip coffee method. 

For a latte, pull two to three ounces of espresso shots and stir in 1.5 ounces of brown sugar syrup. Steam six to seven ounces of milk to your desired temperature, then pour into espresso and syrup mixture. Top the latte with more syrup. 

For drip coffee, fill a cup with six to eight ounces of brewed black coffee, then add one to two ounces of brown sugar syrup. If you have the ability to foam milk at home, then add some warm foam to the top. For extra delicacy, sprinkle foam with cinnamon. 

Drink Up

Voila! You can now make various versions of this drink at home. Switch out regular milk with oat milk for an extra flavor kick.