Homemade Rosemary Latte Recipe – Delicious & Simple

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As soon as the weather starts to cool down, I make the switch from iced to hot coffee. One of the first drinks I like to make is my homemade Rosemary Latte. Picture this: a shot of espresso, velvety frothed milk, and aromatic sprigs of fresh rosemary. This isn’t just a latte; it’s comfort in a cup and one of my favorite drinks to enjoy in cold winter months. 

So you might be wondering: Rosemary in a latte? I first tried a similar drink at a cafe when I was in college. I remember thinking, “Herbs don’t belong in coffee.” But boy was I wrong. Though I typically picture rosemary as a savory herb, it brings a unique, aromatic touch to sweet treats and beverages. The earthy, pine-like notes are perfect for the holidays. It also tastes delicious in iced coffee or cold brew. If you’re lucky enough to have a rosemary bush of your own, you can harvest fresh rosemary sprigs all year round. 

Ingredients & Substitutions: 

Espresso: 1-2 shots, depending on your preference. I usually prefer a double shot when making a milk-based drink, so the coffee flavor can still shine through. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use ~1/4-1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee in place of the espresso. Keep in mind that the coffee taste will be weaker. 

Milk: I prefer to use whole milk and other milk-based drinks. It foams beautifully. Oat milk is great in this recipe as well if you want a creamy, dairy-free alternative. Feel free to use other types of milk if that is your preference. A lot of dairy-free milks now come in a “barista” blend that is formulated for frothing for espresso-based drinks. Click here for a few of my favorites. 

Rosemary Simple Syrup: This is where the magic happens, and you can have it 2 ways. Made with a cup of water and equal parts sugar, the addition of rosemary makes a truly unique simple syrup. Click here for my rosemary simple syrup made with white sugar. This option really allows the delicate notes of piney rosemary to shine. You can also try a brown sugar rosemary latte using my rosemary simple syrup made with brown sugar. Both are unexpected combinations, but my favorite is the brown sugar. It gives the drink almost a caramel-like sweetness. 

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Crafting Your Rosemary Latte:

Step 1: Start by pre-heating your mug by running it under hot tap water for 10-15 seconds.  Alternatively, you can place your mug on top of your espresso machine to heat up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. 

Step 2: Add 1-2 tablespoons of rosemary syrup to a mug or cup. You can add more or less depending on how sweet you want your drink. 

Step 3: Heat 12-14 ounces of your milk of choice using the steam wand on your espresso machine. 

If you don’t have an espresso machine, there are a few ways to make frothy milk. You can use a separate milk frother like this one from Breville. It’s a bit pricey, but Breville products are really good quality. I’ve had my Breville Espresso Machine and grinder for almost 10 years and they’re both still going strong. You can also heat milk on the stovetop. Just place milk in a small saucepan over medium to low heat until the milk reaches 140-155 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then use one of these handheld milk frothers to build that foam. A wisk also works in a pinch, but requires a bit of an arm workout. You can also heat milk in the microwave. Just be careful not to burn it. I recommend heating for one minute, then for additional fifteen-second intervals until you reach the desired temperature. If you have a french press, you can add heated milk to the carafe and push/pull the plunger until the milk is frothy. 

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Step 4: Pull your espresso shots directly into your mug (or add strongly brewed coffee). Stir to incorporate. 

Step 5: Add the steamed milk to your mug. 

Keep it simple or garnish with a sprig of rosemary if you want to be extra aesthetic. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

Pairing Suggestions:

The Rosemary Latte pairs beautifully with: 

• Sourdough Popovers
• Sourdough German Pancake (Dutch Baby)

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