This latte is like a cozy hug in a mug.
It’s warm, a little sweet, a little spicy, and super creamy thanks to the oat milk.
Perfect for slow mornings or that mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
I’ve been making this on repeat—especially when the weather cools down or I just need something soothing but with a little kick.
Plus, it’s super easy and way better than anything you’d pay $7 for.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first tried this combo at a small café in Portland and immediately knew I had to make it at home. Since then, I’ve tweaked it into this simple go-to recipe that feels fancy but takes less than 10 minutes.
- The hot honey gives a spicy-sweet kick that’s just right
- Oat milk makes it super creamy and smooth
- You don’t need any fancy tools—just a pot and a whisk or frother
- It’s dairy-free but still feels indulgent
- Totally customizable based on how sweet or spicy you like it
Makes: 1 latte
Time: 8 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
- 1 shot (1 oz) of espresso or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Small pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use a milk frother or a French press plunger to get that dreamy foam if you don’t have a frother
- Adjust the honey to your heat preference—more honey = more kick
- Warm the oat milk slowly so it doesn’t scald
- Always pour the espresso into the milk, not the other way around, to keep the foam
- Make a double batch and keep one in the fridge to reheat later
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or milk frother
- Measuring spoons
- Espresso machine or strong brewed coffee
- Mug
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap oat milk for almond or dairy milk
- Use maple syrup + a pinch of cayenne if you don’t have hot honey
- Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall vibe
- Make it iced by letting the espresso cool and shaking everything with ice
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew extra espresso and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days
- You can pre-mix the hot honey, vanilla, and cinnamon and keep in a jar to speed up mornings
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the oat milk
Pour 1 cup unsweetened oat milk into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
Step 2: Add hot honey, vanilla & cinnamon
Whisk in 1 tablespoon hot honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a small pinch of ground cinnamon into the warm oat milk until fully mixed and steamy.
Step 3: Froth the milk
Use a handheld frother or whisk briskly to froth the milk until it’s nice and foamy.
Step 4: Brew the espresso
Brew 1 shot (1 oz) of espresso or ¼ cup strong coffee and pour it into the bottom of your mug.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Pour the frothed oat milk mixture into the mug over the espresso. Top with a drizzle of hot honey and an optional dash of cinnamon.
Macros (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 130
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Oat milk has natural starches that froth really well and create that silky texture. When warmed slowly, those starches thicken slightly, mimicking the creaminess of whole milk. Hot honey, which is typically honey infused with chili, adds a gentle heat that blends perfectly with the smooth milk and bitter espresso. Vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the milk—it’ll scald and taste off
- Skipping the frothing—texture makes all the difference
- Adding coffee first, then milk—doing the opposite helps preserve foam
- Using sweetened oat milk—can make it overly sweet
What to Serve With
- A slice of banana bread or coffee cake
- Toast with almond butter and sliced bananas
- Pumpkin muffins or cinnamon rolls
- Morning oats if you’re going for a warm, cozy breakfast vibe
FAQ
Can I make this iced?
Yes! Just cool the espresso and shake everything with ice.
Is hot honey really spicy?
It’s a gentle heat, not too much. Start with less and adjust.
Can I use regular honey?
You can, but it won’t have the same kick. Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if you want the heat.
Do I need an espresso machine?
Nope! Strong brewed coffee or instant espresso works too.
What brand of oat milk works best?
Barista-style oat milks (like Oatly or Califia) foam better and have a creamier texture.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
- You can store leftover latte in the fridge for 1 day and reheat on the stove
- Froth again before serving for best texture
- Hot honey mix can be made ahead and stored in a jar up to a week
Wrap-Up
Give this Hot Honey Oat Milk Latte a try next time you want something comforting but with a little fire. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. If you make it, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out or ask me anything—I love hearing how these recipes go for you!
