Coconut Milk Latte Recipe: Vegan Treat With A Tropical Twist

A coconut milk latte is an easy drink to make at home, perfect for anyone on a vegan or dairy-free diet – or just someone who loves the flavor combination of coconut and coffee. This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and no special equipment, though an espresso machine is always the best tool for the job.

Read on for the best homemade coconut milk latte recipe, plus helpful tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve even got some cheeky latte art advice tucked at the end that you won’t want to miss!

Notes on choosing a coconut milk:

• We prefer to use coconut milk that comes in a carton labeled “Barista Style” or “Barista Series,” especially when steaming it with a steam wand. This guarantees the best latte texture.
• You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk. But if you choose sweetened coconut milk, consider skipping the maple syrup.
• You can use a regular carton of refrigerated coconut milk for coffee, but the froth will have less body than the barista version.
• You can make your own coconut milk from shredded coconut and water. This gives you the most control over the sweetness and thickness.
• You can use full-fat canned coconut milk, which creates a rich and thick foam. It’s delicious if you really love coconut flavor, but we found it overpowered the coffee. Plus, it is quite high in fat and calories compared to other milk alternatives.
• We don’t recommend light coconut milk, which is really just watered-down full-fat coconut milk.

This drink is one of the easiest Starbucks’ latte options to make at home because the coconut flavor is already in the milk. There’s no need to make any special flavored syrups or resort to extra ingredients like coconut extract. You’re just five minutes away from this sweet treat.

The best way to make this latte (or any latte) is using an espresso machine with a steam wand. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry! We’ve provided options for preparing a delicious latte no matter what gear you have available.

Can Coconut Milk Be Frothed?

Yes, coconut milk can be frothed, but don’t expect it to behave exactly like dairy milk. If you’re used to steaming traditional whole milk, it may take a little practice to nail the perfect coconut milk foam.

How a milk foams depends on its ratio of fats to proteins. The best way to froth coconut milk is to buy one that has been specially formulated to mimic the protein-to-fat ratio of whole milk. These are generally labeled as being for baristas.

How to Make The Best Coconut Milk Latte

Now that you have your simple set of ingredients in hand, let’s get started!

Step 1: Pull The Espresso Shots Or Brew Coffee

Using an espresso machine, pull a double shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a French press, Moka pot, or Aeropress coffee maker to brew 2 ounces of extra strong hot coffee.

Step 2: Add The Maple Syrup

Add 1 tsp of maple syrup to the espresso and swirl to combine. Everyone has a different tolerance for sweetness in their coffee, so feel free to adjust the amount to taste. If you don’t have this ingredient, an equal amount of brown sugar or honey can be substituted, remembering that some vegans avoid honey (1).

Step 3: Froth The Coconut Milk

Pour 6 ounces of coconut milk into a frothing pitcher, and use the steam wand of your espresso machine to steam it until it reaches a temperature of 140 to 150 F and a creamy texture like wet paint.

Alternatively, add the coconut milk to a mason jar. Microwave the coconut milk in 30-second increments until you hit the right temperature. Then froth it with a handheld frother or add the lid to the mason jar and shake until foamy. 

Step 4: Put It All Together

Pour the frothed coconut milk over the sweetened espresso mix. You can dust the top with cinnamon, cocoa powder, toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of coconut sugar if you want.

Why Is This The Best Coconutmilk Latte?

We think this is the best coconumilk latte because it stays true to the simplicity of the classic Italian latte while offering a refreshing tropical flavor twist – and making a drink suitable for anyone on a vegan or dairy-free diet. It’s simple, with only two main ingredients, and it’s just a fraction of the cost of a coffee shop latte. 

If you replace the coconut milk in this easy recipe with steamed milk, you’ll have a traditional latte. Or use oat milk for a more neutral-flavored vegan latte. The same steps can easily be used to create more complicated coffee recipes, like the delightfully nutty Pistachio Latte.

Are Coconut Lattes Healthy?

Yes, coconut lattes are healthy. Coffee has many proven health benefits due to its caffeine and antioxidant content. It has been scientifically shown to help you live longer (2). Coconut milk is rich in MCT fats, just like bulletproof coffee, which have benefits related to metabolism, weight loss, and cholesterol (3).

This rich drink is dairy free and vegan, and if you omit the sweetener, it is keto-friendly. It should also be free from major allergens like gluten, nuts, and soy – but be sure to double-check the label of your coconut milk brand to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This creamy drink isn’t just a morning coffee alternative for vegans; it’s a delicious drink in its own right. Coffee and coconut are a natural pairing. Each component balances the other, creating a rich latte with just the right amount of sweetness. I could sip this all winter long, letting the coconut aroma transport me to a warm beach somewhere…

Did you make this coconut milk latte? What did you think? If you enjoyed it, leave a rating and review, and be sure to share it with your latte-loving friends!