Lattes: They’re Not Just for Coffee Anymore

When you hear the word “latte,” what immediately comes to mind? If it’s a steaming cup of coffee and milk with a little foam, you’re half right.

The word “latte” is Italian for “milk.” If you order a latte in Italy, expect to get a lovely glass of milk instead of a creamy coffee drink. A “caffe latte” is literally Italian for “milk coffee.” Which means that coffee does not own the latte franchise. It’s time to move beyond coffee lattes, folks—bean there, done that!

Tea lattes are growing in popularity. Whether you order one in a retail establishment or make one in the comfort of your own home, there are many ways to enjoy these delicious, as-decadent-as-you-want-them beverages.

Let’s Make a Latte!

Making a tea latte is simple—there’s really no way you can screw it up (unless you scorch the milk). BTW, the difference between a latte and a cappuccino is the amount of steamed v. frothed milk. A cappuccino has more froth, less steamed milk. If that’s your preference, go ahead and make it that way. We call those a cappuTEAno! 

What you need:

• Tea (we’ll talk about some great choices for lattes in a minute)
• Milk—you can use anything from fully leaded whole milk all the way down to skim. If you are cow-intolerant, use soy, almond, oat or your favorite non-dairy alternative. Just so you know, some milks take to frothing better than others.
• A steamer or a saucepan to heat the milk.
• A frother (optional). A French press can also be used. Or a whisk if you’ve been working out.
• Any desired sweetener such as sugar, sugar substitute or brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg or other spices.

Hot Tea Latte

• Take 4 tsp. of loose tea
• Brew in 8 oz. of hot water
• Stir in sugar to your taste (we use four sugar cubes)
• Top with 8 oz. steamed milk

If you’d like to have a thin layer of froth on top, reserve some of the heated milk to froth with a frother, French press (pump the press up and down to create the froth) or incorporate some vigorous manual whisking.

Prefer yours iced? No problem!

Iced Tea Latte

• Take 4 tsp. of loose tea
• Brew in 8 oz. of hot water
• Stir in sugar to your taste (we use four sugar cubes)
• Top with 8 oz. cold milk
• Pour over ice

To impress your friends (and yourself), finish off your masterpiece with latte art, those beautiful hearts and more that you gaze at in amazement. You can find how-to videos on YouTube.

One super-easy way to create a tea latte at home is with our Golden Milk Powder. Just add milk and your desired sweetener/spice to quickly create a rich and spicy drink.

With ingredients like turmeric, ginger, coconut, black pepper and chicory root powder, this beverage is a truly unique treat that also provides some health benefits.

Which Teas Should I Use?

While your preferred tea can be used, you should choose a tea that won’t be overpowered by the milk, like a more delicate white tea would be. Some good choices include:

Earl Grey or Earl Grey Supreme

An Earl Grey with milk is actually called a London Fog. Which brings us to…

Victorian London Fog

Earl Grey with a twist and a great choice.

Chai

The spices in chai make it a perfect tea for lattes. Try our Chocolate Chai Supreme in a latte—you won’t be disappointed!

Matcha

Matcha teas are wonderfully suited for lattes. Their robust flavor and smoothness make the perfect pairing with steamed milk. Whether you go with a classic like Matcha Iri Genmaicha or something less traditional like Very Berry Matcha, you’re in for a treat.

Hot Cinnamon Spice

A latte so lovely, your taste buds will swipe right.

Rooibos

The South African herbal tea makes a lovely latte with a red hue. Choose from several Harney rooibos blends, including African Autumn, Rooibos Chai, or Paris Herbal.

Yerba Mate

This antioxidant-laden tea is a wonderful choice for a latte that is both tasty and beneficial.

Do you have a Harney tea that you like a latte in lattes? Share your tea latte tips in the comment section!