Maple Spice Latte: A Cozy Blend of Fall Flavors
Autumn has a way of feeling cozy and familiar, especially when it brings some colorful leaves and colder weather. And what better way to mark this turning of season than with a hot mug of some tasty fall concoction? Move over pump spice, it is time for the reign of maple spice to become the new autumn drink queen.
This lovely drink enhances the naturally sweet flavors of maple syrup with warming fragrant spices for a perfect cozy cocktail. In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about the Maple Spice Latte: how it was created and what the health benefits are, as well as a recipe for making it at home. Whether you are a coffee lover, or simply love everything about the autumn season, this is one drink to add to your list of must-make fall recipes.
Enter the Maple Spice Latte
Even though pumpkin spice lattes have always been a fall favorite, the coffee is not everyone’s delight. Even thought some of us just love the bold sweet flavors of pumpkin and other want something more subdued but still decadent. Enter the Maple Spice Latte a refined change, replacing pumpkin with maple syrup for a deeper, more buttery sweetness that falls softly on the palate.
The movement away from sugar- and artificial fear has legs on its own, raising demand for products naturally flavored with maple. Known as the “superfood” of sweeteners, maple syrup offers antioxidants and a lineup of vitamins, including zinc and manganese. Its rich taste, with hints of caramel and vanilla, makes it ideal for coffee cocktails. The result? A sweet spiced beverage filled with comforting cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice makes this perfect for sipping fall mornings or snuggling up on the couch in the afternoon.
Flavor Profile Ingredients
That harmony of flavors is what makes the Maple Spice Latte different, compared to other tastes of Fall. What this can be broken down into in terms of components is the following;
Espresso: The powerhouse behind the Maple Spice Latte, espresso imbues a bittersweet and deep flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, try making a very strong brewed coffee.
Pancake syrup: Use the real stuff; Grade A, pure maple syrup is best. Their not as intense natural sweetness and flavor makes them a great option for coffee.
Steam: Steamed milk is what makes lattes creamy. Although dairy milk is very nice in this drink, you can change it to almond, oat or soy milk and make it dairy-free.
Spices: the spices that help to put this latte over the top, cinnamon and nutmeg (make sure it’s freshly grated!), allspice and sometimes a bit of ginger. They are what gives the drink its signature autumnal spice flavor and makes it even more comforting.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla makes the maple syrup taste amazing.
Those ingredients synthesize into one of the most harmonious lattes you will ever taste: sweet but spicy, creamy yet bitter a fall gem.
Why Maple Over Pumpkin?
Pumpkin spice may have become the fall flavor, but maple tastes like a change of pace instead. So why choose a Maple Spice Latte over its classic pumpkin spice counterpart?
Sweetness From Nature: Maple syrup is not as processed as the sugary thickeners we find in bottled up Pureed pumpkin seeds spiced latte ingredients. This makes it a better choice for people who do not prefer artificial sweeteners.
More Complex Flavor: Maple offers a deeper, more intense flavor than pumpkin, and it does so in another dimension of taste, too. The taste of maple syrup itself is creamy, buttery and caramelly, which pairs so well with coffee and spices.
Nutrients: When it comes to nutrients, maple is the winner with its antioxidants and minerals being far greater than sugar. Although it contains sugar, that still beats the artificial sweeteners and dyes that you usually get with flavored syrups.
Originality: Maple Spice Lattes are a newcomer on the fall drink circuit so treat yourself to one and you can feel ahead of the times.
Because Maple Syrup Touts Health Benefits
Indulgent coffee drinks aren’t usually the first to come to mind when we think of health-conscious beverages. Maple, however, allows the Maple Spice Latte some unexpected highs. This is why if you are adding maple syrup to your latte, it may be a better idea.
Anti-oxidants: Maple syrup is packed with over 20 unique anti-oxidants, which protect your cells from the pollutants that help create free radicals. This has an overall effect on health and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Minerals: Maple syrup is a great source of minerals, such as zinc and manganese that play essential immune-supporting roles, wound healing from injury, and helps reduce inflammation.
Promise of a lower glycemic index: Pure maple syrup has less sugar than the kind you’d find in processed foods, so it won’t make your blood sugar levels sky-rocket. So it is great for anyone who is trying to control their energy levels and not crash from sugar.
Healthy Maple Syrup: Do note that maple syrup (even the healthy kind) is still loaded with sugar, and sugar fuels yeast overgrowth. However, as with anything, the key is moderation.
Maple Spice Latte (Made at Home)
With the story of this Maple Spice Latte under your belt, give it a go yourself! I have a simple recipe you can create in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
1 cup milk, dairy or plant-based
2 TB pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
A pinch of allspice
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
Make your espresso or strong coffee and leave to the side.
Bring the milk to a simmerthe pour into a smaller saucepan. Don’t let it boil.
Mix the milk with maple syrup,sweetener, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and allspice. Then Stir them well until everything is nicely dissolved and the milk looks frothy.
And slowly pour spiced milk mixture on top of the brewed espresso in a mug.
Just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon if desired.
One these dreary days, curled up with a good book and the changing season should pair very nicely with your homemade Maple Spice Latte.
Personalizing Your Maple Spice Latte
The best part of making a Maple Spice Latte at your place is how simple it is to cater the flavors & sweetness to your taste. Here are a few ideas:
Also Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, instead of using regular milk you can use almond, oat, or soy milk. While either of these options would mean the latte will be less velvety in texture than the original, it is still creamy without the dairy.
More Spices: Do you like bold flavors, use more cinnamon or add some ginger to give your oats a little zing.
If you don’t want to consume any caffeine (or enjoy your lattes before bed) replace the regular espressoon with decaf.
Increased Sweetness: If you want it sweeter add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup lastly a drizzle of honey.
The Perfect Fall Companion: Maple Spice Latte
With the start of fall and cooling weather upon us, a Maple Spice Latte is a delicious way to embrace the season. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect way to warm up if you have a cozy fire or maybe even walking in crisp fall air amongst falling leaves? The taste enjoyed as a seasonal tradition that cozies up to the soul during those cooler months.
So now when you feel like indulging in a little Fall that not pumpkin, make yourself this Maple Spice Latte. It is as delicious as it sounds and the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, spicy and warm makes it a must for this autumn season. Enjoy this delicious, cozy fall treat and get the ingredients in your hand with a hot espresso machine!
