Easy Maple Latte with Real Maple Syrup

If you’re looking for a cozy fall drink that’s not pumpkin spice, a homemade Maple Latte might be just what you need.

This maple syrup latte is warm, smooth, and perfectly sweetened with real maple syrup. With just three simple ingredients: espresso, milk, and pure maple syrup, it’s an easy way to make a coffeehouse-style drink at home.

It gives off those home-cooked breakfast vibes (think: pancakes and cozy mornings), but in latte form. And honestly, it couldn’t be simpler to make.

Try next: My Maple Pecan Oatmeal Smoothie is another fall favorite with cozy maple flavor that’s blended into a creamy, protein-packed breakfast drink.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Latte

A maple latte recipe might sound fancy, but it’s actually one of the easiest lattes you can make. Here’s why I love it:

• Just three ingredients. Espresso, milk, and pure maple syrup. That’s it!
• Pure maple flavor. Real maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth you just can’t get from flavored syrups.
• Budget-friendly. You can skip the coffee shop line and still have that handcrafted feel at home.
• Customizable. Enjoy it hot, iced, or even as a “maple spice latte” by adding cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Perfect for fall (and beyond). It’s cozy enough for crisp mornings but delicious any time of year.

If you love homemade coffee drinks that taste like something special, this one’s a must-try.

Maple Syrup in Coffee

Using maple syrup in coffee is one of the easiest ways to add natural sweetness and rich, cozy flavor. It blends smoothly into hot or iced drinks and gives every sip a subtle, caramel-like depth.

Maple syrup is essentially a simple syrup, just like the flavored syrups you’d find at a coffee shop. But there’s one big difference: it’s made from real maple sap, straight from the tree.

That means when you stir maple syrup into your coffee, latte, or even tea, you’re getting a pure, natural sweetener instead of the artificial flavors and additives found in most bottled syrups. It’s simple, wholesome, and tastes like fall in a cup.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a few pantry staples to make a maple latte:

• Pure maple syrup
• Brewed espresso
• Milk
• Optional toppings: whipped cream and cinnamon sugar

That’s really it! But a few ingredient choices can make all the difference in flavor and texture, so let’s talk details.

Ingredient Notes

Pure Maple Syrup

The star of the show! Be sure to use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.

Real maple syrup is made straight from maple sap. It’s essentially a natural simple syrup, so it dissolves beautifully in coffee and espresso drinks. Its caramel-like sweetness and earthy undertones pair perfectly with espresso.

If you want stronger flavor, you can experiment with dark or amber grades of maple syrup.

Brewed Espresso

For the best flavor, use a dark roast espresso or coffee brewed with an espresso machine, Nespresso, or even a stovetop moka pot.

My go-to is Starbucks Dark Espresso Roast because of its rich, molasses-like flavor that blends beautifully with maple syrup.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew ½ cup of strong coffee instead. It still works great.

Milk

Any milk you enjoy in lattes will work here.

• For the creamiest maple latte, use whole milk or 2% milk.
• To make it dairy-free, try oat milk or almond milk (the barista edition versions foam the best).
• For an extra indulgent touch, you can even steam half-and-half for a richer texture.

Whipped Cream (Optional)

A maple latte is wonderful on its own, but topping it with whipped cream takes it to dessert level.

I love using my Starbucks-style vanilla whipped cream, which is sweetened with a touch of vanilla syrup. Or make a maple whipped cream by swapping in maple syrup for the sugar. It’s so good.

Cinnamon Sugar or Spices

Sprinkle on cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of maple sugar for that warm fall aroma. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make a Maple Latte

Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.

This recipe makes one large (16-ounce) latte. You can easily double it to share—or to make a second cup for later!

1. Add maple syrup to your mug. Start with 1–2 tablespoons, depending on how sweet you like your lattes.
2. Steam or froth the milk. Heat milk to about 130–150°F. If using a steam wand, start with the tip just below the surface to create microfoam, then submerge it to heat evenly.
   • No espresso machine? You can also use an electric milk frother or heat the milk on the stove and use a handheld frother.
3. Brew the espresso. Pull 1–2 shots (about 2 ounces total) directly into the mug over the maple syrup.
4. Add the milk. Pour in the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
5. Top and serve. Add whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and enjoy immediately.

That’s it! Your cozy homemade maple latte is ready to sip.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Milk

Properly steamed milk gives your latte that silky, creamy texture. Here are a few tips:

• Aim for microfoam: tiny, velvety bubbles rather than big, airy ones.
• Keep the milk under 150°F to avoid scalding it (and losing sweetness).
• Tap the pitcher gently on the counter and swirl before pouring to create a smooth texture that looks like “wet paint.”

This technique makes all the difference between a flat latte and one that tastes café-quality.

Maple Latte Variations

Maple Spice Latte:
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the milk before steaming for a subtle fall spice flavor.

Maple Cream Latte:
Steam half milk and half heavy cream for an ultra-rich version. Perfect for special mornings or dessert-style drinks.

Iced Maple Latte:
For warm days, skip the steaming step. Just combine maple syrup, espresso, and cold milk over ice. Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Make It Even More Maple

If you want to double down on the maple flavor, try topping your latte with maple whipped cream:
Whip ½ cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon maple syrup until soft peaks form. Spoon on top of your latte and drizzle with a little extra syrup.

More Fall Drinks to Try

If you love cozy, homemade coffee drinks, here are a few more to sip this season:

• Cookie Butter Latte Recipe (Biscoff Latte)
• Pumpkin Pie Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
• Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Each one pairs perfectly with a fall morning and a cozy sweater.