Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm cinnamon latte on a crisp morning, and I’m excited to share my Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe with you. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill coffee drink – the homemade cinnamon syrup adds a deep, rich flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a mid-afternoon break, this latte feels like a little hug in a mug.

I’ve made this recipe countless times when friends come over, and they always ask for the syrup recipe to make their own. It’s surprisingly simple, and making the syrup yourself means you can adjust the sweetness and cinnamon kick exactly how you like it. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for a special coffee treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of cinnamon warmth and creamy espresso. Each one brings something special to the table, and you’ll find them easy to source at any grocery store or even your pantry.

• Water: It’s the base for your cinnamon syrup, so fresh, clean water is best for the clearest taste.
• Brown sugar: Adds richness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements cinnamon beautifully.
• Cinnamon sticks: Using whole cinnamon sticks rather than ground cinnamon in the syrup gives a purer, less powdery flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the syrup’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Espresso or strong brewed coffee: I prefer two shots of espresso for the strongest, most authentic latte base, but good quality strong coffee works well here too.
• Milk: Whole milk makes it luxuriously creamy, but 2% or oat milk are great alternatives if you want something lighter or dairy-free. Just make sure it froths well!
• Cinnamon syrup: This homemade syrup gives you full control over the cinnamon sweetness—you’ll spoon it in fresh with each latte.
• Whipped cream or dairy topping: Totally optional, but it adds a lovely richness and makes the drink feel extra special.
• Ground cinnamon: A quick dusting on top brings an appealing aroma and a pretty finish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to play around with it and make it your own. Adding your personal twist keeps it exciting every time you make it.

• Variation: Swap out milk for almond or coconut milk if you prefer a nutty flavor or are dairy-free—I’ve done this often and the latte remains delightfully creamy.
• Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg to the syrup for a spicy kick that really wakes up your taste buds. I started doing this around the holidays and it’s fantastic!
• Variation: Turn your latte into an iced version in the summer by chilling the espresso and serving over ice with cold milk and syrup—it’s just as comforting but refreshingly cool.
• Variation: For an extra indulgence, try topping your latte with caramel drizzle or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Your coffee break just got elevated!

How to Make Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Cinnamon Syrup

Start by combining one cup of water, one cup of brown sugar, and three broken cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You want the sugar fully dissolved and the syrup infused with that cozy cinnamon aroma. Just be sure not to over-simmer—keeping an eye on the consistency helps you avoid a syrup that’s too thick or too thin. Once done, take it off the heat, stir in half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and let it cool completely. I like to strain out the cinnamon sticks before storing to keep the syrup smooth.

Step 2: Brew Your Espresso or Coffee

Next, brew two shots of espresso or about 4 ounces of strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a good quality drip coffee or French press with extra coffee grounds will do the trick. The key here is really strong coffee to hold up against the sweetness and creaminess. Pour it straight into your favorite mug where you’ll build your latte.

Step 3: Froth Your Milk

While the coffee is hot, warm up your milk. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave—just heat it to about 150°F (warm, not boiling). Then, froth the milk until it’s nice and foamy. If you don’t have a frother, no worries! Whisking vigorously or shaking the milk in a jar with a tight lid can create some lovely foam too. Adding this foamy layer gives the latte its signature creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cinnamon Latte

Pour two tablespoons (or adjust to taste) of your homemade cinnamon syrup into the coffee. Stir gently to combine that sweet, spicy flavor evenly. Then, slowly add the frothed milk on top, holding back the foam with a spoon and then spooning it over at the end for a lovely layered effect. If you’re aiming for the perfect Instagram shot, this is your moment!

How to Serve Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping my cinnamon latte with a swirl of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon. It not only makes it look irresistible but also boosts that cinnamon aroma with every sip. Sometimes, I’ll add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or even a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for a special touch—always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs wonderfully with simple baked goods like buttery croissants, cinnamon rolls, or even a slice of banana bread. When I serve this to guests, I love including a small plate of ginger snaps or biscotti—it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spiced that complements the drink beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive mornings or special gatherings, try serving your cinnamon latte in clear glass mugs to show off its creamy layers. You can drizzle a little leftover cinnamon syrup or caramel inside the glass before pouring the coffee for a dramatic swirl effect. Adding a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod not only looks elegant but infuses an extra subtle aroma as you sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover cinnamon syrup in a sealed glass jar in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks. Just give it a gentle shake before using because the sugar sometimes settles. The syrup is a fantastic way to quickly spice up not only lattes but also teas, cocktails, or even oatmeal.

Freezing

Freezing cinnamon syrup isn’t something I’ve tried often because it keeps well in the fridge, but if you want to, pour it into ice cube trays. That way, you can pop out individual cubes to melt into drinks on demand without thawing a whole batch. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly after freezing but the flavor stays intact.

Reheating

When reheating syrup or leftover milk, do it gently either over low stove heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid scorching. Make sure your milk froth stays fresh by reheating just enough to warm through. And if you’ve stored milk, give it a quick whisk to wake up the texture before adding it to your coffee.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe is one of those little luxuries I love having on hand, especially when I need a moment to relax or want to impress friends with something homemade and comforting. Making your own syrup turns out to be easier and more rewarding than you’d expect, and the flavor? Totally worth the extra step in the morning or afternoon. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do—it’s cozy, customizable, and simply delicious. Go ahead and try it—you deserve a latte that feels like a warm cinnamon hug anytime!

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