This apple cider bourbon latte combines coffee, apples, and whiskey. The apple and bourbon flavors are subtle—the coffee is still the star—but they add a cozy fall vibe. It's warm, complex, delicious, and a great way to use up all the apple cider you bought while you were apple picking.
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Why We Love this Latte
When I was growing up, my grandparents owned property in the Shenandoah Valley that used to be an apple orchard. I have fond memories of apple picking at nearby orchards and drinking coffee on crisp fall mornings with my grandma. She started sneaking me coffee when I was 3 or 4 years old (only when my parents weren't around, of course). I've had a passion for coffee since then, and now I can't function without at least one cup every morning.
This apple cider bourbon latte combines coffee and apples with another passion of mine—whiskey! I love whiskey in all forms, and it goes great with the apples in this recipe. The flavors are perfect for fall, so we love serving it at fall gatherings when family is in town. It's quick, easy, unique, and so tasty.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Espresso: We have an espresso machine at home. If you don't have one, you can buy some espresso shots from a local coffee shop, or you can substitute strongly brewed regular coffee.
Bourbon whiskey: Bourbon whiskey works best in this recipe. We like Bulleit Bourbon for mixing, but use whatever kind of bourbon you typically drink.
Milk: We use 2%, but use whatever type of milk you typically drink. You can substitute dairy-free milk as well—oat milk and cashew milk work well.
Apple cider: Make sure you use apple cider, not apple juice. Most grocery stores near us carry a local option in the fall, but you should be able to find apple cider of some kind all year.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Don't skip these—they add great spicy fall flavors! Cinnamon sticks are also great as a garnish if you happen to have some on hand.
See full ingredient list and amounts in the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Divide espresso or coffee equally between two 8-ounce mugs. Then add half a shot of bourbon to each mug (half a shot is .75 fluid ounces or about 1.5 tablespoons).
Step 2: Combine apple cider, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg and froth with a steam or electric milk frother. If you don't have a frother, here's a good tutorial on other frothing methods that don't require any special equipment.
Step 3: Divide the frothed milk between the two mugs and enjoy!
Side Pairings
This apple cider bourbon latte goes great with delicious breakfast recipes like these:
- Cinnamon Sugar Bread French Toast
- Thin Stuffed Omelettes
- Egg and Sausage Gravy Casserole
- Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
Frequently asked questions
If you're used to drinking bourbon, the flavor in this latte isn't super strong, but you can taste it. If you don't like bourbon (or want it to be a little bit more subtle), you can cut the amount if half (or omit it completely).
I don't recommend making this latte ahead of time, because the frothed milk won't stay foamy and the coffee won't taste fresh.
I don't recommend using apple juice instead of cider. Apple cider is a little bit thicker and more flavorful than apple juice, which may water down the latte.
📖 Recipe
Apple Cider Bourbon Latte
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 lattes 1x
Description
This apple cider bourbon latte combines coffee, apples, and whiskey. The apple and bourbon flavors are subtle—the coffee is still the star—but they add a cozy fall vibe. It's warm, complex, delicious, and a great way to use up all the apple cider you bought while you were apple picking.
Ingredients
4 shots espresso (or approximately 1 cup of strongly brewed coffee) (see note 1)
1 shot bourbon whiskey (1.5 ounces or about 3 tablespoons) (see note 2)
1 cup milk (use whatever you normally drink)
½ cup apple cider
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Divide espresso or coffee equally between two 8-ounce mugs. Then add half a shot of bourbon to each mug (half a shot is .75 fluid ounces or about 1.5 tablespoons).
- Combine apple cider, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg and froth with a steam or electric milk frother. If you don't have a frother, here's a good tutorial on other frothing methods that don't require any special equipment.
- Divide the frothed milk between the two mugs and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don't have an espresso machine, you can buy some espresso shots from a local coffee shop, or you can substitute strongly brewed regular coffee.
- If you're hesitant about bourbon, decrease the total amount to half a shot.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 13.8 g
- Sodium: 68.6 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.9 g
- Protein: 4.3 g
- Cholesterol: 2.5 mg
Daniel J says
Absolutely LOVE this recipe!