Apple and cinnamon — you can’t think of a better duo for the cozy winter season ahead. They’re the soulmates of cold-weather comfort, showing up in countless classic treats like mulled wine, apple cinnamon tea, and, of course, apple pie.
Today, I’m going to share another winter classic that features this magical combo. Around Christmas, you’ll find it on nearly every café menu: the Apple Cinnamon Latte. It’s sweet, aromatic, and comforting — the kind of drink that warms both your hands and your heart.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
Besides the usual latte ingredients, you only need two extra items: cinnamon powder and apple cinnamon–flavored syrup.
If you’re not a fan of apple flavor (though, let’s be honest, cinnamon is usually the one people complain about), you can skip the apple syrup and just make a simple Cinnamon Latte instead. Just don’t skip the sugar — replace the apple syrup with caramel or toffee syrup to balance the flavors.
As for the cinnamon powder, the type you choose actually matters. If you don’t want your latte to taste overly smoky or harsh — well, the easiest way is to skip the cinnamon powder entirely (kidding!) — go for Ceylon cinnamon instead.
There are two main types of cinnamon on the market: Cassia cinnamon (the common, affordable one, often labeled as “regular cinnamon”) and Ceylon cinnamon, which comes from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and is known as “true cinnamon.”
There are two big reasons to choose Ceylon cinnamon:
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Lower cinnamaldehyde content – Cassia cinnamon has a very strong aroma because it contains up to 95% cinnamaldehyde, which can overpower your coffee. Ceylon cinnamon has only about 60%, making its flavor gentler and better suited to blending with coffee.
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Low coumarin content – Cassia contains higher levels of coumarin, which isn’t ideal for long-term consumption. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is safer and even offers some health benefits.
So yes, Ceylon cinnamon might sound like something straight out of a health commercial, but I genuinely recommend using it for this recipe.
Now, let’s get to the fun part — how to make the Apple Cinnamon Latte.
It’s really simple! Just like other specialty milk-based drinks I’ve shared, all we’re doing is adding the flavor ingredients into the base latte.
One thing to keep in mind: cinnamon powder, like coffee grounds, is made from plant fibers and doesn’t dissolve in water. To prevent it from sinking to the bottom of your cup, mix it well with the espresso or milk before pouring. That way, you’ll get a consistent flavor throughout your drink.
How to Make an Apple Cinnamon Latte
Ingredients:
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Espresso (40ml, from 20g coffee grounds)
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Steamed milk (200ml)
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Apple cinnamon syrup (10ml)
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Cinnamon powder (0.5g)
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Optional: cinnamon stick and sugar for garnish
For the espresso, I used my café’s house blend, which has rich notes of chocolate, nuts, butter, and cookies — perfect for balancing cinnamon’s warm, woody aroma.
Step 1: Brew the espresso.
Use 20g of coffee to extract 40ml in about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Mix the base.
In a 10oz (about 300ml) cup, pour:
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40ml espresso (or just half if you prefer a lighter taste)
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10ml apple cinnamon syrup
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0.5g cinnamon powder
Stir gently until the cinnamon is evenly dispersed.
Step 3: Steam the milk.
Use 200ml of milk and steam it to around 150°F (65°C) to bring out its natural sweetness. If you can, create a nice layer of microfoam — it adds a silky texture and makes your latte look amazing.
Spoon one scoop of foam onto the center of your cup, then slowly pour the rest of the milk, keeping your pour steady and centered.
At this point, your Apple Cinnamon Latte is ready to drink!
Optional Finishing Touches
If you want to make it look (and taste) extra special, sprinkle a thin layer of white sugar on top of the foam and torch it until it caramelizes. Then dust with a pinch of cinnamon powder and add a cinnamon stick for decoration.
If you torched the top, take a small bite of the caramelized layer before stirring — it’s divine! If you didn’t, just give it a light stir and enjoy.
Whether you use half an espresso shot or the full amount will slightly change the experience:
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With half a shot, you’ll first taste the gentle warmth of cinnamon, then the smooth coffee notes, followed by the sweet apple syrup — creamy, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.
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With a full shot, the coffee and cinnamon become equals, sharing the spotlight. The drink is bolder, less sweet, and ideal for those who prefer a stronger, more aromatic latte.
And that’s it! A simple yet heartwarming Apple Cinnamon Latte that you can easily make at home. It’s sweet, cozy, and absolutely delicious — whoever first came up with this recipe deserves an award!