Elevate your coffee experience with this indulgent Brown Sugar Latte infused with the warmth of bourbon and a hint of cinnamon. This delightful beverage combines the rich flavors of brown sugar and espresso, creating a comforting drink perfect for any time of the day.
My journey with lattes began during sleepless nights with my kids. Traditional coffee upset my stomach, but lattes provided the perfect balance. A friend’s recommendation led me to try a latte, and I was instantly hooked. The creamy texture and energizing effect became my go-to solution for busy mornings.
As I explored different flavors, I stumbled upon the idea of combining brown sugar and bourbon. The result? A rich, flavorful twist on the classic brown sugar latte that has become a staple in my home.
Now that I am an avid latte drinker, I always seek new flavors to add to my coffee drink. So, with some Bourbon (whiskey), I had some brown sugar lying around; I figured those two ingredients would make a great coffee flavor!

Crafting the Brown Sugar Bourbon Syrup
Creating the syrup for this brown sugar latte recipe is simple and adds a depth of flavor that sets this drink apart.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 cups bourbon or whiskey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, and cinnamon sticks.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
- Once cooled, remove the cinnamon sticks and transfer the syrup to a mason jar or airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Versatile Uses for the Syrup
This bourbon brown sugar syrup isn’t just for lattes. Its rich flavor makes it a versatile addition to various dishes:
- Drizzle over pancakes or waffles
- Sweeten cocktails or mocktails
- Glaze for roasted meats like chicken or ribs
- Flavoring for cakes, frostings, or candied yams
- Enhance iced coffee drinks
Choosing the Right Milk
While whole milk provides a creamy texture ideal for lattes, it’s not always suitable for everyone. In our household, we often opt for almond milk. However, different milk alternatives can yield varying results:
- Oat Milk: Creamy with a neutral taste; froths moderately well.
- Soy Milk: High protein content allows for good frothing; has a distinct flavor.
- Almond Milk: Light and nutty; may produce less foam.
Experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your taste and dietary needs.refer. However, I will say that it depends on the brand and type of milk you choose to determine the thickness and amount of foam generated. Oat milk produces the least thickness and foam, in my experience.

Commonly Asked Questions
After trying several machines, we’ve settled on the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville. It offers versatility for brewing both coffee and espresso and comes with the Aeroccino Milk Frother, making it a comprehensive solution for home baristas. If you already have a preferred espresso machine but just need a foam frother, you can try this frother, as it works well.
Absolutely. While using espresso provides a more robust flavor, strong brewed coffee can also work well in this recipe. Adjust the strength to your preference.
Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate. Just make sure it’s bold enough to balance out the sweetness of the syrup. A French press or Moka pot can also deliver a rich, espresso-like flavor.
Definitely. Just replace the bourbon with water or brewed coffee in the syrup recipe. You’ll still get that rich brown sugar-cinnamon flavor without the alcohol. It’s perfect for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
Yes, to some extent. Simmering the bourbon with brown sugar for about 10 minutes will burn off most of the alcohol content, leaving behind the deep, smoky-sweet flavor of the bourbon. However, if you want a completely alcohol-free version, see the substitution above.
There are a few DIY methods:
– Shake it: Pour warm milk into a mason jar, screw on the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds.
– Whisk it: Warm the milk and whisk it manually or with a hand mixer.
– Use a French press: Pump the plunger up and down quickly to froth warmed milk.
It won’t be coffee-shop perfect, but it gets the job done beautifully!
Similar Recipes
If you like latte recipes like this one, you will like some of the recipes below:
- Easy Coffee Crumb Cake
- Easy Caramel Macchiato
- Mixed Berry Coffee Crumb Cake
- Cherry Almond Coffee Crumb Cake
Things you may need
Print
Bourbon Brown Sugar Latte
- Total Time: 25 minutes (10 minutes for cooling)
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This Bourbon Brown Sugar Latte is made with a mixture of Bourbon, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This makes a wonderful latte perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
FOR THE SYRUP
- 2 c. light brown sugar
- 2 c. Bourbon/ Whiskey
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
FOR THE LATTE
- 2 shots of Espresso
- 1/2 c. milk, foamed
- Garnish: Dash of Cincinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the espresso or brewed coffee and pour it into your favorite mug.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar bourbon syrup to the coffee, stirring to combine.
- Froth the milk using a milk frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar and microwaving for 30 seconds.
- Pour the frothed milk over the coffee mixture.
- Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade bourbon brown sugar latte.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Brew
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Reply