Back Homemade Caramel Latte

Give the mom in your life a most amazing coffee in bed this Mother’s Day. Using nothing but your espresso machine, some syrup, and frothed milk, this homemade caramel latte is ready in just 5 minutes and can beat any coffee chain’s brew. Created by Fork in the Kitchen, there’s no better way to celebrate the mom in your life than this!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 ounces espresso (2 shots), or ½ cup strong coffee
• 6 ounces whole milk, or milk of choice
• 2 Tablespoons caramel syrup, or caramel sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brew espresso or strong coffee as desired. Pour milk into a mason jar. Microwave for 1 ½ minutes. Depending on your microwave, you may need to continue heating in 30-second increments up to another minute. You want the milk hot, but not boiling.
2. Carefully remove the jar of milk from the microwave; you may need to use a towel or potholder as it will be hot. Stir in the caramel sauce, then put the lid on the mason jar, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute. See notes below for additional frothing methods.
3. Continuing to use a towel or potholder, remove the lid carefully, being aware of any pressure that may have built up in the jar. Drizzle caramel in the mug you’ll be using (optional), then add the espresso and pour the milk over, topping with any foam that remains in the jar. Serve immediately with whipped cream and additional caramel drizzle, if desired.

NOTES

• Caramel: you can use the classic caramel syrup (like simple syrup) or caramel sauce – like the ice cream topping. Both can be store-bought if needed.
• Use caution when shaking and opening the mason jar! Make sure the lid is on tight, use a towel or pot holder to hold the jar as needed, and open the lid carefully (I again, use a towel in hand).

Additional Frothing Methods

• Use a milk frother wand.
• Shake the jar of milk before microwaving. Make sure the milk doubles in size before microwaving, then once heated, immediately pour it into your espresso.
• Heat milk in a saucepan on the stovetop (or again in the microwave) then use a whisk to froth the milk. 
• Strong Coffee: if using strongly brewed coffee instead of espresso, consider using more coffee/less milk for a more latte-like coffee-forward flavor.