Coconut Milk Cascara Latte Treat À La Starbucks

You'll discover a cozy twist on your regular coffee routine with this homemade Coconut Milk Cascara Latte. If you've ever wondered how to recreate Starbucks' creamy, tropical-inspired drink at home, you're in for a treat. The combination of smooth coconut milk and unique cascara syrup creates a perfectly balanced beverage that's both dairy-free and delicious. Let's explore how this café favorite can become your new go-to drink.

Key Takeaways

• Coconut milk cascara latte combines rich coconut milk with cascara syrup, inspired by Starbucks' 2017 beverage launch featuring coffee cherry husks.
• Use canned coconut milk for richness or carton coconut milk for a lighter texture, plus espresso and cascara syrup as core ingredients.
• Heat espresso to 150-160°F, add cascara syrup, then pour frothed coconut milk and top with whipped coconut cream.
• This homemade version offers significant cost savings compared to coffee shop prices while maintaining the authentic Starbucks-inspired taste.
• The drink can be customized with additional toppings like spices or whipped coconut cream to match personal sweetness preferences.

Why you'll love this recipe

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious dairy-free alternative, you'll fall in love with this coconut milk cascara latte for so many reasons.

The drink perfectly balances the rich, creamy texture of coconut milk with the unique sweetness of cascara syrup, creating a flavor that's both exotic and comforting. You'll appreciate how easily you can customize the sweetness level to match your preferences, and the recipe requires just a few simple ingredients you can find at your local store or online.

What's more, this homemade version will save you money compared to coffee shop prices, and you'll feel proud knowing exactly what goes into your drink.

It's also a fantastic option if you're following a plant-based diet or if you're sensitive to dairy products. Additionally, enjoying beverages like this can enhance your overall wellness, as proper hydration supports brain function and energy levels.

Ingredient notes

To create this delightful latte at home, you'll need just a few key ingredients that work together to deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The star ingredients are coconut milk, which you can find in either canned or carton form, and cascara syrup, made from dried coffee cherry husks. While canned coconut milk offers a richer, creamier texture, carton coconut milk works well if you prefer a lighter option. Additionally, using fresh sage infusion can add an interesting herbal note that complements the sweetness of the cascara syrup.

You'll also need espresso or strong brewed coffee as your base. If you don't have an espresso machine, don't worry – a French press or drip coffee maker will do just fine.

For the optional toppings, keep some whipped coconut cream and your favorite spices, like cinnamon or cocoa powder, on hand to add that perfect finishing touch.

Origin of the recipe

These quality ingredients come together in a recipe that traces its roots to Starbucks' innovative beverage launches in early 2017.

When you're recreating this drink at home, you're tapping into Starbucks' commitment to sustainability, as cascara comes from traditionally discarded coffee cherry husks. The company introduced this unique ingredient to highlight coffee's full potential while reducing waste in the production process.

You'll find that the addition of coconut milk wasn't random either – it was part of Starbucks' response to growing customer demand for plant-based alternatives.

The combination proved so successful that it inspired countless home baristas to experiment with their own versions, leading to today's beloved recipe that you can easily make in your kitchen.

How to make the recipe

You'll start by heating your espresso until it's steaming hot and frothing your coconut milk until it reaches a foamy consistency.

Next, you'll add the cascara syrup to your heated espresso and stir until well combined, creating a flavorful base for your latte.

Finally, you'll pour the mixture into your favorite mug and top it with a generous dollop of whipped cream, transforming your homemade drink into a café-worthy creation. This delightful treat can be further enhanced with sweet natural sweeteners like honey, mirroring the trends in modern beverage crafting.

Step 1. Heat Espresso Until Steaming

The first essential step involves heating your freshly brewed espresso shot until it's steaming hot and ready for the perfect latte.

You'll want to watch for small wisps of steam rising from your cup, indicating the ideal temperature has been reached. If you're using a traditional espresso machine, the shot will come out naturally hot, but if you're working with pre-brewed espresso, you can heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Make sure you don't overheat the espresso, as excessive heat can create a bitter taste that'll affect your final drink. The goal is to achieve a temperature between 150-160°F, which you can test by carefully touching the side of your cup – it should feel very warm but not scorching.

Step 2. Froth Coconut Milk Until Foamy

Frothing coconut milk requires three essential tools: a small saucepan, a whisk, and a thermometer for best results.

Pour your coconut milk into the saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, watching the temperature until it reaches 150°F. While heating, gently whisk the milk to incorporate air and create foam.

You'll notice the coconut milk starting to expand as you whisk, creating a light and airy texture. Continue whisking for about 2-3 minutes until you see a good amount of foam forming on top.

Don't let the milk boil, as this can cause it to separate and lose its creamy consistency. Once you've achieved the desired foamy texture, remove the saucepan from heat and use immediately for your latte.

Step 3. Add Cascara Syrup

Now that your coconut milk is perfectly frothed, adding cascara syrup will bring a unique sweetness to your latte.

Pour one tablespoon of cascara syrup into your warm cup, and watch as it blends seamlessly with the espresso you'll add next. If you're new to cascara, you'll love its subtle hints of honey, cherry, and maple that complement the coconut's natural sweetness.

For those who prefer a sweeter drink, don't hesitate to add an extra half tablespoon of syrup.

You'll want to stir the syrup thoroughly into your coffee base before adding the frothed coconut milk, ensuring every sip has that perfect balance of flavors.

Step 4. Pour Into Serving Mug

Every step in creating your perfect latte comes together in this final, satisfying moment. Take your favorite large mug and begin by pouring your freshly brewed espresso or coffee into the bottom.

Then, gently add your warmed coconut milk mixture in a steady stream, watching as it creates beautiful layers with the coffee beneath. You'll want to leave about half an inch of space at the top if you're planning to add whipped coconut cream.

Give your drink a gentle stir with a spoon to combine the flavors, making sure the cascara syrup is evenly distributed throughout. If you're feeling fancy, top your creation with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for that perfect café-style finish.

Step 5. Top With Whipped Cream

To create the perfect finishing touch for your Coconut Milk Cascara Latte, add a generous swirl of whipped coconut cream on top of your warm drink.

You'll want to dollop the cream carefully in the center, then use a spoon to create an artistic spiral pattern that spreads outward toward the mug's edges. For extra flair, you can dust the whipped topping with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon, which not only looks beautiful but adds another layer of flavor to your beverage.

If you're using store-bought coconut whipped cream, make sure it's well-chilled before adding it to your latte.

For homemade whipped coconut cream, simply blend the solid part of chilled coconut milk with a touch of vanilla until it forms soft peaks.

If you liked this you may also like

Since you've discovered the delightful world of coconut milk cascara lattes, you'll likely enjoy exploring other creative coffee variations that share similar flavor profiles or ingredients.

Try a coconut mocha, which combines rich chocolate with tropical coconut milk, or experiment with a vanilla-lavender latte that offers a soothing, aromatic experience as it incorporates calming effects from the lavender.

If you're drawn to the unique sweetness of cascara, you might love a honey cinnamon latte or a date-sweetened caramel coffee creation.

For those who appreciate plant-based options, consider sampling an oat milk maple latte or an almond milk chai tea latte, both of which deliver creamy, satisfying alternatives to traditional dairy drinks.

These variations will help you expand your coffee horizons while maintaining the comfort of familiar flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Cascara Syrup With Another Type of Sweetener?

You can substitute cascara syrup with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for a similar sweetness level.

If you're looking for a closer match to cascara's fruity notes, try date syrup or brown sugar simple syrup.

Keep in mind that each alternative will slightly alter the final flavor, but you'll still get a delicious drink.

Start with a small amount, and adjust to your taste preferences.

How Many Calories Are in One Serving of This Latte?

Your homemade coconut milk cascara latte typically contains around 150-200 calories per serving, though this can vary based on your ingredients.

The coconut milk contributes most of the calories, adding about 100-150 calories, while the cascara syrup adds roughly 30-40 calories.

If you're using whipped coconut cream topping, you'll need to add another 50 calories to your total.

Is This Drink Caffeine-Free if Made Without Espresso?

Even without espresso, this drink isn't caffeine-free because cascara syrup contains natural caffeine from coffee cherries.

You'll still get about one-third the caffeine of a regular coffee, as cascara naturally contains caffeine.

If you're looking for a completely caffeine-free version, you'll need to skip both the espresso and cascara syrup, though this would greatly change the drink's signature flavor.

What's the Best Coconut Milk Brand to Use for This Recipe?

For the creamiest results, you'll want to use Thai Kitchen or Native Forest organic canned coconut milk, as they're known for their rich texture and pure coconut flavor.

If you're watching calories, So Delicious or Silk coconut milk from the carton work well too, though they'll make a thinner drink.

Remember to shake the can well before using, as the cream and liquid can separate.

How Long Does Homemade Cascara Syrup Last in the Refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade cascara syrup will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

You'll know it's still good if it maintains its clear appearance and sweet aroma.

If you notice any cloudiness, odd smell, or mold growing on the surface, it's time to make a fresh batch.

For the best quality and taste, you'll want to use your syrup within the first week.

Conclusion

You'll love how this coconut milk cascara latte brings café-quality indulgence right to your kitchen, saving money while delivering rich, creamy flavor. Whether you're following a plant-based diet or simply exploring new coffee experiences, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you're ready to create your own barista-worthy beverage that rivals your favorite coffee shop version.