Smokey Bourbon Maple Latte Recipe (Cozy Fall Coffee with a Grown-Up Twist)
If you’re craving a coffee drink that’s cozy with a touch of drama, the Smokey Bourbon Maple Latte is just the thing. 🍂☕ It brings together rich, nutty Brazil Dark coffee, sweet homemade bourbon maple syrup, and a whisper of smoked salt for a drink that’s bold, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying.
This latte isn’t just a drink—it’s a vibe. Perfect for weekend brunches, fireside sipping, or anytime your coffee ritual deserves a little sophistication.
🍁 Why You’ll Love This Latte
- Sweet meets smoky: Maple syrup adds warmth and caramel sweetness, while smoked salt layers in surprising depth.
- Bourbon flair: Use real bourbon for richness or swap in alcohol-free extract for the flavor without the buzz.
- Versatile: Cozy hot latte for fall & winter, or pour over ice for a refreshing summer twist.
Ingredient spotlight
Bourbon maple syrup: A simple syrup made by simmering bourbon and maple together. It’s rich, smooth, and perfect for lattes—or cocktails, pancakes, and desserts.
Smoked salt: Just a pinch transforms this latte from sweet to sophisticated, adding a subtle savory edge that balances the maple.
Brazil Dark coffee: Our go-to base. Its nutty, chocolatey depth stands up beautifully to sweet syrups and bold flavors.
Recipe Overview
Ingredients
- 2 oz strong brewed Brazil Dark coffee (or 6 oz cold brew for iced)
- 3 Tbsp Bourbon Maple Syrup, divided
- ½ tsp smoked salt, plus a pinch for garnish
- 4–6 oz milk of choice
Bourbon Maple Syrup
- 4 Tbsp bourbon
- 1 cup maple syrup
Method
- Make the syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, boil bourbon for 1 minute. Stir in maple syrup, remove from heat, and cool. Store up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
- Prepare milk: Heat and froth milk with 1 Tbsp syrup.
- Build the base: In a mug, stir together 2 Tbsp syrup + smoked salt. Pour hot coffee over and mix.
- Assemble: Slowly add frothed milk, spoon foam on top, and finish with a pinch of smoked salt.
🔧 Tips for Success
- Froth it up: Whole milk or oat milk make the best froth.
- Make-ahead: Double the syrup batch—it’s amazing in cocktails, oatmeal, or drizzled over pancakes.
- Alcohol-free: Sub bourbon with 1 tsp bourbon extract or vanilla for a family-friendly version.
🍂 Variations
- Holiday twist: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra festive flavor.
- Keto-friendly: Make syrup with sugar-free maple (allulose blend works well) and keep milk unsweetened.
- Iced cocktail: Serve as a coffee cocktail with a bourbon shot for brunch or evening sipping.
❓ FAQ
Does the bourbon cook off in bourbon maple syrup?
Yes—boiling for 1 minute evaporates most alcohol, leaving the flavor. If you want a zero-alcohol option, swap bourbon for extract or just maple.
Is maple syrup good in coffee?
Absolutely. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and adds caramel depth without refined sugar.
What does smoked salt do in coffee?
It enhances sweetness and adds a subtle savory note, giving your latte a gourmet, café-level twist.
