Hello friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share a unique and cozy coffee recipe that will transport you to those crisp Autumn days. Drum roll, please introduce my Cherry Bourbon Cinnamon Latte! Picture yourself on a quiet morning, gazing at the changing leaves outside your window, savoring the rich flavors of coffee, dark cherries, a hint of bourbon, and cinnamon. It’s a heavenly experience that’s sure to pique your interest!
Coffee Flavorings
My recipe involves using natural fruit, bourbon, and seasonings to flavor the coffee, steering clear of processed syrups. This approach makes your coffee healthier and elevates the taste to a whole new level. The key to my coffee’s flavor is homemade compote, a healthier and more delicious alternative to store-bought syrups.
Cooking Tip: A compote is made when cooking fresh fruit with sugar as a way to enhance flavors.
My compote starts with 1 cup of dark cherries. You can use frozen or fresh. I add them to a saucepan with 1 oz of bourbon (I use Whistlepig), 1 Tbs of raw sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 Tbs of vanilla extract. Cook on high until things begin to bubble, and switch to low. The high heat will help the alcohol cook out of the compote so that only the flavor remains. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cherries have started to break down. You will have a dark burgundy syrup with some texture. It will be bubbling hot, so I like to put it in a glass mason jar with a lid to let it cool and easily store.
Being your Own Barista
Life is too short not to enjoy your coffee. Being your own barista is not just a skill, it’s a joyous experience that empowers you to create your perfect cup of coffee.As a barista at home, you can start every morning with a magical mug of the good stuff. The one thing that upped my coffee game was a milk frother. My coffee routine was forever changed. If you’re looking for a quality frother you will not have to replace year after year, check out this one here.
The key to the latte is getting the right frothy consistency. 2% milk or half and half provides a nice foam. Nondairy milk alternatives are thinner, and getting the foamy froth for the top of your latte may be more challenging.
First, add 1 part coffee/espresso to 3 parts hot-frothed dairy, eyeballing your mug for reference. This is the essential equation for making a latte. Next, I add one spoonful of the Cherry Bourbon Cinnamon Compote and mix it with the frothed milk. Feel free to add two spoonfuls for a more intense flavor. Finally, add a layer of frothed foam. Additionally, add whipped cream (low in calories but big in fun) and cinnamon stick to your final creation for fun!
The Wrap
As the leaves change and fall, it’s a perfect time to embrace transformation and let go of what no longer serves you. Welcome new growth and opportunities with open arms. Start your day with a peaceful, leisurely morning and a delicious homemade coffee. Take a moment to enjoy the morning without the usual rush. Let the beauty of the autumn season inspire you to create and enjoy this unique coffee recipe.
If you enjoyed the recipe check out these other creations to get you in the festive fall spirit.
Thanks for reading. As always, this was made with love from my kitchen to yours.
-J.Marie
