Rose Latte Recipe (Hot or Iced)
Introducing, the height of sophistication in a less-than-five-minute-to-make cup – the Rose Latte! Lightly floral, subtly sweet, and delicately fragrant, this coffee shop quality drink feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to make at home in just a few minutes.
If you’ve already made a batch of homemade Rose Simple Syrup, you’re already more than halfway there. Whether you’re enjoying a hot rose latte on a chilly morning or sipping an iced version on a warm afternoon, this recipe is a fun way to elevate your everyday coffee routine. It’s the coffee that makes me think of sunrises and birds chirping, or afternoon iced coffee and a walk through a rose garden. It’s simply… perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Rose Latte
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Naturally flavored with homemade rose syrup
- Works well as both a hot or iced coffee drink
- Less expensive than coffee shop specialty drinks
- Beautiful display with a light petal topping for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or spring gatherings
Ingredients
For a Hot Rose Latte:
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee (I love these nespresso pods for a smooth, not overpowering coffee flavor)
- 1–2 tablespoons homemade Rose Simple Syrup
- 1 cup milk of choice (oat milk works well for this one!)
- Optional: dried culinary rose petals for garnish
For an Iced Rose Latte:
- 2 shots espresso, cooled slightly
- 1–2 tablespoons homemade Rose Simple Syrup
- 1 cup milk of choice
- Ice
How to Make a Hot Rose Latte
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Prepare two shots of espresso using your espresso machine, Nespresso, or favorite brewing method.
Step 2: Add the Rose Syrup
Pour the rose simple syrup into your mug and add the hot espresso. Stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Steam the Milk
Steam or froth your milk until warm and creamy. I love this steamer/frother more than any other I’ve tried.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour the milk over the espresso mixture. Garnish with a few dried rose petals.
Serve immediately.
How to Make an Iced Rose Latte
Step 1: Combine Espresso and Syrup
In a glass, stir together the espresso and rose syrup.
Step 2: Add Ice
Fill the glass with ice.
Step 3: Add Milk
Pour milk over the ice and stir gently to combine. Top with Rose Cold Foam for an even more amazing treat!
Enjoy immediately.
What Does a Rose Latte Taste Like?
A rose latte has a delicate floral flavor that is often compared to lavender, but softer and slightly sweeter. It gives less of a “spa” type vibe and more of a “I walked through a rose garden on the way to get this” type vibe. When balanced correctly (and using a homemade syrup without artificial ingredients), the rose doesn’t taste like perfume—it adds a subtle botanical note that pairs beautifully with coffee and milk.
If you’re new to floral coffee drinks, start with one tablespoon of syrup and add more to taste. This is a great starter floral drink to find if you like the floral taste – if you do, make sure to try our Lavender Latte as well!
Tips for the Best Rose Latte
Use Culinary Rose Syrup
The best flavor comes from rose syrup made with culinary-grade dried rose petals. Homemade syrup gives you much more control over the sweetness and floral intensity.
Don’t Overdo the Syrup
Rose can quickly become overpowering. Start small and add additional syrup gradually.
Try Different Milks
Whole milk creates the richest latte, but oat milk and almond milk both pair especially well with floral flavors.
Make It Extra Fancy
Top your latte with homemade whipped cream, a sprinkle of dried rose petals, or even a layer of Rose Cold Foam on an iced latte for my favorite treat.
Variations
Dirty Rose Chai Latte
Combine rose syrup with chai concentrate and a shot of espresso for a floral twist on a dirty chai.
Rose Vanilla Latte
Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a splash of vanilla syrup alongside the rose syrup.
Honey Rose Latte
Replace part of the syrup with honey for a naturally sweetened floral coffee drink.
Rose Matcha Latte
Skip the espresso and use matcha for a beautiful green tea version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a rose latte without an espresso machine?
Yes! Strong brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate, or even instant espresso powder can work well.
What milk works best in a rose latte?
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but oat milk is a fantastic dairy-free option that complements the floral flavor nicely.
Is a rose latte overly floral?
Not when made correctly. A good rose latte should be lightly floral and balanced, not perfumey. It’s the least perfumey of the floral coffee options I’ve ever tried.
Can I make this drink iced?
Absolutely, and you definitely should! The floral notes are especially refreshing in an iced rose latte during spring and summer. Topped with rose cold foam, it is perfection.
A Latte that “Rose” to the Occasion
This homemade Rose Latte is proof that specialty coffee drinks don’t have to be complicated. With just espresso, milk, and homemade rose syrup, you can create a beautiful coffee shop drink right in your own kitchen. Whether served hot on a cozy morning or iced on a sunny afternoon, this floral latte is a simple way to elevate things and make every day seem like a special occasion. Some thing we all need more of in life!
