Saffron Latte Recipe: A Vegan-Friendly Coffee to Try in 2026

The saffron latte is a lovely and fragrant coffee with a golden hue and a flavor that’s reminiscent of fall.

You can enjoy it as a special treat after dinner or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Below, you’ll find all the information needed to make a saffron latte at home.

Grab some coffee and start reading away!

What is a saffron latte?

A saffron latte is a latte made by infusing warm non-dairy milk with a few strands of saffron, then combining it with espresso (or strong espresso-style coffee) for a fragrant, golden drink.

The saffron is infused in dairy-free milk for a few minutes to release its flavor and color.

Saffron has a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with espresso coffee.

What does a saffron latte taste like?

A saffron latte tastes slightly sweet and savory due to the addition of saffron.

The combination of the dairy-free milk of choice will make your saffron latte taste different every time!

Saffron and espresso make a surprisingly complex combo; floral, earthy, and slightly sweet in a way that feels truly unique.

I love the flavor of it, and I’m confident that you’ll love it too. Have a look below for the ingredients list for this recipe:

What ingredients are used in a saffron latte?

To make a saffron latte at home, you’ll only need three ingredients to get started. You’ll need the following components:

• A dairy-free alternative of choice
• Saffron
• Espresso shot

For this recipe, you only need a few strands (threads) of saffron to get that signature aroma, flavor, and color.

You can make the espresso coffee with a brewing technique of your choice.

If you have an espresso machine at home, make sure to pull a shot of espresso from it.

I'll be using my Moka pot to make a strong, espresso-style coffee base. (It's not true espresso, but it works great in lattes.)

You can also use an AeroPress to brew a concentrated, espresso-style cup for this recipe.

Your Nespresso or Keurig machine works well for this recipe as well.

Choose a coffee pod that is strong in flavor, so the amount of milk will not be too overpowering, and you’ll create a nicely balanced coffee.

Can you use brewed coffee for this recipe?

If you don’t have any of the above-listed ways to make an espresso coffee at home, you can brew a nice cup of coffee and use it for this recipe.

I like to make my brewed coffee taste a bit stronger than usual when infusing it in coffee recipes, and I suggest you do the same.

The best way to brew a powerful cup of coffee is by using a medium to dark roasted coffee bean and using a bit more coffee than you would for a regular coffee brew.

This recipe calls for a single espresso shot, which is a tiny bit of coffee.

If you prefer to use brewed coffee, I recommend using 1/2 cup (0.12 L) of brewed coffee and the same amount of saffron-infused milk for a nicely balanced drink.

If you’re using a Nespresso or Keurig machine, you can also use a lungo coffee pod instead of an espresso pod.

Tip: Do you want to learn about the best coffee beans for lattes? Then you can find my recommendations here.

What is the best milk alternative for this recipe?

Because this is a vegan-friendly recipe, you can use any milk alternative you already have at home or love the most.

I’ve tested several milk alternatives over the years, and I know they all taste delicious in this recipe.

I’m using soy milk today, as this is my go-to milk alternative. I’ve also tested this recipe with almond milk, which tasted amazing as well.

Do you have a favorite milk alternative you love and works well with this recipe? Please let me know in the comments, as I’d love to give it a try!

Now that you know about all the components of this drink, let’s get started with the recipe, so you can make a delicious saffron latte at home:

How to infuse and foam saffron milk

Saffron is an expensive yet amazing spice, and it must be infused to extract its flavor and color.

As we’re making a latte today, the best way to infuse the saffron is by adding it to the dairy-free milk you’re using.

To do so, you can follow the steps below:

• In a small saucepan, add the milk alternative of your choice, along with 4 or 5 strands of saffron.
• Place the pan on the stove on medium heat.
• Warm the milk until it's steaming and hot to the touch (don't boil it), then lower the heat.
• Now, let the saffron infuse for an additional 5 minutes.
• After you’ve finished the infusion, remove the saffron strings from the milk.
• Grab a whisk and start foaming the milk for a minute.
• Once a nice layer of foam forms, you can use it and complete the recipe.

Some milk alternatives take longer to foam than dairy milk, but a light layer is all you need for a great texture.

For the easiest foaming, look for a “barista” version of your favorite non-dairy milk.

Tip: Do you want to learn more about scalded milk? You can get more information here.

Conclusion

This saffron latte is a great way to start your day, boasting a unique flavor that can’t be found anywhere else.

I like that it has an amazing yellow color, which makes it even more special to look at and drink.

The infused milk mixed with robust espresso coffee is the perfect combination, in my opinion, and I’m glad how this saffron latte turned out.

If you love recipes like these, you can have a look below for some more recipes you can try out today.

Are you a fan of saffron? Let me know by leaving a comment down below.

If you have any other questions about coffee, you can also contact me directly by clicking the “Contact Me” button at the top.

Coffee recipes to try

• Honey Almondmilk Flat White: Easy Recipe to Make At Home
• Spanish Latte: What Is It & How to Make This Latte at Home?
• How to Make a Mocha at Home: Easy Recipe to Try

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