Drinks

Crème Brûlée Latte

There’s something about winter light — how it softens against stoneware, how the air carries the hush of hearth and home. This Crème Brûlée Latte feels like that moment in a cup. Steamed milk swirled with brown sugar, vanilla, and a whisper of cognac, finished with a flicker of flame that kisses the top to caramel gold. A slow sip by the window, the scent of toasted sugar and calm — a small ritual of comfort, cradled in clay and quiet light.

October 20, 2025

By Suze Morrison

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

2 cups whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
2 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tbsp caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
1 tsp cognac (or ½ tsp cognac essence for non-alcoholic)
Pinch of sea salt
2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
1 tsp brown sugar (for brûlée topping)

Directions

Warm the caramel base
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk, brown sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla, cognac, and sea salt over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is steaming with a light froth forming on top.
Pour and blend:
Divide the hot espresso between two mugs, then top with the caramel–cognac milk. Stir gently to mix.
Brûlée finish:
Sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar over the surface of each latte. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize until the sugar bubbles and hardens into a delicate amber crust.
Finish with a light drizzle of caramel and a touch of flaked sea salt. Sip slowly.