Warm Up Winter With These Spiced Lattes

As winter embraces the northern hemisphere, even the tropical paradise of Kauai feels the shift. Here, winter is not marked by snow and ice but by heavy rain, cooler air and water temperatures. This change in weather calls for a comforting cup of warmth, and what better way to indulge than with a spiced latte made from 100% Kauai Coffee? Combining the rich flavors of Kauai Coffee with a blend of tropical spices, these latte recipes are a perfect way to enjoy the cooler season.

Where Do Spices Grow?

Like coffee, many spices thrive in tropical regions worldwide. That's one of the reason's they pair so well! Let's explore some of the key tropical spices you can use to create the perfect winter warmer. 

• Vanilla: Originating from Mexico, vanilla is now widely grown in Madagascar and Tahiti. Some farmers in Hawaii are starting to grow it here, too. 
• Cinnamon: With roots in Sri Lanka, cinnamon is also cultivated in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. Did you know that cinnamon comes from the bark of the tree? 
• Ginger: This aromatic spice is native to Southeast Asia and is cultivated in India, China, and Nigeria. Ginger is also popular in Hawaii, with many decorative floral and edible varieties grown throughout the islands. 
• Cardamom: Known as the "queen of spices," cardamom comes from India and Guatemala. It is also a member of the ginger family!
• Turmeric: A staple in Indian cuisine, turmeric is also grown in places like Indonesia and the Caribbean. Did you know that turmeric is also a Hawaiian canoe plant? 'Olena, as it is known in the Hawaiian language, was brought to the islands by Polynesian Voyagers. It was an important plant used for medicine, religion, and dye. 
• Cayenne: This dried chili pepper originated in Mexico and is widely grown in the United States. While you can find cayenne peppers in almost any grocery store, look for local Hawaiian chili peppers next time you visit the islands. The tiny peppers pack a punch! 
• Nutmeg: Indigenous to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, nutmeg is also grown in the Caribbean. Nutmeg comes from the ground seed of the tree, but did you know that mace comes from the same plant? It is the red outer covering of the seed! 
• Clove: Native to Indonesia, clove is now cultivated in Madagascar, Zanzibar, and India. Cloves are the dried, unopened buds of the clove tree.  
• Allspice: Originating in Jamaica, allspice is also grown in Central America. It comes from the dried berries of the tree and is called allspice because of its flavor notes of nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. 

In Hawaii, many of these spices grow in our lush landscapes. After a visit to the Kauai Coffee Estate, don't miss other agricultural destinations like National Tropical Botanical Garden, Na Aina Kai, and Lydgate Farms, where aromatic treasures like vanilla, ginger, and turmeric flourish.

Spiced Latte Recipes

Indulge in the cozy warmth of a Spiced Latte this season. Blend the rich taste of Kauai Coffee with any tropical spices you like. Here are a few recipe ideas to get your imagination going. 

Warm Winter Spice Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso or 1 cup of strongly brewed Kauai coffee
• 1 cup of milk (whole milk, almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar, or to taste (you can also use honey or maple syrup)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground ginger
• A small pinch of ground clove (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee: Prepare 2 espresso shots or brew 1 cup of strong Kauai coffee with your preferred brewing method.
2. Combine Spices and Sugar: Mix the sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove (if using) in a small bowl. This is your spice mix.
3. Heat and Froth the Milk: Heat the milk in the microwave or a saucepan over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Froth the milk using a milk frother. If you don't have a frother, use an immersion blender or whisk vigorously by hand.
4. Combine Coffee and Spice Mix: Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug. Add as much spice mix as you like to the coffee and stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
5. Add Milk to the Coffee: Gently pour the frothed milk into the mug with the spiced coffee. Spoon any remaining foam on top.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top with optional whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or place a cinnamon stick in your cup as a garnish. Serve hot, and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors!

Apple Cinnamon Spice Latte Recipe

Combining the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon with bold Kauai Coffee, this latte is a delightful twist on classic winter tastes.

Ingredients (makes 2 servings):

• 4 shots of espresso or 1 cup of strongly brewed Kauai coffee
• 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh and unsweetened)
• 1 cup milk (whole, almond, soy, or oat milk are great options)
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee: Prepare the espresso or brew 1 cup of strong Kauai coffee.
2. Heat Apple Cider with Spices: Combine the apple cider, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend the spices.
3. Froth and Heat the Milk: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until it's hot but not boiling. Use a milk frother to froth the milk until it's creamy and foamy. If you don't have a frother, you can whisk it vigorously by hand or use an immersion blender.
4. Assemble the Latte: Divide the spiced apple cider mixture between two large cups. Pour the brewed coffee evenly into the cups over the apple cider mixture. Gently add frothed milk to each mug, spooning the foam on top.
5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, top with whipped cream. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top, and add a cinnamon stick for an extra garnish. Serve hot and enjoy.

Spicy Mocha Latte Recipe

Add a little heat to your coffee routine with a Spicy Mocha Latte. This recipe combines the deep flavors of chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and a kick of cayenne, perfectly complemented by the robustness of Kauai Coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso or 1 cup of strongly brewed Kauai coffee
• 1 cup milk (whole, almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• A small pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Chocolate shavings or cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee: Prepare 2 shots of espresso or brew 1 cup of strong Kauai coffee.
2. Mix Cocoa and Spices: Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This is your chocolate spice mix.
3. Heat Milk and Mix in Chocolate Spice: Heat the milk over medium heat in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate spice mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine with Coffee: Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug. Add the hot chocolate spice mixture to the coffee and stir well to combine.
5. Garnish and Serve:Top with whipped cream if desired. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a cinnamon sprinkle for an extra flavor touch. Serve hot, and enjoy

 Best Kauai Coffee for Making Lattes

To create the perfect latte, the choice of coffee is key. 100% Kauai Coffee offers a range of options that are ideal for these recipes:

• Mundo Novo: Known for its full body and rich flavor, perfect for a bold latte.
• Poipu Estate Espresso Roast: This dark roast is perfect for lattes and has a remarkably smooth mouthfeel.
• Peaberry Dark: Offers a unique, slightly fruity flavor profile.
• Rooster Alarm: A robust choice for those who enjoy a strong, invigorating latte.
• Typica Medium:  Sweet-toned with delicately complex flavor, influenced by lingering hints of sweet berry.  Each cup reveals a delicate symphony of flavors.  

As you savor the unique flavors of these spiced lattes, let them transport you to the tropical paradise of Kauai. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, a lover of Hawaii, or simply seeking a warm escape from the winter chill, these recipes offer a delightful journey of taste and aroma. So, brew a cup, relax, and let the warmth of Kauai Coffee and tropical spices brighten your winter days.