The temperature here in Northern Virginia has dropped drastically over the last few days. It’s clear that winter is upon us. And while cold temperatures and biting winds may be a real disappointment for some, they usher in a whole new line of delicious coffee and espresso drinks that will warm you right up.
Recipes for Winter Coffee Drinks
These winter coffee drink recipes come from our friend Brandon Smith of Roanoke, Virginia. Brandon has been a barista and roaster for 8 years at Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea in downtown Salem, Virginia. Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea has been a staple in the Roanoke Valley for the past 30 years and offers great teas and coffees, a relaxed and inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting friends or working remotely, and a breakfast and lunch menu with a delicious selection of omelets, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Additionally, Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea received a Platinum award in the category of Best Local Coffee Shop in The Roanoker Magazine‘s 2025 Dining Awards.
Check out some of Brandon’s personal recipes below and stop by Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea to say hello if you are near one of their four shops in southwest Virginia.
Baked Apple Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 10 oz. steamed whole milk*
- 1 oz. apple syrup
- 1 oz. brown sugar simple syrup
- Dash apple spice
- Dash cinnamon
*Alternatively, substitute heavy cream for the steamed milk to create a decadent breve!
Instructions:
- Pull espresso shots into shot glass.
- Add milk to frothing pitcher and steam to create a rich foam.
- Add apple syrup and brown sugar simple syrup to mug or cup.
- Pour espresso into mug over apple syrup and brown sugar simple syrup.
- Pour frothed milk into espresso.
- Add garnishes and enjoy.
Crumble Cake Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 10 oz. steamed milk of your choice
- 1 oz. white chocolate sauce
- 1/2 oz. hazelnut syrup
- 1-2 oz. brown sugar simple syrup
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick
- Shaved white chocolate
Instructions:
- Pull espresso shots into shot glass.
- Add milk to frothing pitcher and steam to create a rich foam.
- Add white chocolate sauce, hazelnut syrup, brown sugar simple syrup, and vanilla extract to mug or cup.
- Pour espresso into mug over white chocolate sauce, hazelnut syrup, brown sugar simple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Pour frothed milk into espresso.
- Garnish with dash of cinnamon, cinnamon stick, and shaved white chocolate, sip and watch the snow fall.
French Toast Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 10 oz. steamed milk of your choice
- 1 oz. maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 1 oz. white chocolate sauce
- 1/2 oz. hazelnut syrup
- 1/2 oz. brown sugar simple syrup
- Dash of nutmeg
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Pull espresso shots into shot glass.
- Add milk to frothing pitcher and steam to create a rich foam.
- Add maple syrup, white chocolate sauce, hazelnut syrup and brown sugar simple syrup to mug or cup.
- Pour espresso into mug over maple syrup, white chocolate sauce, hazelnut syrup and brown sugar simple syrup.
- Pour frothed milk into espresso.
- Garnish with dash of nutmeg and dash of cinnamon.
Bonus Drink
Caramel Spiced Cider
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. of favorite cider
- 2 oz. caramel sauce
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash of nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- Steam cider.
- Add caramel sauce and stir.
- Garnish with dash of cinnamon and cinnamon stick.
Alternatively, substitute 2 oz. of chai tea extract for caramel sauce or steep 2 tsp. of loose-leaf chai of your choice directly in the steamed cider for a nice, sweet tasting holiday spiced beverage.
Homemade Ingredients
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Combine equal parts brown sugar and water
- Bring to gentle boil
- Add brown sugar and stir
- Let sit or refrigerate
Featured image by Freepik
