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    StandardRecipe

    Vanilla Cardamom Latte

    The BYOB Team5 min1 drink (from a batch each of Vanilla Syrup and Cardamom Syrup)$0.98/drink222 cal/drink

    Uses Vanilla Syrup — make a batch ahead of time; it keeps in the fridge for a week or two, so you won't need to make it again for every drink.

    Ingredients & steps

    Standard

    Written hot. Switch to see the iced version's ingredients and steps.

    Ingredients

    • 2oz espresso (or 1/3 cup strong coffee/moka pot equivalent)
    • 8oz milk, steamed or frothed
    • 1 tbsp Vanilla Syrup (make a batch ahead of time -- it keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge)
    • 1 tbsp Cardamom Syrup (make a batch ahead of time -- it also keeps about 2 weeks)

    Steps

    1. 1.Make a batch each of Vanilla Syrup and Cardamom Syrup ahead of time if you haven't already.
    2. 2.Pull a double shot of espresso (or brew strong coffee) directly into your serving cup.
    3. 3.Stir in 1 tbsp of the vanilla syrup and 1 tbsp of the cardamom syrup while the espresso is still hot, until both are fully combined.
    4. 4.Steam or froth 8oz of milk to about 150°F and pour over the espresso mixture.
    5. 5.Serve immediately, with a pinch of ground cardamom on top if you like.

    Swap the milk

    This recipe is written with Kirkland Signature Organic A2 Whole Milk (8oz). Pick a different milk to see the cost and calories update below.

    Milk: Kirkland Signature Organic A2 Whole Milk

    Cost per drink

    $0.98

    Calories per drink

    222

    Not medical or nutrition advice. Calorie figures on this page are estimates based on typical ingredient values, not a lab analysis of your exact batch — they'll shift with the brand of milk, syrup, or protein powder you actually use. "Ingredient-Honest" and "sugar-free" describe what's in the recipe, not a health claim. If you're managing diabetes, a caffeine sensitivity, pregnancy, or another condition, check with a doctor or dietitian before making a recipe part of your routine. Read the full disclaimer.

    Vanilla and cardamom is a real, well-established flavor pairing — it’s the backbone of several published “Vanilla Cardamom Chai Latte” recipes, and shows up again in warming-spice latte blogs that pair cardamom with vanilla specifically rather than a full chai spice mix. This version keeps it to real espresso rather than steeped tea, built from this site’s own Vanilla Syrup and Cardamom Syrup.

    Two Real Bases, Not a New Fused Syrup

    This drink combines two syrups this site already has: 1 tbsp Vanilla Syrup and 1 tbsp Cardamom Syrup, split evenly. No new syrup needed.

    Building the Latte

    1. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2oz) directly into your cup, or brew a strong coffee/moka pot equivalent.
    2. Stir in 1 tbsp Vanilla Syrup and 1 tbsp Cardamom Syrup while the espresso is still hot.
    3. Steam or froth 8oz of milk to about 150°F and pour it over the espresso mixture.
    Specialty Café Vanilla Cardamom Latte vs. Home Version
    Specialty/independent-café vanilla cardamom latte (tax included)~$6.75
    Home vanilla cardamom latte (espresso, milk, both bases)~$0.98
    Savings per drink$5.77

    Assumptions: grande-size drink, independent/specialty-café pricing, dairy milk, $16/lb specialty beans or equivalent grocery beans. At 5 drinks a week over the site’s standard 48-week year, that’s roughly $1,385/year back in your pocket.

    Swaps & Notes

    • No espresso machine? A moka pot or strong AeroPress shot works fine.
    • Want the full chai version? See this site’s Chai Latte for the full steeped-tea-and-spice-blend build — this drink is the simpler, espresso-based, two-flavor version.
    • Watching sugar? Swap in Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup 1:1; Cardamom Syrup doesn’t yet have a sugar-free version.

    Recipe Card Summary

    Vanilla Cardamom Latte

    • 2oz espresso + 8oz steamed milk + 1 tbsp Vanilla Syrup + 1 tbsp Cardamom Syrup (both made ahead)
    • Prep time: 5 minutes (after both bases are made) · Total: 5 minutes
    • Cost: ~$0.98/drink vs. ~$6.75 specialty café equivalent

    FAQ

    Is this different from your Cardamom Rose or Orange Cardamom Lattes?

    Yes — those pair cardamom with rose or citrus; this drink pairs it with plain vanilla instead, no rose or citrus anywhere in it.

    How is this different from a Chai Latte?

    A chai latte is built on steeped black tea plus a full spice blend; this drink is built on espresso with just two flavors (vanilla and cardamom), a simpler and more direct profile.

    Can I use the sugar-free Vanilla Syrup?

    Yes — swap in Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup 1:1. Cardamom Syrup doesn’t have a sugar-free version yet.

    Keep exploring

    Browse by ingredient tier

    Or skip this drink and explore every recipe in the Ingredient-Honest, Standard, or Sugar-Free lineup.

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