Short answer
A Spanish latte is a latte sweetened with sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar. It combines espresso, steamed milk and a spoonful or two of condensed milk, giving a creamy, caramel-like sweetness that a plain latte does not have.
A Spanish latte is a latte sweetened with sweetened condensed milk instead of plain sugar. It is made from espresso, steamed milk and one or two spoonfuls of condensed milk, which gives the drink a creamy, caramel-like sweetness and a slightly thicker body than a regular latte.
What is a Spanish latte?
A Spanish latte is an espresso and milk drink in which sweetened condensed milk is the sweetener. The condensed milk is stirred into the espresso, then steamed or cold milk is added on top.
The name points to Spain, but the drink as it is served in many specialty cafes today is a modern menu item rather than a strict traditional recipe. Its closest Spanish relative is the cafe bombon, a small drink of espresso and condensed milk in equal parts. Spanish latte is also sometimes written as “Spanish-style latte” or “latte con leche condensada”.
What does a Spanish latte taste like?
A Spanish latte tastes sweet, creamy and rounded, with the bitterness of espresso softened by the dairy sweetness. The condensed milk adds a cooked-milk, caramel note that plain sugar does not provide.
The espresso still comes through, but it is less sharp than in a flat white or an americano. Because the sweetener is already blended in, there is no gritty sugar at the bottom of the cup. People who normally find a latte too bitter often like this style, and people who take their coffee unsweetened may find it too sweet.
What is in a Spanish latte?
A Spanish latte has three parts: espresso, milk and sweetened condensed milk. Some cafes add a pinch of cinnamon, but the core recipe has only those three ingredients.
| Ingredient | Role | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Coffee base and bitterness | 1 double shot, about 60 ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk | Sweetener and body | 1 to 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | Volume and creaminess | About 180 ml, steamed or cold |
Whole milk gives the creamiest result. Oat, almond or soy milk can be used in a home version, though a thinner milk will make the drink taste lighter.
How do you make a Spanish latte at home?
To make a hot Spanish latte, stir condensed milk into fresh espresso, then pour in steamed milk. It takes about five minutes and needs no special tools beyond a way to make strong coffee.
- Brew a double shot of espresso, or about 60 ml of strong coffee from a moka pot.
- Spoon one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk into a cup.
- Pour the hot espresso over it and stir until fully dissolved.
- Heat 180 ml of milk to steaming, about 60 to 65 degrees C, and froth it with a whisk or frother.
- Pour the milk into the cup and hold back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Taste, and add more condensed milk only if you want it sweeter.
Stirring the condensed milk into the hot espresso first is important, because it dissolves better in heat than it does in cold milk.
How do you make an iced Spanish latte?
An iced Spanish latte is layered in a glass: condensed milk at the bottom, ice and cold milk in the middle, and espresso poured on top. Stirring before drinking mixes the layers.
- Spoon one to two tablespoons of condensed milk into the bottom of a wide cup.
- Add ice cubes.
- Pour in 180 ml of cold milk.
- Pour a double shot of espresso slowly over the top.
- Stir well and taste.
Let the espresso cool for a minute before pouring if you want the ice to melt more slowly. The condensed milk will sink and mix as you stir, so you do not need a separate syrup.
Spanish latte vs regular latte: what is the difference?
The difference is the sweetener. A regular latte is espresso and steamed milk, usually unsweetened, while a Spanish latte adds condensed milk, which makes it sweeter, thicker and more dessert-like.
| Spanish latte | Caffe latte | |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Sweetened condensed milk | None by default |
| Taste | Sweet, creamy, caramel notes | Milky, mild, coffee-forward |
| Body | Slightly thicker | Lighter |
| Origin of idea | Spanish cafe bombon influence | Italian caffe e latte |
If you want to reduce the sweetness of a Spanish latte at a cafe or at home, use less condensed milk and ask for a smaller amount rather than removing it entirely.
Spanish latte vs cafe bombon: what is the difference?
The cafe bombon is a small espresso poured over an equal amount of condensed milk, usually in a clear glass so the two layers show. A Spanish latte is larger because steamed milk is added.
The cafe bombon is strong and very sweet, and it is meant to be sipped in a few small mouthfuls. The Spanish latte is closer to an everyday milk coffee. Both use the same ingredient pairing, which is why people confuse them.
Does Kareza Cafe have a Spanish latte?
Yes. Kareza Cafe lists a Spanish Latte at $6.87 on Uber Eats, read 14 November 2026, described as espresso, steamed milk and condensed milk. Uber Eats features it among the cafe’s highlighted items.
It sits in the classic coffee group beside the Caffe Latte at $6.24 and the Mocha Latte at $6.87. The menu does not say whether it is offered iced, so check with the cafe if you want it cold. The menu and prices page has the full list, and the hours and location page shows opening times. This guide is independent and takes no orders.
How do you keep a Spanish latte from being too sweet?
Start with a small amount of condensed milk, taste, and add more in small steps. A single teaspoon is enough for some people, because condensed milk is roughly half sugar by weight.
- Use one teaspoon first, then add a half tablespoon at a time.
- Choose a stronger or darker espresso to balance the sweetness.
- Use whole milk rather than a sweetened plant milk.
- Skip any added syrup or flavoured topping.
Once you know your preferred amount, measure it the same way each time so the drink tastes consistent.
Common questions
Is a Spanish latte the same as a cafe bombon?
They are close relatives. The cafe bombon, from Valencia in Spain, is espresso poured over an equal amount of condensed milk, served in a small glass. A Spanish latte adds steamed milk to make a larger, milkier drink.
Can you use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Evaporated milk is not sweetened, so the drink will not taste the same. If you only have evaporated milk, add sugar to taste. Sweetened condensed milk gives the thicker, caramel-like body that defines the drink.
How much condensed milk goes in a Spanish latte?
A common starting point is one to two tablespoons for a 240 ml drink. Taste after the first tablespoon, because condensed milk is very sweet and thick, and add more only if needed.
Is a Spanish latte served hot or iced?
Both. The hot version is steamed milk and espresso. The iced version pours condensed milk into a glass, adds cold milk and ice, then tops it with espresso so the layers swirl as you drink.
Does a Spanish latte need a machine?
No. A strong coffee from a moka pot or AeroPress works as the espresso part. You can warm the milk on a stove or in a microwave and whisk it until frothy.
For the address, opening hours and menu, see Kareza Cafe in Oshawa.
This article is general information from an independent guide, not from Kareza Cafe itself. For the store’s current details see hours and location.