rooibos latte delight::dairy free & vegan

My dear in-laws have a fancy espresso maker. It’s so beautiful, I’m a little afraid to use it. Nevertheless when we visit them it calls to us with its promise of hot drinks and foamy milk. We throw caution to the wind (as caffeine is notoriously unkind me), I twist my father-in-laws arm to make “one” more latte for me, and Dan froths milk for creamy hot chocolate.

This Christmas, after what I must assume was a well-placed hint from thoughtful mom-in-law, we received a shiny new espresso maker from Dan’s aunt and uncle. It replaced the freecycle model I’d been playing with on occasion (back to freecycle with the drippy beast).

Of course, while I was living the wild life and cheating on my diet over the holidays, I made sure to enjoy a few true lattes complete with cow’s milk. But now I’m back to making the prescribed choices, darn, meaning no more milk for me. Although even decaf coffee is off my list of allowed foods, I did try a couple of almond milk lattes to see if I create a reasonable facsimile. They were thoroughly disappointing.

Finally I discovered a drink that has quickly become a favourite. Since I’ve mentioned it a couple times here already, I thought I’d share my method.

Vanilla Rooibos Latte

Almond milk is my milk substitute of choice. I don’t prefer the flavour with coffee but it makes a delicious blend with rooibos. Feel free to try it with a different milk or a different tea, I’m just offering a guideline.

1/2 cup strong brewed tea, vanilla rooibos is my favourite

1/2 cup almond milk

1/2 tsp honey, or alternative sweetener for a vegan latte

1/4 tsp vanilla, optional

dash of cinnamon

Brew a strong half cup of tea, either with freshly boiled water or through an espresso machine.

Then heat and foam the almond milk using the milk frother* on an espresso machine or on the stovetop. The milk may not foam much on the stovetop, but if you prefer more foam there are small handheld and battery operated frothers to be found for cheap (ours came from IKEA). Almond milk gets a pretty generous foam – better than rice milk from what I’ve heard.

I don’t know the proper method to add to a latte but I stir the honey and vanilla into the tea, pour the hot milk over, and top with the foam. A dash of cinnamon adds a finishing touch.

I love a hot cup of creamy goodness!

*Disclaimer: All you latte aficionados please forgive my layperson’s knowledge

Lately when I’ve been craving a milky latte or my true favourite, a hot cup of milky black tea, I’ve been indulging in this sweet delight. And no caffeine makes it a great late night comfort.

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Do you have a favourite hot drink? Or perhaps a favourite comfort drink?

P.S. Thinking of all you who are joining me on the water challenge. Are you trying to wean off that extra cup of coffee? Maybe you could try a tea latte – baby steps, right? I’ve been bad the last couple of days – too many hours out of the house and I forget about my water during the afternoon. Fresh start today! The water counter giveaway is still open if you’re looking for a way to keep track of those glasses of water!

P.P.S. My box bag giveaway is also still open until Thursday!