Lattes are a great way to do this because all of the syrup options out there make for a simple way to kick that sweet and caffeine craving all at once—sometimes even with sugar-free options. Brands like Torani and Monin are great (and quite simply classic) for flavored syrups for lattes, but most of the time you just need to worry about which one of the flavors you want to order (not about buying the entire bottle).
This list comes from a combination of observations made as being a barista and by looking at the best sellers of syrups on a variety of websites. Here’s what we found are the most popular types of latte flavors that may spark your interest.
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Vanilla Latte
Very few people can deny wanting a little hint of sweetness in their drink without committing to a full-sugar overload—that is where vanilla comes in! Some vanilla syrups are off in their flavor, I can attest to experiencing this in Europe, but the right drinks comes from the right syrup.
In fact, a lot of the following favorites follow vanilla’s lead by adding sweetness to a drink without being too overwhelming.
Now, acquiring and determining your favorite brand for vanilla syrup, and any of the following flavors, is all about preference. So I can only guide you on my trial and errors on tasting them! Without further ado, Torani’s vanilla syrup is my go-to choice, and what we used at the coffee shop I work at. Another favorable brand is Starbucks’ vanilla syrup! Give them a try and let us know your thoughts in our comments section below!
Caramel Latte
A little sweeter than vanilla but just as likable! Caramel is advertised as “buttery and rich”, which makes for the perfect addition to a drink. People seem to like to drink their nostalgia as caramel always gives the slightest hint to caramel candy. I’ve even had people add caramel to cappuccinos, which is debatable whether that’s genius or tragic.
Mocha Latte
This one is a little different. Mocha is not going to be a bottled syrup, but a sauce. But don’t worry, it is still similar to flavoring a latte because the rest of it is just steamed milk and espresso. A latte can be flavored with chocolate syrup, but mocha is really the way to go.
Also called a “caffe mocha”, steaming some chocolate powder with milk and adding it to espresso is like heaven in a cup. You get the nostalgia of hot cocoa with the kick of caffeine.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
You would be surprised how many people enjoy pumpkin spice lattes in the heat of the summer, or any other time than a couple of months leading up to winter where it feels like they are EVERYWHERE.
People love pumpkin-flavored things but society seems to have told us that it is only okay in the fall. Social norms aside, people have turned pumpkin spice into a popular latte flavor. A PSL is a staple year-round, whether you are in Starbucks or not.
Hazelnut Latte
What do you get when you combine hazelnut and vanilla? French vanilla! This is a little tip that I picked up as a barista because there’s no point in buying a french vanilla bottle of syrup when one can make it with two other just as popular flavors.
That’s where hazelnut comes in. It adds a cozy element to any drink, while also being a bit more of a complex flavor that adds layers to any latte.
Coconut Latte
Instead of putting the lime in the coconut, people seem to love putting the coconut in the latte! Coconut pairs perfectly with mochas or chai lattes, but the statement it makes by itself lends to why it is so popular. Coconut is a more refreshing latte flavor, whether iced or hot.
Lavender Latte
A bit on the “trendier” side, but it might be a trend that sticks. Much like the smell of lavender is known to be calming, putting lavender flavor into a latte can have the same benefits.
In addition to flavor, lavender gives any iced latte the prettiest coloring. To go with the more natural flavor of lavender, I would recommend making the latte with almond or oat milk. If lattes are not totally up your alley, then lavender pairs well with matcha as well!
This is not an all-inclusive list of the most popular types of latte flavors. You may see a flavor on this list that would make you want to quit coffee altogether if you had to drink it, or you may see your favorites one missing!
That’s another fun thing about lattes though: The possibilities for flavor, both from the espresso and the syrups, are endless. All of these flavors, if done through syrups, can be added to cold brew as well!
