Red Velvet Latte

We love red velvet cake so much, we’ve transformed it into latte form! This special drink features all the flavors you enjoy in this tasty dessert, plus that shot of caffeine to get you going! Red Velvet Lattes are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day – try it iced during the warmer months!  Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract adds a touch of sweetness to this irresistible holiday treat.

Making a Heart – Latte Art Made Simple

What You Need

• Fresh espresso (or very strong coffee)

• Cold whole milk (easiest to texture)

• Espresso cup (6–8 oz works best)

• Steam wand (ideal) or milk frother

Step 1: Steam the Milk (Texture Matters Most)

You want microfoam — smooth, glossy, like wet paint.

How:

1. Start with cold milk.

2. Keep steam tip just under the surface at first (you’ll hear gentle paper-tearing sound).

3. Once milk expands slightly, submerge wand deeper to heat.

4. Stop around 140–150°F (too hot kills texture).

5. Tap pitcher on counter + swirl to remove bubbles.

-If the milk looks bubbly or stiff, it’s too foamy.
-If it looks flat and watery, it’s under-aerated.

Step 2: Pour the Base

1. Hold cup slightly tilted.

2. Start pouring from 3–4 inches above the espresso.

3. Pour steadily into the center.

4. This mixes milk + espresso evenly.

Step 3: Form the Heart

1. When cup is about ½–¾ full, bring pitcher closer to surface.

2. Keep pouring in the center — you’ll see a white circle form.

3. When circle is big enough, lift pitcher slightly and pull a thin stream straight through the center.

4. Stop pouring.

That pull-through creates the heart shape.

Common Mistakes

• Milk too foamy → blobby shape

• Pouring too high at the end → no defined white shape

• Hesitating mid-pour → broken heart (literally)

• Espresso crema too thin → design won’t sit on top

Red Velvet Latte

We love red velvet cake so much, we've transformed it into latte form! This special drink features all the flavors you enjoy in this tasty dessert, plus that shot of caffeine to get you going! Red Velvet Lattes are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day - try it iced during the warmer months!

Servings 2

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups Whole milk
• 6 drops Red food coloring
• ½ cup Espresso
• 2 tsp Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Hot chocolate powder or sweetened cocoa powder

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Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan, add the milk and red food coloring. Whisk to combine.
• Warm over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally. Add more red food coloring as desired.
• In a large liquid measuring cup, combine the espresso, Magnolia-Star Pure Vanilla Extract, and cocoa powder (or hot cocoa powder). Whisk to combine.
• Divide the espresso mixture between mugs, filling each ¼ full.
• Once the milk has warmed, pour into the mugs, filling almost to the top. See the tips above for making latte art!

Course: Drinks

Keyword: coffee, drink, espresso, latte, valentine