Cascara Latte Recipe (Coffee Cherry Tea)

Cascara: Dried coffee cherries that provide a fruity and floral flavor to the beverage.

Water: Used to steep the cascara and create the tea base.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the latte; can be substituted with a milk alternative.

Honey: Optional sweetener to enhance the natural flavors of the cascara.

To enhance the flavor of your cascara latte, consider toasting the dried coffee cherries in a dry pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes before steeping them. This will bring out a deeper, richer flavor profile. Additionally, when frothing your milk or milk alternative, make sure it is not overheated; aim for a temperature around 150°F (65°C) to achieve the perfect froth.

• cascara - Substitute with hibiscus tea: Hibiscus tea provides a similar tart and fruity flavor profile, making it a good alternative to cascara.

• cascara - Substitute with rooibos tea: Rooibos tea has a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor, which can complement the other ingredients in the latte.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the latte.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a popular dairy-free alternative that provides a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another excellent dairy-free option that offers a creamy consistency and a mild, slightly sweet taste.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs well with the flavors in the latte.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener that has a mild flavor and blends easily into beverages.

• Allow the cascara latte to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the integrity of the drink.
• Transfer the cooled cascara latte into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to preserve the flavor.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The cascara latte will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, pour the cascara latte into ice cube trays. This allows for easy portioning and prevents the drink from becoming watery when thawed.
• Once frozen, transfer the cascara latte cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired amount of cascara latte cubes in the refrigerator overnight or heat gently on the stove.
• If reheating, warm the cascara latte on low heat to avoid curdling the milk or milk alternative. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
• For a quick fix, blend the frozen cascara latte cubes with a bit of fresh milk or milk alternative for a frosty, refreshing version of the drink.

• Gently reheat the cascara latte on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the milk from scorching.
• Use a microwave-safe mug to reheat the latte in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• For a more luxurious touch, reheat the latte in a saucepan and use a milk frother to re-froth the milk before serving.
• If you have a steam wand on your espresso machine, use it to reheat and re-froth the latte simultaneously, giving it a fresh, café-quality texture.

• Saucepan: Used to bring water to a boil and steep the cascara.

• Strainer: Essential for separating the steeped cascara from the tea.

• Cup: Used to hold the strained tea.

• Milk frother: Utilized to froth the milk or milk alternative.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the cascara and honey.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the water and milk.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the cascara, water, milk, and honey in advance to streamline the process.

Use an electric kettle: Boil the water faster with an electric kettle instead of a stovetop.

Simultaneous heating: While the cascara steeps, heat the milk in a separate saucepan or microwave to save time.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of cascara tea and store it in the fridge for quick reheating.

Use a handheld frother: A handheld frother can quickly froth the milk without needing to heat it separately.