Short answer
A Spanish latte is a latte sweetened with sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar or syrup, so it tastes creamy, caramel-like and noticeably sweet. It is served hot or iced, and Cafe Episode does not list one on its menu.
A Spanish latte is a latte sweetened with sweetened condensed milk instead of plain sugar or flavoured syrup. It is made from espresso, steamed or cold milk and a spoonful of condensed milk, and it tastes creamy, rounded and clearly sweet. It can be served hot or iced.
What is a Spanish latte?
A Spanish latte is an espresso drink where condensed milk supplies both the sweetness and part of the body. The condensed milk is stirred into the espresso first, and steamed or cold milk is added on top.
The drink sits between a regular latte and a dessert coffee. Because condensed milk is thick and cooked down, it gives a caramel-like note that plain sugar does not. Most cafes serve it in a medium cup, either hot with a thin layer of foam or iced over ice cubes.
Where does the Spanish latte come from?
The origin of the Spanish latte is not firmly documented. The name points to Spain, and a related drink called the cafe bombon, espresso with condensed milk in equal parts, is served in Valencia, but cafes that use the name Spanish latte often work to their own recipes.
Condensed milk has been used in coffee across many regions, including Vietnam, Malaysia and parts of Latin America, long before this name became popular on cafe menus. Because of that, it is fairer to call the Spanish latte a cafe-menu name for a sweet condensed milk latte than to credit it to a single country or inventor.
What goes into a Spanish latte?
A Spanish latte contains espresso, milk and sweetened condensed milk, and nothing else is required. Some cafes add a pinch of cinnamon or a little extra foam.
- Espresso: usually a double shot, which gives enough coffee flavour to balance the sweetness.
- Condensed milk: one to two tablespoons, stirred into the hot espresso.
- Milk: steamed for a hot drink, or poured cold over ice.
- Optional extras: a dusting of cinnamon, or a drop of vanilla.
Whole milk gives the richest result, and oat milk is a popular alternative. Since condensed milk is already sweet, no added sugar is needed.
Spanish latte vs regular latte: what is the difference?
The difference is the sweetener. A regular latte is espresso and steamed milk with no sugar unless you add it, while a Spanish latte includes condensed milk, which makes it sweeter and slightly thicker.
| Spanish latte | Regular latte | |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Sweetened condensed milk | None, unless added |
| Taste | Sweet, creamy, caramel-like | Milky, coffee-forward |
| Body | Slightly thicker | Lighter |
| Typical use | Treat drink | Everyday coffee |
The coffee is the same in both. If you like a latte unsweetened, a Spanish latte may taste too sweet unless you ask for less condensed milk.
How do you make a Spanish latte at home?
You make a Spanish latte by stirring condensed milk into fresh espresso and adding hot or cold milk. A moka pot or an AeroPress can replace an espresso machine if you do not have one.
For a hot drink:
- Pull a double shot of espresso, or brew about 60 ml of strong coffee, into a mug.
- Stir in one to two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk until it dissolves.
- Steam or heat about 180 ml of milk and froth it with a hand frother.
- Pour the milk into the mug and spoon a little foam on top.
For an iced drink, stir the condensed milk into the hot espresso, pour it over a glass of ice, then add cold milk. Taste before adding more condensed milk, because the sweetness builds quickly.
How do you order a Spanish latte?
Ask for a Spanish latte by name, and tell the cafe whether you want it hot or iced, and how many tablespoons of condensed milk you prefer. If a cafe does not list the drink, it may still make something similar if you ask for a latte with condensed milk.
Not every cafe stocks condensed milk, so a drink may not be available. A vanilla latte or a cream-topped latte are the closest sweet alternatives on most menus.
Does Cafe Episode serve a Spanish latte?
No, the Cafe Episode menu on Uber Eats, read 14 November 2026, does not list a Spanish latte. The sweet latte options it does list include the Vanilla Latte at $7.50 and the Iced Cream Latte (12oz) at $9.00.
The Iced Cream Latte is described as the signature iced latte topped with house-made cream, which gives a rich, creamy feel, though it is not made with condensed milk as far as the menu says. The Vanilla Latte is the simple sweet choice. See the menu page for the full drinks list, and the hours and location page for opening times. Staff can say whether a particular drink can be adjusted, and this guide takes no orders.
How long does a Spanish latte keep?
A Spanish latte is best drunk right away, because milk-based coffee drinks lose their foam and separate as they cool. An iced version holds its flavour a little longer but dilutes as the ice melts.
Opened condensed milk can be kept in a covered container in the fridge for a limited time, and the label on the tin or tube gives guidance. If you make the drink at home often, mix a small jar of espresso and condensed milk and chill it, then add cold milk when you want a drink.
What are the best variations on a Spanish latte?
The most common variations change the milk, the temperature or the flavouring, while keeping condensed milk as the sweetener. Cafes and home cooks usually start from the basic recipe and adjust one element at a time.
- Iced Spanish latte: the same drink poured over ice, often the most popular version in warm weather.
- Oat or soy version: plant milk with dairy condensed milk, or a plant-based condensed milk for a fully dairy-free cup.
- Spiced version: a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom stirred into the espresso before the milk is added.
- Cold foam version: cold milk whipped with a little condensed milk and spooned over iced coffee.
- Decaf version: decaffeinated espresso with the same milk and condensed milk, for an evening cup.
None of these is an official recipe, since the drink has no governing body or standard. If a cafe lists a Spanish latte, ask which milk it uses and how sweet it is, because the amount of condensed milk differs from place to place. At home, start with one tablespoon and add more only if you want it sweeter.
Common questions
Is a Spanish latte from Spain?
The name suggests so, but the origin is unclear. A similar drink, the cafe bombon, is served in Valencia with espresso and condensed milk. The name Spanish latte is mostly used by cafes elsewhere, so its exact history is disputed.
How sweet is a Spanish latte?
It is sweeter than a plain latte because condensed milk contains a lot of sugar. Many cafes use one to two tablespoons per drink, and you can ask for less or make it at home with a smaller amount.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Evaporated milk is unsweetened, so it will not give the same flavour. You can use it with sugar added, but the texture and caramel note of condensed milk will be missing.
Is a Spanish latte stronger than a regular latte?
No. The coffee strength is the same as in any latte made with the same number of espresso shots. The condensed milk adds sweetness and body, not extra coffee flavour.
Can you make a Spanish latte with oat milk?
Yes. Oat milk steams well and its mild flavour suits the sweetness. The condensed milk is usually dairy, though, so check the ingredients if you avoid dairy, or use a plant-based condensed milk.
For the address, opening hours and menu, see Cafe Episode in Vancouver.
This article is general information from an independent guide, not from Cafe Episode itself. For the store’s current details see hours and location.