Treat yourself to this creamy and refreshing Caramel Oat Latte Mocktail made with an alcohol-free Kahlua substitute, vegan caramel sauce, cold brew, oat milk, and delicious toppings.
When it comes to lattes, there's a very special place in my heart. Since I've been cutting cost of eating out as a New Year's resolution, I've had the most fun creating delicious lattes at home. These Starbucks Copycat Sugar Cookie Latte and Salted Caramel Cashew Latte are my top faves of all time.
This Caramel oat latte mocktail is a beautiful caramel-induced drink and I've been absolutely obsessed since making it!These mocktails are super easy to make, include a simple coffee liquor substitute to enhance the flavors, are dairy-free and vegan, and just plain delicious.
Ingredients for Alcohol-Free Kahlua Substitute
The tangy flavor in these drinks comes from a homemade Kahlua substitute. And guess what? You only need two ingredients (plus water) to make it.
Brown sugar. I use organic to make sure it’s vegan
Brown sugar. Use organic sugar to make sure it’s vegan.
Vegan butter. Any kind will work. I like Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks in particular.
Coconut milk. Use full-fat milk for the best flavor and thickest texture.
Sea salt. Everyone knows that salted caramel is a favorite flavor.
Why Oat Milk? Health Benefits of Oats!?
If you aren’t familiar, oats are super nutritious which is why I think that oat milk has become the new dairy-free milk top tier! They include a great source of carbs, fiber (the soluble kind!), protein, and fat. In addition, they are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant.
Other great benefits:
They can help to lower cholesterol.
Improves Blood Sugar levels.
May help with losing weight.
Great alternative for skincare.
Helps to relieve constipation.
How to Make a Latte at Home without a Machine
Making my own homemade latte drinks of any kind has been super easy for me without the use of an espresso machine or any machine in general. You simply add all the ingredients to a bowl, whisk until combined, and wallah! Of course, if you'd like to have froth milk or any extra pizzaz, using a frother does the trick and adding whipped cream (or coconut whip for vegans) is an easy addition also.
Caramel Oat Latte Mocktails
The two components in this simple homemade latte mocktail is the homemade caramel sauce and the coffee.
To make your lattes, you’ll use:
Cold brew. You can also use chilled brewed coffee.
Oat milk. Make your own! Or use store-bought oat milk.
Vanilla. This is also easy to incorporate
Cinnamon. A great spice to carry out the rest of the flavors.
Caramel sauce. This is the highlight of the entire drink and can be store-bought or homemade.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to drink this chilled caramel oat latte mocktail, it’s helpful to have the caramel sauce prepped and ready to go. Once you make and cool the sauce fully, you can store it in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
When you’re ready to serve, stir the homemade salted caramel sauce into your oat milk, other ingredients, and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
WAYS TO USE HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE
Drizzle creamy caramel over oat milk, almond or coconut ice cream. Add a dollop to vegan brownies (yum!). You can even add homemade caramel sauce to your favorite desserts like vegan cheesecake, cake, cupcakes, etc. Also, add a bit of sweetness to your chia pudding, overnight oats, or french toast for a morning kick!
Need A Pick-Me-Up without Coffee?
I decided to do a bit of research and I found a few great healthy alternatives to coffee. Now, you’ll be surprised to know that these options give you the same added boost that you need along with some other additional benefits, so be sure to give them a try when you get a chance.
¼cupvegan caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought(See Notes!)
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Pinch ofground cinnamon
TOPPINGS:
Ice cubes, crushed
Rolled oats, for garnish
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Vegan caramel sauce, drizzle
Instructions
KAHLUA SUBSTITUTE SIMPLE SYRUP:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water and brown sugar, stirring until sugar has dissolved completely, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the espresso powder until dissolved. Let cool.
TO MAKE MOCKTAILS:
In a bowl, add together all mocktail ingredients and kahlua substitute simple syrup, mixing until combined.
Assemble the mocktails: For each mocktail,fill a good cocktail or martini glass halfway with crushed ice and pour the mokctail mixture in until glass(es) is filled. Top with sprinkles of oats, fresh rosemary sprigs, drizzles of caramel sauce, or your favorite garnish.
Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
KAHLUA: Kahlúa coffee liqueur is one of the main ingredients in many of the world's favorite cocktails. Therefore, to make this recipe non-alcoholic----I created a great simple syrup substitute.
VEGAN CARAMEL SAUCE: If you'd like to make your own homemade caramel sauce, see my DF Caramel Apple Cider recipe.
STORAGE (CARAMEL SAUCE): Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in a tightly sealed mason jar for up to two weeks. When ready to use, simply reheat sauce in the microwave at 15 second intervals until softened and at room temp.
ALCOHOL: If you'd like to keep this recipe vegan, but want to spruce things up with alcohol, feel free to add 1 ounce of rum, vodka, etc.
SERVING: To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
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