The Spanish Latte is arguably the most ordered coffee drink in Saudi Arabia. Whether you are in a specialty hub in Riyadh, enjoying the coast in Jeddah, or visiting a café in Dammam, this is the go-to drink for those who love smooth, mildly sweet coffee with a rich espresso base.

Unlike a regular latte, a Spanish Latte relies on condensed milk, giving it a creamy sweetness that fits perfectly with local Saudi flavor preferences. However, making it is a balancing act—too much sweetness ruins the coffee, and too little leaves it flat.

In this guide, Saudi Coffee Crafters breaks down exactly how to make the perfect Spanish Latte at home, using the same methods as the Kingdom’s top specialty cafés.

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☕ What Is a Spanish Latte?

A Spanish Latte is a variation of the standard latte that introduces a sweeter, creamier texture. It is typically made with:

• Espresso: Usually a strong double shot.
• Condensed Milk: The key sweetener.
• Steamed Milk: Textured for a silky mouthfeel.
• Optional Local Twists: Whipped cream, cinnamon, saffron, or pistachio sauce.

The Flavor Profile: It is sweeter and creamier than a standard latte but retains more coffee character than a sugary frappé.

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⭐ Why the Spanish Latte Dominates the Saudi Market

Through our experience running Saudi Coffee Crafters and analyzing café trends across the Kingdom, we’ve identified why this drink is a top-3 bestseller:

• Perfect Balance: It hits the sweet spot between a strong caffeine kick and dessert-like indulgence.
• Climate Friendly: It is extremely popular as an Iced Spanish Latte, particularly in the humid heat of Jeddah.
• Customizable: It serves as a perfect base for beloved local flavors like Saffron, Cardamom, and Pistachio.
• Texture: It satisfies the local preference for rich, heavy-bodied beverages.

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🔧 How to Make the Perfect Spanish Latte (Saudi Specialty Method)

This method is based on the standards used by the best specialty cafés in Riyadh. The goal is a drink that is balanced and smooth, not cloying.

Ingredients

• Ground Coffee: 18–20g (Fine grind for espresso)
• Condensed Milk: 15–20g (approx. 1–1.5 tbsp)
• Fresh Milk: 200–250ml (Full-fat is best for texture)

Step 1: Pull a Double Espresso Shot

A Spanish Latte requires strong coffee to cut through the sugar.

• Dose: 18–20g
• Yield: 36–40g liquid espresso
• Time: 25–30 seconds
• Roast: Medium or Medium-Dark works best.

Pro Tip: If your espresso is watery (under-extracted), the drink will just taste like sugary milk. You need that bold coffee punch.

Step 2: The Condensed Milk Technique

This is where most people go wrong.

• Add 15–20g of condensed milk into your cup before pouring the milk.
• Crucial Step: Pour the hot espresso directly over the condensed milk and stir vigorously. The heat of the coffee dissolves the thick syrup, ensuring you don’t get a clump of sugar at the bottom of the cup.

Step 3: Steam the Milk

You want a “Latte” texture, not a “Cappuccino” foam.

• Temperature: 60–65°C (Hot, but not scalding).
• Texture: Smooth, silky microfoam. It should look like wet paint.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the steamed milk over your espresso mixture. The ideal cup size for this ratio is 250–350 ml.

• Optional Toppings: A dust of cinnamon or a drizzle of pistachio sauce is very popular in KSA cafes right now.

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🧊 How to Make an Iced Spanish Latte (The Jeddah Trend)

The Iced Spanish Latte is often more popular than the hot version, especially in coastal cities.

1. Prep the Base: Mix your hot double espresso with 20g of condensed milk. Stir until fully dissolved.
2. Ice First: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
3. Milk: Pour cold full-fat milk over the ice (leave room for coffee).
4. The Pour: Pour the espresso/condensed milk mixture over the top for a beautiful layered look.

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❌ Common Mistakes (What to Avoid)

We have reviewed hundreds of cups across the Kingdom. Here is what ruins a Spanish Latte:

• Over-sweetening: Using more than 25g of condensed milk masks the coffee beans completely.
• Single Shots: Using a single shot of espresso makes the drink taste weak and milky. Always use a double shot.
• Poor Mixing: If you don’t stir the espresso and condensed milk first, the customer finishes the drink with a mouthful of thick syrup.
• UHT Milk: Fresh milk is essential for that specialty café taste.

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☕ A Barista’s Perspective: The Best Cup We Ever Had

Experience from the Saudi Coffee Crafters Team

One of our most memorable Spanish Lattes wasn’t loaded with syrups or toppings. It was at a small specialty roastery in Riyadh. The barista used a Brazilian blend with natural nutty notes, which paired perfectly with the condensed milk.

The secret? Restraint. They used a very small amount of high-quality condensed milk and focused on the texture of the steamed milk. It proved that a Spanish Latte doesn’t have to be a “sugar bomb”—when made correctly, it is a sophisticated, harmonious coffee drink.

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📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Spanish Latte made of? It is made of a double shot of espresso, steamed milk, and sweetened condensed milk.

2. Is a Spanish Latte sweeter than a regular latte? Yes. The condensed milk adds sweetness and a thicker texture compared to a regular latte, which uses only fresh milk.

3. Should I use single or double espresso? Always use a double shot (approx. 36g yield). The sweetness of the milk requires strong coffee to create a balanced flavor.

4. What milk works best for a Spanish Latte? Full-fat fresh milk is the standard in Saudi specialty cafés because it provides the richest mouthfeel.

5. Why is the Spanish Latte so popular in Saudi Arabia? It bridges the gap between traditional bitter coffee and modern sweet drinks, fitting the local palate for rich, creamy, and customizable beverages.

6. How much condensed milk should I use? For a standard 300ml cup, we recommend 15g to 20g. Anything over 25g usually makes the drink too sweet.

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If you enjoyed learning how to make a Spanish Latte, be sure to explore our other specialty coffee guides. For a refreshing option perfect for Saudi summers, check out our Cold Brew guide. If you prefer classic espresso drinks, learn how to craft the perfect Cappuccino or master the clean, smooth flavor of an Americano. And if you’re in the mood for a coffee-based dessert, don’t miss our step-by-step Affogato recipe, one of the simplest yet most elegant espresso treats.

Affogato → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-affogato/

Cold Brew → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-cold-brew/

Cappuccino → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-cappuccino/

Americano → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-americano/