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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cortado - A Cozy, Spiced Espresso Treat

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Espresso: 2 shots (about 2 ounces). Use a medium to dark roast for deeper caramel notes.
  • Milk: 2 ounces. Whole milk gives the best texture, but 2% or your favorite non-dairy milk works too.
  • Brown sugar: 1 to 2 teaspoons for the syrup. Light or dark brown sugar both work; dark is richer.
  • Water: 1 to 2 teaspoons to help dissolve the brown sugar.
  • Ground cinnamon: A pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon), plus more for dusting if you like.
  • Vanilla extract (optional): A drop or two to round out the flavor.
  • Salt (optional): A tiny pinch to balance sweetness.
  • Ice (optional): If making an iced version.

Method
 

  1. Warm the milk: Gently heat the milk until it’s steamy but not boiling. Aim for about 140–150°F (60–65°C). If you have a steam wand, give it a quick swirl to add a bit of texture, but keep it light—no big foam.
  2. Make the brown sugar cinnamon syrup: In a small cup, stir brown sugar with a splash of hot water until fully dissolved. Add the cinnamon and, if using, a tiny pinch of salt and a drop of vanilla. You want a smooth, pourable syrup.
  3. Pull the espresso: Brew 2 shots of espresso into a small heatproof glass. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong Moka pot coffee or a concentrated AeroPress brew.
  4. Sweeten the espresso: Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of the brown sugar cinnamon syrup. Taste and adjust. The cortado should be gently sweet, not sugary.
  5. Add the milk: Pour the warm milk over the espresso in a roughly 1:1 ratio. You’re aiming for a smooth, velvety blend without a thick cap of foam.
  6. Finish and serve: Dust with a tiny pinch of cinnamon if you like. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
  7. For an iced version: Build it over ice—espresso first with syrup, stir well, then add cold milk. Skip warming the milk and use a little extra syrup since cold drinks can mute sweetness.