Vanilla Bean Latte, a great copycat of Starbucks Vanilla Latte, and healthier for you too!

I spent my day walking around a gigantic mall, attempting to finish up my holiday shopping before the masses get turned loose into the public. One thing about gigantic malls is that they are filled with multiple Starbucks and a Teavana thrown in for good measure. While not a fan of over-priced, high calorie drinks, I ♥LOVE♥ the smell of coffee. It's just magical.

I resisted the urge to stop in and buy one of those crazy expensive drinks, but now that I am home and am breaking out the Starbucks coffee grounds (reserved around here for limited occasions as I am not a fan but once in a while you need that super strong coffee to make a perfect drink!)

Vanilla Bean Latte
makes 1 16oz drink (Grande size)

10 oz strong brewed coffee
6 oz milk
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Steam the milk. I do this in the microwave in a 4 cup measuring cup (it will boil over easily). Just bring the milk to a boil. Stir in vanilla and sugar. If you want a lot of foam, give it a couple pulses with a stick blender. But just heating it will do just fine if you're short on time or don't want to put forth the extra effort.

Pour milk into prepared coffee. Top with whipped cream if desired.


Check it out below to see the difference between this and the Starbucks' version. While still not a low-cal drink, it's definitely better for you than buying it at the store. Nutrition info taken from Starbucks' website and from About.com's Recipe Analyzer.

Starbucks-nonfat milk

Homemade-nonfat milk

Starbucks-Whole Milk

Homemade-Whole Milk