Late Summer Latte Flavors

Five Dessert-Inspired Recipes to Try Now

As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to embrace flavors that bridge sunny afternoons and cozy autumn mornings. These dessert-inspired iced lattes highlight late-summer and early-fall flavors like citrus, blackberry, peach, and coconut, capturing the best of the summer season while winking at the coming flavors of fall. Made with our 100% Hawaiian Coffee, each recipe transforms a simple iced latte into a delicious dessert-inspired treat.

If you're searching for summer latte flavors that go beyond vanilla and caramel, these recipes are the perfect place to start. Each recipe is built on a simple foundation of 2 shots of espresso and 6-8 ounces of frothy milk served over ice, then customized with fruit-forward flavors.

Chocolate Orange Latte

This refreshing latte combines rich chocolate with vibrant citrus flavors. It's especially fitting as summer transitions into fall. In Hawaii, citrus grows year-round, but visiting a local market can help you discover unique varieties you can use to make your own simple syrup and add even more character to this drink. To make your own syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water together until the sugar melts. Customize the flavor with your favorite extracts or fruit. 

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso
• 6-8 ounces frothy milk
• Ice
• 1 tablespoon orange simple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• Optional cold foam
• Optional chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Add the orange simple syrup and drizzle chocolate syrup on the walls of the glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in the espresso and stir.
4. Add the frothy milk.
5. Top with cold foam if desired. To make cold foam, gently whip ½ cup whipping cream with ¼ cup of milk and sweeten as desired.
6. Finish with chocolate shavings.

Coffee Pairings

• Kauai Sunrise for its natural chocolate undertones
• Peaberry Medium for bright, balanced notes
• Chocolate Macadamia Nut for an extra mocha moment

Lemon Meringue Pie Latte

Bright, creamy, and sweet, this latte captures everything we love about lemon meringue pie. The marshmallow cold foam makes the perfect meringue substitute, while lemon curd and cookie crumbs mimic the bite of a perfect piece of pie.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso
• 6-8 ounces milk
• Ice
• 1 tablespoon store-bought lemon syrup
• Marshmallow cold foam (add 2 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff to the cold foam recipe above.)
• Store-bought lemon curd
• Butter cookie crumbs

Instructions

1. Add ice and lemon syrup to a glass.
2. Pour in the espresso and stir well.
3. Add the milk.
4. Layer marshmallow cold foam on top.
5. Drizzle with a spoonful of lemon curd.
6. Sprinkle with butter cookie crumbs.

Coffee Pairings

• Typica for its bright berry notes
• Vanilla Cinnamon Graham Cracker to emphasize pastry-inspired flavors

Blackberry Crumble Latte

This berry-forward drink delivers the homemade comfort of a fruit crumble with a subtle almond finish. The combination of blackberry syrup and almond milk creates a rich, dessert-like latte that still feels refreshing on a warm day.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso
• Almond milk
• Ice
• 1 tablespoon store-bought blackberry or black cherry syrup 
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• Optional whipped cream
• Optional butter cookie crumbles

Instructions

1. Add the syrup and almond extract to a glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add espresso and stir.
4. Pour in almond milk.
5. Top with whipped cream and cookie crumbles if desired.

Coffee Pairings

• Mundo Novo for naturally nutty notes
• Vanilla Macadamia Nut for a sweet dessert pairing

Peach Cobbler Latte

The flavor of ripe peaches, cream, and warm spices makes this a perfect late-summer treat. Peach jam adds sweetness while cinnamon and cold foam create a rich yet refreshing latte.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso
• 6-8 ounces milk
• Ice
• 1 tablespoon peach jam
• Sweet cream cold foam
• Ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Add peach jam to the bottom of a glass.
2. Pour in the espresso and stir until combined.
3. Add ice and milk.
4. Top with sweet cream cold foam.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Coffee Pairings

• Kauai Blue Mountain for its naturally fruity notes

Coconut Crème Pie Latte

You could say it's always summer on Kauai, and no island dessert is more beloved than haupia pie. Inspired by the creamy coconut pudding and pie filling found at family gatherings, celebrations, and local bakeries across Hawaii, this tropical latte combines espresso, sweet coconut, and a luscious cold foam topping for a drink that tastes like a slice of haupia pie in a glass.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso
• 6-8 ounces milk
• Ice
• 1 tablespoon store-bought coconut syrup
• Coconut cold foam (add coconut syrup or extract to the cold foam recipe above)
• Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Add coconut syrup to an ice-filled glass.
2. Pour in espresso and stir.
3. Add the milk.
4. Top with coconut cold foam.
5. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Coffee Pairings

• Coconut Crème Pie flavored coffee
• Kalaheo Estate for naturally nutty characteristics

Summer Lattes are Better with Kauai Coffee

These recipes offer plenty of inspiration if you're looking for new summer latte flavor ideas. Fresh fruit syrups, flavored cold foams, dessert garnishes, and thoughtfully paired Hawaiian Coffees can transform a simple latte into a new favorite summertime treat.

You can also adapt these recipes using cold brew or iced coffee if you prefer an alternative to a traditional shot of espresso. No matter which preparation you choose, pairing seasonal flavors with high-quality 100% Hawaiian Coffee creates delicious iced lattes perfect for the summer slide into fall. Shop our complete collection online now.

Your Questions Answered

What are the most popular summer latte flavors?

Vanilla and caramel are always at the top of the latte list, but our 100% Hawaiian Coffee pairs well with fruit, chocolate, and nutty flavors.

Can these recipes be made with cold brew instead of espresso?

Yes. Cold brew concentrate and iced coffee are both great alternatives you can use to create a summer latte.

What milk works best in iced lattes?

You can use any dairy or non-dairy milk in your latte recipe, but cold foam needs fat to hold its creamy texture. Be sure to use whipping cream or full-fat coconut milk to achieve a thick, creamy cold foam.

What coffee is best for summer coffee drinks?

We recommend medium and dark roasts with fruity, nutty, or chocolate notes that complement seasonal ingredients. You can also use our Hawaiian Hula Collection of Coffees with a hint of added flavor to elevate the flavors even more.