Caramel Popcorn Latte

A caramel popcorn latte combines rich coffee or espresso with steamed milk, caramel and the warm, toasted flavor of popcorn. It sounds a little unexpected, but popcorn and coffee work surprisingly well together: the roasty notes of the coffee balance the sweetness of the caramel, while popcorn adds a subtle toasted flavor that makes this latte taste a little like movie night in a mug.

The secret is popcorn syrup, a simple syrup infused with freshly popped popcorn. You can buy popcorn-flavored syrup, but you can also make homemade popcorn syrup with freshly popped kernels. For this latte, we like Dell Cove® Baby White Popcorn Kernels, which pop into small, tender pieces that also make a fun finishing touch on top of the milk foam.

A little Dell Cove® Salted Caramel Popcorn Seasoning brings the caramel flavor together. Finish the latte with a spoonful of milk foam, a light sprinkle of seasoning and a few pieces of freshly popped Baby White popcorn.

Quick Answer: What Is a Caramel Popcorn Latte?

A caramel popcorn latte is a coffee drink made with coffee or espresso, steamed milk, caramel flavor and popcorn syrup, which gives the drink a subtle toasted-popcorn flavor. Our version adds Dell Cove® Salted Caramel Popcorn Seasoning and finishes the latte with freshly popped Baby White popcorn.

Caramel Popcorn Latte FAQ

What does a popcorn latte taste like?

A popcorn latte has the rich, roasted flavor of coffee with a lightly sweet, toasted-popcorn flavor. In this caramel popcorn latte, salted caramel adds buttery sweetness that balances the coffee.

What is popcorn syrup?

Popcorn syrup is a simple syrup infused with the flavor of freshly popped popcorn. You can buy popcorn-flavored syrup, or make your own by steeping freshly popped popcorn in simple syrup and straining it before using.

Can I make homemade popcorn syrup?

Yes. Our homemade popcorn syrup is made with sugar, water and freshly popped popcorn. You'll need to make it ahead so the popcorn has time to infuse the syrup. See our homemade popcorn syrup method here.

What popcorn is best for a caramel popcorn latte?

We like Dell Cove® Baby White Popcorn Kernels for this recipe. They pop into small, tender pieces that work especially well as a garnish on top of the latte. You can also use the freshly popped popcorn to make homemade popcorn syrup.

Can I make a popcorn latte without an espresso machine?

Yes. Use strongly brewed coffee instead of espresso, then heat and froth the milk with a handheld frother or whisk. The finished drink will still have the caramel and toasted-popcorn flavors that make this recipe distinctive.

Can I make an iced popcorn latte?

Yes. We've made this caramel popcorn latte ahead, refrigerated it and enjoyed it cold a few hours later. Let the latte cool before refrigerating, then serve it chilled or over ice. Add the freshly popped Baby White popcorn just before serving so it stays crisp, or serve it in a side dish as a snack.

Caramel Popcorn Latte

Dell Cove Spices & More

Servings

1

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Cuisine

American

Category

Coffee drinks

Caramel, coffee and toasted popcorn come together in this cozy latte made with popcorn syrup, steamed milk and salted caramel flavor, then topped with freshly popped Baby White popcorn.

Ingredients

• 1 oz popcorn syrup, homemade or store-bought

• 4 oz freshly brewed strong coffee or 2 shots espresso

• 5 oz milk

• 1–2 tsp Dell Cove® Salted Caramel Popcorn Seasoning, plus more for garnish

• Freshly popped Dell Cove® Baby White Popcorn, for garnish

Directions

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1. Pop a small batch of Dell Cove® Baby White Popcorn Kernels using your preferred method. Need help? See our How to Pop Popcorn guide for stovetop, microwave and other popping methods. Set aside a few freshly popped pieces for topping the latte or serving alongside it as a snack.

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1. Using homemade popcorn syrup? Make it ahead of time using our homemade popcorn syrup method.

2. Add 1 oz popcorn syrup and 1 tsp Dell Cove® Salted Caramel Popcorn Seasoning to a coffee mug or tall coffee glass. Pour in the freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso and stir until the seasoning is dissolved. Taste and add up to 1 tsp more seasoning if you want a stronger salted caramel flavor.

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1. Heat the milk until steaming but not boiling, then froth with a milk frother. If you don't have a frother, warm the milk in a small saucepan and whisk vigorously until foamy.

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1. Pour the steamed milk into the coffee, holding back some of the foam with a spoon.

2. Spoon the remaining foam over the top, sprinkle lightly with Dell Cove® Salted Caramel Popcorn Seasoning and finish with a few pieces of freshly popped Baby White popcorn. Serve immediately, with extra popcorn alongside if desired.