If you’re looking for a new warm drink to try this fall, a saffron latte might be just what you need. It’s warm and comforting, with a touch of decadence. The floral notes of saffron, mixed with a hint of vanilla and spice, create a delightful balance in this recipe.

In India, saffron-infused milk is a beloved traditional drink, often enjoyed for its calming effects and vibrant golden hue. On top of its delicious flavor, saffron has been cherished for its mood-supporting and antioxidant properties. You can easily customize it—lightly spiced for a morning pick-me-up or frothy and creamy for a tasty evening nightcap. 

As an herb lover, you just might be in the camp of loving experiments in the kitchen. This latte may become your new preferred canvas. Add a sprinkle of cardamom for a more grounding effect, or a pinch of turmeric and black pepper for a spicy kick. It’s amazing how a few little tweaks can make the drink your own. And can we just take a minute and admire the gorgeous color of this plant?

When you’re craving something a little more indulgent than your usual cold-weather go-to, skip the café lines and make this luxurious drink at home. Once I found saffron in the Mountain Rose Herbs catalog, I cast out my limiting belief that saffron was just too decadent for me. Be forewarned, it is addicting and is by far my new favorite herbal drink. 

Saffron and Vanilla: A Match Made in Latte Heaven

Let’s dive into what makes this latte so wonderful—saffron and vanilla. These two ingredients add a special touch that makes this drink feel like a treat for both your taste buds and your health.

• Saffron: Sometimes called “liquid gold,” saffron contains antioxidants that help support your body at the cellular level. It’s also well-known for supporting your mood, and studies have shown it can help ease stress. On top of that, saffron supports digestion and heart health, making every sip do more for your well-being. It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its joint-care properties. So, while you’re enjoying the vivid color and rich flavor, you’re also giving your body some much-needed love.
  
  
• Vanilla: Historically, vanilla has been considered an aromatic stimulant that helped naturally support mental clarity and physical energy. In the late 1800s, herbalists described it as “exhilarating” for the brain and recommended vanilla infusions for all kinds of things Although we don’t have modern clinical studies to back up these historical uses, vanilla’s active compound, vanillin, does have known antioxidant properties, which may explain some of its past uses. While today we might love vanilla mainly for its sweet, delicious flavor, you can see there’s a lot more to this ingredient when you dig into its use over time.

Saffron Latte Recipe

Ready to make your own cozy saffron latte at home? Here’s everything you’ll need, along with simple steps to create this delectable beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk of your choice
• 5 organic saffron threads 
• 1 tsp. water
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract or seeds from 1/8 of a vanilla bean
• 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom (optional, for warmth)

Instructions:

1. Crush the Saffron: Start by placing your saffron threads in a mortar and pestle. Gently crush the threads until they break down into a powder. This helps release their flavor and bold hue.
2. Prepare the Saffron Water: Add water to saffron powder and let sit for a few minutes. 
3. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a boil and then turn off the heat and let milk sit until it is warm. You want it warm, not boiling.
4. Infuse the Saffron: Once the milk is warm, stir in the saffron water. Let the saffron infuse in the milk for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The milk will take on a beautiful golden hue.
5. Add the Vanilla and Sweetener: Stir in the vanilla extract or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean into the milk. Sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup. If you want an extra touch of warmth, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the saffron latte into your mug of choice, take a deep breath, and enjoy!
   
   

Pacific Northwest-Grown Saffron from Mountain Rose Herbs

For this recipe, sourcing high-quality saffron makes all the difference. I always kind of stayed away from saffron, never really knowing how it was processed or if it was adulterated. I was thrilled to find that the saffron from Mountain Rose Herbs  is grown domestically. Yes! Let’s bring saffron deeper into our kitchen culture! Mountain Rose Herbs sources their saffron from the Pacific Northwest. These threads are cultivated with care and attention, resulting in a beautifully fragrant and flavorful product. The saffron is harvested by hand, ensuring its quality, and it’s grown right here in the U.S., supporting local and sustainable farming practices.

Sip Something New!

Now that you’ve got the recipe down, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it! Try experimenting with different ingredients - maybe swap out the sweeteners or play around with extra herbs and spices. You could even add a splash of herbal syrup to enhance the flavor even more.

And don’t keep this recipe to yourself—whip up a batch for your family or share it with friends. It’s a unique drink that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a gathering or just enjoying it with loved ones. It’s always more fun when everyone gets to try something new together!

Looking to Learn More From Kami?

You Can Find Her at www.kamimcbride.com!

You may also enjoy:
Saffron Golden Mik Recipe
3 Magic Moon Milk Recipes for Restful Sleep
Calming Marshmallow Rose Tea Recipe