Nick Puffer 
On a chilly morning not long ago, I found myself bored with my usual latte. I wanted something that felt like a hug in a mug but still packed a caffeine punch. Rummaging through my kitchen, I grabbed two trusty companions: a jar of honey and a stick of cinnamon. The result was something I later learned has an actual name: the Honey Cinnamon Latte. The fancy folks call it Café Miel, which literally means “coffee with honey”. And let me tell you, this simple concoction can transform your coffee routine from blah to bliss.
I’ll be honest: I’m not usually one for sweet, frou-frou drinks. But this one hits different. It’s sweetened naturally with honey, spiced just enough with cinnamon to make the kitchen smell like a bakery, and anchored by the bold taste of espresso. No artificial syrups, no unnecessary fuss—just the good stuff. In fact, café miel has been a thing in Spain for ages (it’s a traditional after-dinner coffee combining coffee, milk, honey, and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg). Order a “miel” at a cafe and any barista worth their salt will know to make you a latte with honey and cinnamon – it’s a popular little secret among coffee lovers. Simply put, we’re taking the classic latte (which is just espresso plus steamed milk with a touch of foam) and giving it a rustic, cozy twist.
The Honey Cinnamon Latte (Café Miel) is as cozy to look at as it is to sip. With a cloud of frothed milk and a dusting of cinnamon on top, it looks like dessert in a mug. Beneath that fluffy exterior is a robust coffee core sweetened with honey—a combination that’s comfort and caffeine all in one.
So what if you don’t own a shiny espresso machine? No problem – you can still whip up a killer Café Miel at home. The key is to use strong coffee and good technique with what you have. Here are a few ways to hack it:
Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker): A moka pot will get you a concentrated, espresso-like coffee. It won’t have the exact crema of a true espresso, but it’s strong and rich enough for this latte. Simply use the moka pot to brew a small amount of coffee (using the same amount of coffee grounds you normally would for a full pot, but only collecting an ounce or two of the brewed coffee). This is a classic go-to when you need “espresso” without the machine.
Strong French Press or Drip Coffee: Brew your coffee twice as strong as usual. For a French press, that might mean using double the coffee grounds you normally do for the same amount of water and letting it steep a bit longer. For drip coffee, use a higher coffee-to-water ratio (or select the “strong” setting if your machine has one). You’re aiming for a bold, concentrated brew that can stand up to the milk. (Pro tip: Check out our guide on making strong coffee at home if you really want to nerd out on this.)
Aeropress Concentrate: The Aeropress can brew a mean concentrated shot if you use a fine grind and less water. Use the inverted method and push a small yield – you’ll get a bold, espresso-like coffee that’s perfect for a miel.
Instant Espresso: In a pinch, dissolve instant espresso powder (the kind made for baking, or brands like Medaglia d’Oro) in a few tablespoons of hot water. It’s not gourmet, but hey, it gets the job done when you’re desperate. Mix that with your honey and cinnamon, then add milk as above.
No matter which method you use, the rest is the same: heat and froth your milk (you can froth by shaking heated milk in a jar if you lack fancy tools), then combine with the coffee, honey, and cinnamon. Voilà – you’ve got the honey cinnamon latte experience without any espresso gear. The difference is minor as long as your coffee is strong. In fact, a café miel made with a strong French press can taste just as lovely, in its own way, as the espresso version. The point is a luxurious, sweet-but-spicy coffee treat, machine or no machine.
In the end, the Honey Cinnamon Latte is all about simple ingredients making a big impact. It takes the everyday coffee-and-milk combo and adds a layer of warmth and indulgence. Whether you’re a black-coffee purist looking for a change of pace or a latte lover seeking a new twist, the café miel brings something special to the table. Give it a try on your next slow morning at home – you might just find it becomes your go-to comfort coffee. And remember, coffee at home is what you make of it. It can be as straightforward as a New Orleans café au lait (just coffee and milk) or as spiced-up as this honey cinnamon creation – the best cup is the one that tastes right to you. Happy brewing, and enjoy the buzz (and the bliss)!
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Servings: 1
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The Honey Cinnamon Latte, or Café Miel, is a cozy, naturally sweetened twist on the classic latte. It blends bold espresso with warm milk, real honey, and a dash of cinnamon for a drink that feels both comforting and elevated.
Also known as Café Miel — Spanish for “coffee with honey.”
Made with just four ingredients: espresso, milk, honey, and cinnamon.
Naturally sweet without syrups or artificial flavorings.
Warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for cool mornings or quiet afternoons.
Can be made with or without an espresso machine.
A low-effort way to make your at-home coffee feel like a café treat.
Welcome to Coffee Slang—I’m Nick Puffer, a former barista turned coffee enthusiast. What started behind the counter became a passion I now share with others. Join me as we explore the craft, culture, and lifestyle of coffee.
