Red Velvet Latte with Coffee Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Comfort of Red Velvet Latte with Coffee Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the warm, velvety sip of a red velvet latte. It’s like a gentle hug on a chilly morning or a comforting treat during a cozy afternoon pause. The striking ruby-red hue paired with the rich aroma of coffee invites you in, promising a moment of calm and indulgence. I love how this Red Velvet Latte with Coffee Recipe combines familiar flavors with a playful twist — it’s a perfect way to shake up your usual coffee routine while keeping that grounding buzz you crave.

If you’re new to beet juice in drinks, don’t worry — it adds a subtle earthy sweetness and that gorgeous red tint without overwhelming the palate. When paired with cocoa and a touch of vanilla, it all comes together in a velvety cup that feels both elegant and approachable. I’ve made this recipe on lazy weekends and busy mornings alike, and each time it brings the same delightful balance of kick and comfort. You’ll notice the gentle chocolate notes mixed with coffee and a subtle brightness that just won’t quit.

This recipe is really about enjoying the process, too — whisking that warm milk just so, watching the cocoa melt perfectly into beet juice, and topping it off with a cloud of lightly sweet whipped cream. Let’s dive in and get you set up to make your own little cup of red velvet bliss, coffee and all.

Ingredient Guide

• Cocoa powder: Adds the classic chocolate depth central to red velvet’s signature flavor. Use unsweetened for the best balance.
• Granulated sugar (optional): Sweetens the drink gently — best to taste as you mix.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and adds subtle warmth.
• Beet juice: The secret to that stunning red color and earthy undertone; fresh or bottled both work.
• Freshly brewed coffee or espresso: Delivers the invigorating coffee kick. Medium grind coffee brewed fresh works beautifully.
• Milk: Provides the creamy canvas — whole milk creates a richer latte, but you can easily swap for oat or almond milk for a lighter option.
• Whipped heavy cream (optional): For topping — adds a velvety finish that melts delightfully into the drink.
• Sprinkles or chocolate shavings (optional): For fun garnish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate.

Prep Before You Begin

Taking a few moments upfront to gather ingredients and tools will really smooth out the process. Measure your cocoa and sugar straight into a mug for quick mixing. If you’re using fresh beet juice, give it a gentle shake before pouring. While you won’t need oven temps here, warming the milk just right — ideally around 140°F (60°C) — will give you that luxuriously warm mouthfeel without risking a scorch.

• Medium-grind coffee maker or espresso machine
• Microwave-safe glass or small saucepan for warming milk
• Handheld milk frother for whipping cream
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Large mug or tall glass for assembling your latte
• Optional garnish tools: small spoon, grater for chocolate shavings

How to Make Red Velvet Latte with Coffee Recipe

1. Brew coffee. Use your preferred method — I usually go for a medium-grind, filtered coffee maker. The fresh coffee aroma will quickly awaken your senses. If you prefer your latte without caffeine, skip this step.
2. Warm milk. Heat the milk gently in a microwave-safe glass or softly on the stovetop until it’s steaming but not boiling. At this point, the milk takes on a golden-glow and a sweet aroma that hints at the comforting richness to come.
3. Whip cream. If you’re topping with homemade whipped cream, use a handheld frother to whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla just until softly thickened — a few seconds is enough. Don’t go all the way to peaks, or the cream won’t melt beautifully over your latte. If you prefer canned whipped cream, that’s perfectly fine and saves time!
4. Combine dry and liquid ingredients. In your mug, stir together the cocoa powder, sugar (if using), and beet juice. Watch as the deep cocoa dissolves fully, and the red juice colors everything with its glorious ruby hue. This step smells lightly chocolatey and earthy — a welcome sensory treat.
🚀

Expert Tips to Nail It

When mixing, dissolve cocoa powder fully in beet juice before adding milk — this avoids clumps and makes your latte beautifully smooth. If you don’t have beet juice on hand, a natural red food coloring or pomegranate juice are interesting swaps, but the flavor will shift slightly.

5. Stir in coffee. Pour the freshly brewed coffee or espresso into the mug. You’ll see the colors deepen into that muted, velvety red-brown that defines the red velvet drink. The aroma now deepens, the coffee notes waking up alongside the chocolate and beet.
6. Add warm milk. Gently top off with the steamed milk. Give your drink one final stir so all the layers blend into a lightly crisp, smooth cup. You’ll notice the texture soften and the combined flavors melt into one another — it’s pure cozy comfort.
7. Garnish and serve. Top with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, letting it melt slowly into the hot latte. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or colorful heart sprinkles to add a bit of whimsy. This finishing touch feels like a celebration in every sip.

Creative Variations for Red Velvet Latte with Coffee Recipe

• Swap beet juice with pomegranate juice for a fruitier tang and a pink tint.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm things up during colder months.
• Use oat milk or almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor and dairy-free option.
• Try a splash of peppermint extract for a festive holiday twist.
• Top with crushed toasted pistachios instead of sprinkles for a nutty crunch.
• Make it iced by chilling the coffee and milk, then serving over ice with whipped cream.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture and brightest flavors.
• Store leftover latte without whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
• Whipped cream and sprinkles are best added fresh as they don’t hold up well in storage.
• Freezing isn’t recommended since milk textures separate upon thawing, but you can freeze beet juice or cocoa mixtures separately.

Red Velvet Latte with Coffee Recipe FAQs

• Can I make this latte vegan? Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like oat or almond, and swap whipped cream for coconut whipped cream or leave it off altogether.
• What if I don’t like coffee? You can make the Red Velvet Latte without coffee by simply omitting the coffee step and adding extra milk for creaminess.
• Why beet juice? Beet juice lends that signature red color naturally and adds a subtle earthy sweetness without overpowering the cocoa or coffee.
• Can I sweeten it differently? Yes, maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup make lovely natural sweeteners if you want to skip granulated sugar.
• Is cocoa powder interchangeable? Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best results; Dutch-process cocoa is smoother and richer, which is a nice upgrade if you have it on hand.

Print