The Make-Ahead Lattes You'll Prep Again And Again For Easy Mornings

A comforting homemade café latte offers an instant boost no matter what time of day it is served, yet in those first moments of a bleary, rushed morning, making coffee and frothing milk can seem like a task better left to days with more relaxed schedules. Thankfully, there's a fix for this. While instant latte mixes have tried to make the coffee-making process easier and more convenient, pre-made lattes can be the answer for a delicious drink poured on demand.

By storing brewed coffee, your choice of milk, and flavoring ingredients in the fridge, you'll have your favorite drinks ready to reheat and garnish or sip cold on the way to work. Choose the milk or milk alternative for your drinks, keeping in mind that the milk you choose will alter the taste and texture of your creamy creation. You can use flavored syrups to add sweetness to your recipes, like vanilla, lavender, or caramel, and punch up the taste with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. If you don't have an espresso maker, you can make a shot with an AeroPress or Keurig, or make stronger coffee with a French press. For the smoothest sips, strain your combined mixtures before filling Mason jars. 

The best part of this prep work is that your latte recipes can be fully customizable, so whether you prefer the light taste of vanilla in your morning brew or want to usher in colder months with pumpkin spice, this handy answer is ready to help get you out the door on frantic weekday mornings. When you're ready to enjoy your pre-made creations, gently re-heat your creations, stir, then garnish as you wish with a quick dusting of cocoa powder, a dollop of honey whipped cream, or a final drizzle of honey. Keep in mind that this make-ahead approach doesn't need to be limited to coffee-based recipes, either. Store mason jars filled with chai, matcha, or green tea lattes, or pack an extra jar with homemade hot chocolate. When kept in the fridge, your batch drinks can be enjoyed for the next several days. If you're looking to preserve your concoctions for longer, you can store the lattes in the freezer for up to three months.

Though you may not have a freshly made drink in your hands, this method does save a lot of time. Plus, storing batches in the fridge can be a smart strategy if you're anticipating house guests or find yourself craving an afternoon pick-me-up during the warmer months. Make and store two or three different flavors of lattes so that you have options at the ready.