That nutty, caramel-sweet latte everyone is ordering has one secret: butter, browned. Here is how to make it at home.
Brown the Butter
Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Swirl three to five minutes until golden and nutty-smelling. Bon Appetit calls this the sweet spot — one minute more and it burns.
Make the Maple-Salt Syrup
Whisk two tablespoons of pure maple syrup with a big pinch of flaky sea salt and a tablespoon of the brown butter. This glossy syrup is the seven-dollar flavor, stirred together in thirty seconds. Keep it warm so it pours easily.
Steam the Milk
Heat three-quarters of a cup of milk to about 150 degrees, then froth it. Pros stop there — hotter milk scalds and tastes flat. A handheld frother works fine without a steam wand.
Pull the Espresso
Brew two shots of espresso, about two ounces, or half a cup of strong coffee. Pour the hot coffee over the syrup first so they blend. Strong coffee matters — it must stand up to the milk and butter.
Assemble It
Pour the milk over the coffee, spooning foam on top. Drizzle the remaining brown butter over the foam. Yelp reports searches for this drink are up 900 percent this fall.
Sources: Bon Appetit, Food52
