How to Make a Lover's Latte with Coffee and Chocolate

If you’ve ever ordered a ‘lover’s latte’ and ended up with a generic sweet milky drink, you’re not alone. Many cafés slap that name on anything with a hint of syrup and whipped cream. But the real deal—a layered coffee drink with espresso, silky milk foam, chocolate, and crunchy texture—is a different story. This version comes straight from a tested recipe used in specialty coffee circles.

The classic Lover’s Latte contains just 25ml of espresso, 80g of milk foam (milk jelly), 17g of chocolate sauce, two almond-flavored ice cubes, and 10ml of fresh cream. That’s it—five ingredients, measured exactly, for a balanced sweet-coffee-chocolate flavor with a cool, textured finish.

What Is a Lover’s Latte?

A Lover’s Latte is a chilled layered coffee drink that blends espresso, chocolate, and milk foam, often served over ice. Unlike a standard latte, it’s not just steamed milk with espresso—it includes structured elements like solidified milk foam (milk jelly), chocolate drizzle, and even flavored ice cubes for texture. The result is a cold coffee treat that balances bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess without being overly heavy.

Key Ingredients in the Recipe

The exact formulation, as used in the original recipe, includes:

• 25ml espresso (a small, concentrated shot)
• 80g milk foam (referred to as ‘milk’ or milk jelly)
• 17g chocolate sauce (for flavor layering and drizzling)
• 2 almond-flavored ice cubes (for texture and aroma)
• 10ml fresh cream (for topping)

Each element plays a structural or flavor role. The espresso provides bitterness and coffee aroma. The milk jelly adds a smooth, thick mouthfeel. The chocolate introduces richness, and the almond ice cubes contribute a subtle crunch and nuttiness. The cream is optional but common for a final garnish.

How to Make the Lover’s Latte – Step by Step

Here’s the precise, step-by-step method used to assemble the drink as described in the original recipe:

1. Start by pouring a portion of the 17g chocolate sauce into a shaker (also called a ‘’). Add the 25ml of espresso and mix until fully combined.
2. Next, add the 80g milk jelly, the two almond-flavored ice cubes, and the rest of the chocolate sauce into the shaker. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-blended and chilled.
3. Pour the shaken mixture into a serving glass.
4. Top the drink with 10ml of fresh cream .
5. Use the remaining chocolate sauce to draw a design on the surface, then sprinkle a few crushed almond slices on top for garnish.

Why These Ratios Matter

The small amount of espresso (25ml) ensures a strong coffee presence without overwhelming the drink. The 80g milk jelly replaces traditional steamed milk, offering a cold, dense texture. The 17g of chocolate sauce is enough to flavor the drink without making it overly sweet. The two almond ice cubes chill the mixture while adding texture. Finally, the 10ml of cream softens the edges of the other bold flavors.

Texture and Temperature Play

This drink is meant to be served cold. The milk jelly is solidified (often made in advance and chilled), and the almond ice cubes help maintain a cool temperature without immediate dilution. The result is a refreshing coffee experience with contrast between the silky foam, crunchy ice, and smooth chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is milk (milk jelly) and can I substitute it?

Milk, translated as milk jelly, is a solidified milk foam often used in Asian-style coffee drinks for texture. It’s not the same as whipped cream or regular foam. If you can’t find it, you could try using a very firm panna cotta or chilled milk custard as a substitute, though the texture will differ slightly.

Do I have to use almond-flavored ice cubes?

No, but they’re part of the original recipe for added texture and a mild nutty note. Regular ice cubes will work in a pinch, but you’ll lose the almond aroma and the slight crunch. You can also try making your own almond-flavored ice cubes with almond syrup and water.

Can I use more or less chocolate sauce?

The recipe uses 17g total. You can adjust to taste, but going much higher may overpower the coffee and milk elements. The sauce is split between mixing and garnishing, so keep that balance in mind.

Is this drink sweet?

It’s moderately sweet due to the chocolate sauce and milk jelly, but not overly so. The espresso and cream balance the sweetness. Adjust based on your taste—reduce chocolate or use less milk jelly if you prefer it less sweet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The individual components (espresso, milk jelly, chocolate sauce) can be prepped ahead, but the drink is best assembled fresh. Shaking the milk jelly and ice cubes just before serving ensures the right texture and temperature.

Best FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Milk-Based Drinks

For a Lover’s Latte or any milk coffee drink, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui or Yirgacheffe beans. Huakui offers bright citrus and floral notes that shine through milk, while Yirgacheffe brings juicy berry and stone fruit tones. Both roast levels are light to medium, highlighting clarity and complexity when paired with chocolate or milk foam. For a deeper option, try the Black Cocoa Blend, which has roasted cacao and dried cherry notes that complement the chocolate in this drink. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.