Red Wine Latte
Red Velvet Latte is a delightful treat that brings together the comforting warmth of coffee, the richness of cocoa, and just a hint of playful color. This unique beverage stands out not only for its incredible flavor but also for its vibrant, eye-catching hue, reminiscent of a dessert in a cup. The seamless blend of brewed coffee and cocoa creates a smooth and luscious drink that’s perfect for the days when you need a little indulgence.
Table of Contents

I first whipped up this charming drink on a chilly afternoon when nothing seemed to cure my craving for something sweet yet cozy. The thought of coffee and hot cocoa seemed nice, but there was something missing until I dreamed up this recipe. The Red Wine Latte came to life in my kitchen, and since then, it’s been a go-to treat for family gatherings and quiet evenings at home. It’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly – perfect for creating moments of comfort that don’t break the bank. So grab your favorite mug, and let’s make this lovely drink that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a sip!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just about 10 minutes to make, so it’s a fantastic choice for both ordinary mornings and special occasions.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich cocoa and sweet vanilla perfectly balance the robustness of coffee for a decadent drink.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red color is not just about looks; it adds a fun vibe to your drink!
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a morning treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a dessert.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit vegan diets by using non-dairy milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture, but feel free to use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
- ½ cup brewed coffee: A strong brew is best for that rich flavor. Use your favorite coffee beans or grounds.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Look for high-quality cocoa for the richest taste; avoid sweetened varieties.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: This balances the bitterness of the cocoa and coffee; you can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative if desired.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth to your drink; imitation vanilla can be used but may not have the same depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: While this ingredient adds the signature hue, you can adjust the amount to achieve your desired color intensity.
- Whipped cream: Totally optional, but highly recommended for that extra indulgent feel.
- Cocoa powder: A light dusting on top adds a nice finishing touch.
How to Make Red Wine Latte
Warm the Milk: Start by gently heating 1 cup of your chosen milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. You want it warm enough to froth but avoid boiling. Watch for little bubbles starting to form; this way, you’ll keep the milk from scorching.
Add Cocoa & Sugar: Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. The delightful aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen, inspiring a cozy feeling.
Stir in Coffee & Color: Once the cocoa and sugar are well combined, pour in ½ cup of brewed coffee and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Stir until everything is blended evenly. The bright red hue will appear, and it’s quite a sight to see—just make sure to taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference!
Serve & Top: Pour the rich mixture into your favorite mug. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top and finish with a dusting of cocoa powder. Take a moment to appreciate the colors and flavors dancing together in your cup!

Storing & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftover Red Wine Latte (a rarity, I assure you!), it can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm. Just remember, the texture may become a little different once it’s cooled, so give it a good whisk before serving!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t rush the heating process! Gradually warming the milk helps achieve a creamier texture.
- Feel free to play with the flavors. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce lovely spice notes.
- Use freshly brewed coffee for the richest flavor, and avoid coffee that’s been sitting too long.
- If you prefer a thicker latte, consider frothing the milk before adding it to the mix.
- Want it extra decadent? Try adding a splash of flavored syrup like hazelnut or caramel for an even more indulgent experience.
If you haven’t tried whipping up a cozy beverage at home yet, you’re in for a treat! This delightful drink not only warms you up in the most delicious way but also brings a playful flair to your usual coffee routine. Whether you sip it on your own, share it with loved ones, or serve it at gatherings, the Red Wine Latte is sure to amaze and satisfy. Dive into the experience, experiment with flavors, and make this gorgeous drink your new favorite go-to.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this drink dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the whole milk with your favorite non-dairy option, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each will lend a unique flavor profile that complements the cocoa and coffee.
How strong should my coffee be?
For the best result, use a strong brew – think espresso or a bold coffee blend. This will help balance the sweetness and richness from the cocoa and sugar; a milder coffee may get lost in the flavors.
Can I adjust the sugar level?
Of course! Feel free to decrease the sugar if you prefer a less sweet latte, or switch to honey or natural sweeteners to suit your taste.
Is there a way to make this ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the cocoa-milk mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the coffee and reheat when you’re ready to serve! This will save you time during busy mornings or when hosting guests.
PrintMore Drinks Recipes
- Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version)
- Best margarita recipes
- St. Patrick’s Day Oreo Shamrock Shake
- Homemade Shamrock Shakes
- Slow Cooker Baileys Irish Cream Hot Chocolate
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Red Wine Latte
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Wine Latte combines rich coffee, creamy milk, and a splash of vibrant red coloring for a visually stunning and delicious treat. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, its simple preparation allows anyone to enjoy a coffee shop experience at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole or your favorite non-dairy)
- ½ cup brewed coffee (strong)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- whipped cream (optional for topping)
- cocoa powder (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan.
- Add cocoa powder and sugar to the warm milk, stirring until dissolved.
- Stir in the brewed coffee and red food coloring until well combined.
- Serve in a mug and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
