Warm, creamy and naturally sweetened with raw honey — this cozy latte blends comforting flavors into the perfect winter drink. 

Let’s be honest. Getting out of bed in the winter takes Olympic-level effort. The house is cold, the covers are warm and the kids somehow sense the exact second you step out of your room.

My saving grace is a warm mug in my hands. This honey vanilla latte has become my winter ritual. I make it before the chaos starts, sip it wrapped in a blanket and breathe for just 60 seconds before the real day begins.

It tastes like something you’d order from a fancy café, but uses ingredients you actually feel good about: simple milk, real vanilla and raw honey. That raw honey is the real secret here. It gives the latte a gentle floral sweetness that doesn’t coat your mouth with sugar… and the wellness benefits make it even better.

A Quick Hello, in Case You’re New Around Here

Hi friend, I’m Lindsey, founder of Elderberry Queen, wife, mom of five boys and forever fan of easy, cozy recipes that keep my family healthy.

I started this company after spending way too many winters with kids who were always sick. Once I saw what natural ingredients could do, everything changed. Now I spend my days helping families feel better, one simple habit (or delicious recipe) at a time. 

If you love clean ingredients, warm drinks and little moments of peace before your house wakes up, you’re in the right place.

Why I Always Reach for Raw Honey

Let’s talk honey for a second, because it isn’t just a sweetener. Raw honey is one of my absolute favorite ingredients for supporting health through the colder months.

Here’s why I choose it every time:

• Extremely Immune-Boosting: Raw honey is unfiltered and unprocessed, so it retains all of the beneficial vitamins, antibacterial and antiviral properties, which help you battle illness. 

• Soothes Sore Throats & Coughs: Raw honey can soothe a sore, dry throat and can help relieve coughs. The antibacterial properties can help kill bacteria in your throat. 

• Aids in Wound Healing: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of raw honey can soothe and heal wounds naturally, and can prevent dangerous infections.

When you use real raw honey instead of refined sugar or syrups, your morning drink isn’t just a treat, it’s a wellness boost. That’s why I only use raw honey from trusted, local beekeepers — the stuff that still tastes like the season it came from.

If you want to upgrade your winter drinks, click here to grab a jar of our Local Raw Honey.

Gather Your Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple and clean the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of espresso or coffee roast of your choice

• 6 ounces of organic whole milk

• ½ tbsp of Local Raw Honey

• 1 tbsp of vanilla extract

There’s no mystery syrup on this list, no weird ingredients. Just real and honest goodness. Alright, now that we have our ingredients, let’s make this dreamy latte come to life. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making this latte doesn’t take long. Just a few simple steps, but the process itself is part of what makes it so comforting. You can almost feel the stress of the day melt away as the sweet scent of honey and vanilla fills the air.

Instructions:

• Start by making your coffee. You can use espresso or any other coffee roast. Pour two ounces of this coffee into a mug once it’s ready. 

• Pour 6 oz of milk, ½ tbsp of raw honey and 1 tbsp of vanilla extract into a cup and whisk until fully combined. 

• Now, warm up your six ounces of milk over the stovetop or by steaming it. You can also use a frother and froth the warm milk.

• Pour the frothed milk over the coffee and top it off with a drizzle of honey. 

Take a moment before your first sip to slow down. Feel the warmth in your hands, and enjoy the calm of this little winter drink. 

My Favorite Part: The Little Ritual That Makes It Special

One thing I’ve learned as a mom of five is that you take your pockets of peace wherever you can find them. Sometimes that looks like a quiet drive to the grocery store alone. Other times it’s hiding in the pantry with a piece of chocolate (been there, no shame). But most mornings, it’s this latte.

There’s something about the rhythm of making it that grounds me, the warm milk, the sweet scent of honey, the swirl of vanilla. It forces me to slow down for a minute, even on the mornings when we’re flying out the door looking like a tornado hit our house.

The boys know when I’m holding this mug, it’s Mom’s “one minute.” Just one minute. A small pause before I jump into breakfast, schoolwork, orders, emails, meetings and repeated reminders to “please go brush your teeth.”

This drink has become part of my daily winter rhythm because it reminds me of something I forget too easily: You don’t have to have hours to take care of yourself. Sometimes all you need is a warm drink and sixty quiet seconds to breathe.

So as you sip this latte, whether it's before the house wakes up, during nap time or after a long, draining day, let it be more than a recipe. Let it be a moment. A reset. A reminder that you deserve simple, good, nourishing things too.

You’re doing an amazing job, friend!

Simple Latte Variations

One of my favorite things about this latte is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want something dairy-free, caffeine-free, or iced, you can easily make it fit your taste.

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap traditional milk for oat, coconut or almond milk. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture. Oat milk gives a creamy sweetness, coconut adds a tropical hint and almond milk keeps it light.

• Caffeine-Free Comfort: No worries if you’re not a big caffeine fan. You can use decaf coffee or a variety of herbal, naturally caffeine-free teas. 

• Chilled & Refreshing: Even in the winter, I sometimes get in the mood for a nice, creamy iced drink. You can make this latte iced, easy peasy. Just chill your coffee and milk, then shake them together. 

No matter how you make it, the honey vanilla flavor stays soft, sweet and soothing.

Kick Back, and Enjoy Every Sip

Alright, momma (or dad!), it’s time to kick back and truly enjoy this drink. While you’re at it, soak in your blessings. Your family, your home, and the nature surrounding you.

Because with this drink in hand, you’re not just tasting vanilla and honey, you’re experiencing the beauty of slowing down and savoring the simple things.

If you haven’t yet, go ahead and grab a jar of our Local Raw Honey so you're set all winter long!