It’s that time of year when it’s getting colder and sweater weather is turning into jacket weather. Luckily, fall and winter seasonal coffee drinks make up for it.

I’m a barista, behind the counter my coworkers and I are making all the spiced lattes, and hot chocolates and warm teas. Here’s a little note to all of you out there ordering your coffees with alternative milks: I see you. I know you want oat milk, but you still want the whipped cream. You’re probably not lactose intolerant. That’s okay. You’re valid. Whipped cream is heavenly. 

Whipped cream is the absolute best during the colder months. So, in honor of warm coffee weather, I’m giving you all three recipes (ones you can make at home or order at your local cafe) that are delicious ways to honor whipped cream.

#1 The Caramel Apple Latte

Ingredients:

-Double shot of espresso

-Steamed milk of your choice 

-1tsp caramel sauce or caramel syrup

-1tsp apple crisp syrup or apple concentrate

-Whipped cream 

-Cinnamon sugar

This one is a masterpiece. Mix your espresso, caramel syrup, and apple flavor mixture until incorporated! Next, pour your milk. Pour from up high, getting closer to your cup to form the frothy milk layer. (At this step, add ice if you want!) Now for the whipped cream: swirl around on the top of the latte! Then, drizzle a little more caramel syrup, Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and enjoy. •

#2 Winter Spice Latte

Ingredients: 

-Double shot of espresso

-Steamed milk of your choice

-Pinches of nutmeg/cloves/cinnamon/ginger

-¾ tsp of caramel sauce 

-¾ tsp of chocolate sauce

-Whipped cream

Add your sauces to your espresso in any cup. Stir ‘em. Add your pinches of any or all of the spices you like. Stir in quickly, ensuring that very little of the powder sinks to the bottom. Pour milk atop espresso. On the bubbly microfoam of the steamed milk, add whipped cream. Top with sprinkled cinnamon if desired. This is a drink that makes you feel like you’re window shopping for holiday gifts and the streets are a little wet from DC’s attempts at snow. •