Community Goods-Inspired Vanilla Bean Latte Recipe
This Community Goods-inspired Vanilla Bean Latte recreates the combination of double espresso and a rich, house made vanilla bean syrup. It's an independent recreation based on the publicly described menu item, not an official Community Goods recipe.
This Community Goods-inspired Vanilla Bean Latte recreates the combination of double espresso and a rich, house made vanilla bean syrup. It's an independent recreation based on the publicly described menu item, not an official Community Goods recipe.
Most of the work here is the syrup. Once that's made, the latte itself comes together in under five minutes.
2 shots espresso (about 60 ml), or 120 ml strong brewed coffee
240 ml whole milk (1 cup), steamed
1 to 1.5 tbsp vanilla bean syrup, to taste
Equipment
Small saucepan
Espresso machine or stovetop moka pot
Milk frother, whisk, or steam wand
Fine mesh strainer
Mug or glass
How to Make Community Goods-Inspired Vanilla Bean Latte
Step 1: Make the vanilla bean syrup Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the pod steep in the syrup for at least 10 minutes, longer if you have time. Strain out the pod before using, or leave it in the jar for a stronger flavor over the following days.
Step 2: Brew the espresso Pull two shots of espresso directly into your serving glass or mug.
Step 3: Steam the milk Steam the milk until it's hot and lightly foamed, or warm it on the stovetop and froth with a whisk or handheld frother if you don't have a steam wand.
Step 4: Assemble Stir the vanilla bean syrup into the hot espresso first, then pour in the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon until the end, then spoon the foam on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the official Community Goods recipe?+
No. This is an independent recipe inspired by the publicly described Community Goods menu item, not a recipe from the cafe itself.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?+
Yes, though the flavor is flatter and you won't get the small black specks that a real bean leaves in the syrup.
How long does the vanilla bean syrup keep?+
About 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can I make this without an espresso machine?+
Yes. Strong coffee from a moka pot or a concentrated drip brew is a reasonable substitute. The syrup is really the whole recipe here. Once it's made, the latte itself takes less than five minutes. Make a batch on a slower morning and it's ready to go for the rest of the week. For the version served at the cafe, see our Community Goods Menu for current pricing and availability. Recipe developed and tested by the Community Goods Menu team.