Learn how to make a classic miel in four simple steps right at home. This sweet, honey-forward coffee drink can be enjoyed hot or iced — perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. Cheers!
Classic Miel — A Favorite Coffee Drink
The miel is a simple, comforting coffee drink inspired by Spanish flavors. It highlights honey as the sweetener for a warm, floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with espresso and a touch of cinnamon. This version uses just four ingredients and can be prepared in minutes, hot or iced.
Spoiler: you only need four ingredients to make this at home.
What is a Miel?
“Miel” is Spanish for honey, and the drink borrows that name because honey (or a honey-flavored syrup) is the defining ingredient. The result is a smooth, lightly sweetened espresso drink with a delicate honey aroma and a hint of warming spice when finished with cinnamon.
Is There Coffee in a Miel?
Yes — this recipe is built on espresso for a concentrated coffee flavor. If you don’t have espresso, you can substitute a very strong brewed coffee. For a caffeine-free option, use decaffeinated espresso or decaf strong coffee.
What You Need to Make a Miel
Only four ingredients are required for this miel latte. Gather the following:
- Espresso (1.5 ounces) or a strong brewed coffee substitute.
- Honey simple syrup (about 2 tablespoons) — see notes on making simple syrup below.
- Milk (1/2 cup) — any milk works: oat, almond, or cow’s milk. Oat milk makes a naturally creamy plant-based option.
- Ground cinnamon (a pinch) — adds the classic warm finish.
How to Make a Miel Step by Step
This recipe is quick and approachable — you’ll be sipping in about five minutes. Follow these four steps to make a smooth, balanced miel.
1. Start with the espresso
Prepare 1.5 ounces of espresso and pour it into the bottom of a coffee cup or travel mug. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a concentrated brewed coffee or instant espresso dissolved in hot water to approximate the intensity.
Choosing the right espresso
Use your usual espresso method: a home espresso machine, a pod machine, or a concentrated cold brew espresso if you prefer a chilled drink. One and a half ounces yields the proper balance with the milk and syrup.
2. Combine milk and honey syrup
Mix the milk with the honey simple syrup in a heatproof jar or small saucepan. For a hot miel, warm the mixture for about 40 seconds in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat until hot but not boiling.
To make honey simple syrup: combine equal parts water and honey in a small saucepan, warm until the honey dissolves, then cool. This keeps the honey easy to blend into cold drinks.
3. Froth the milk
Transfer the warmed milk mixture back to a jar and froth until a thick foam forms. You can shake a tightly capped mason jar vigorously or use an electric milk frother or handheld whisk to create a creamy foam.
4. Assemble and serve
Pour the frothed milk over the espresso, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top, and enjoy. For a hot miel, serve immediately. If you like it sweeter, add a small extra drizzle of honey or more syrup to taste.
Make it Iced
To enjoy this miel cold, follow the same steps with a few adjustments:
- Use cold brew espresso or chill hot-brewed espresso quickly by shaking it with ice in a jar or cocktail shaker, then strain the ice out so the drink doesn’t dilute.
- Mix the milk and honey syrup without heating. Cold honey syrup blends easily and keeps the drink smooth.
- Pour the espresso over ice, add the milk mixture, top with froth if desired, and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon.
More coffee ideas to try
Coffee Drinks
- Iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso — try the same method with brown sugar syrup for a caramel-like flavor.
- Cold brew basics — make a large batch of cold brew espresso to store and use for iced miels.
- Seasonal variations — add a pinch of pumpkin spice in autumn or a drop of vanilla extract for a warming twist.
Miel Recipe
A simple, honey-sweetened espresso drink you can make hot or iced in under five minutes.
By: Emily Richter
Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Total: 5 mins | Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces hot espresso (or very strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tablespoons honey simple syrup
- 1/2 cup oat milk, or milk of choice
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add espresso to the bottom of a coffee cup.
- Pour the milk and honey simple syrup into a jar and heat in the microwave for 40 seconds, or warm gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Return the milk mixture to the jar and froth until a thick foam forms.
- Pour the milk over the espresso, sprinkle with cinnamon, and enjoy.
Notes
To make honey simple syrup, heat equal parts honey and water until combined, then cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For a dairy-free crema, use oat or almond milk and froth with a handheld frother or by shaking in a sealed jar.
Nutrition
Calories: 203 kcal, Carbohydrates: 49 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 44 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide only.
