Kat's Kitchen

If you’ve ever had Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bar, this latte is its cozy, drinkable version. It’s creamy, sweet, and slightly tart — made with my Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce, rich espresso, and your favorite milk for a festive drink that tastes like the holidays in a mug.

Whether you prefer it hot and cozy or iced and refreshing, this Cranberry Bliss Latte is simple to make and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce (use more or less depending on your sweetness preference)
• 2 shots espresso (about 2 ounces total)
• 6–8 ounces milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• Ice cubes (omit for hot version)
• Whipped cream
• McCormick Spiced Orange Finishing Sugar (optional but adds the perfect citrus sparkle)
  • If you can’t find this, you could combine orange zest, ground cinnamon, and raw sugar instead.
• Dried cranberries, for topping (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce

The key to this recipe! It’s made with cranberry sauce, white chocolate, orange zest, and a hint of vanilla — perfectly sweet-tart and festive. If you haven’t made it yet, check out my Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce Recipe.

Espresso

You’ll need two shots of espresso (or about 2 ounces total).
If you don’t have an espresso machine, see my 5 Ways to Make Espresso at Home post for alternative methods like Nespresso, Moka Pot, or instant espresso.

Milk

Use any milk you like! Whole milk will make the creamiest latte, but oat, almond, or cashew milk all work beautifully — especially if you want to keep it dairy-free.

Toppings

Whipped cream adds that indulgent, coffeehouse-style finish, and the Spiced Orange Finishing Sugar gives a warm, citrusy sparkle. (If you can’t find this, you could combine orange zest, ground cinnamon, and raw sugar instead). Dried cranberries or sprinkles also add extra texture and a festive touch!

How to Make a Cranberry Bliss Latte

1. Add the Cranberry Bliss Sauce:
   Spoon 1 tablespoon Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce into your mug or glass.
2. Brew the Espresso:
   Brew 2 shots of espresso directly over the sauce to melt it. See my 5 Ways to Make Espresso at Home post for all the ways to brew espresso.
3. Stir to Combine:
   Stir until the espresso and sauce are fully blended together.
4. Add the Milk:
   HOT LATTE: Steam or froth the milk, and then pour the steamed milk into the mug. ICED LATTE: Pour milk straight from the fridge, and then add ice to fill the cup.
5. Top and Garnish:
   Add whipped cream, then top with Spiced Orange Finishing Sugar, and dried cranberries, if using

Dairy-Free & Sugar-Free Modifications

Dairy-Free Version

• Use barista-style oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
• Use coconut or oat whipped cream or skip the whipped topping entirely.
• Make your Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce with dairy-free white chocolate (brands like Pascha or Enjoy Life work well) and a dairy free sweetened condensed milk.

Sugar-Free Version

• Sweeten your Cranberry Bliss Sauce with a sugar-free white chocolate, sugar free sweetened condensed milk, and sugar free maple syrup.
• Use an unsweetened milk like almond, soy, or oat for the latte.
• Skip the finishing sugar and top with sugar free sprinkles or ground cinnamon.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Adjust to taste: Start with 1 tablespoon of sauce and add more for extra sweetness or cranberry flavor.
• Froth your milk: Even for the iced version, frothing your milk before pouring it in creates a creamy café-style texture. I recommend frothing on a cold setting rather than steaming the milk.
• For extra spice: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger over the whipped cream for a cozy holiday aroma.

Variations for Tea Drinkers

Not a coffee fan? You can still enjoy all the cozy, festive flavors of the Cranberry Bliss Latte with tea! The cranberry-white-chocolate base pairs beautifully with a variety of teas — giving you a sweet, spiced, and slightly fruity drink that feels like a treat.

Cranberry Bliss Matcha Latte

• Use 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha and whisk with 2 ounces hot water until frothy.
• Combine 1 tablespoon Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce and 6 ounces steamed milk into your mug.
• Pour in the prepared matcha, then top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Spiced Orange Finishing Sugar and dried cranberries.

Flavor note: The earthy matcha balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly, creating a vibrant, creamy green drink with festive flair.

Cranberry Bliss Chai Latte

• Combine 1 tablespoon Homemade Cranberry Bliss Sauce, 6 ounces chai concentrate and 4-6 ounces steamed milk or cold milk and ice.
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Spiced Orange Finishing Sugar and dried cranberries.

Flavor note: Spicy chai and cranberry are a holiday dream team — warming, aromatic, and gently sweet.

Cranberry Bliss London Fog (Earl Grey)

• Steep 1 Earl Grey tea bag in ½ cup hot water for 3–5 minutes.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon Cranberry Bliss Sauce until melted.
• Add ½ cup steamed milk (or cold milk for an iced version).
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Spiced Orange Finishing Sugar and dried cranberries.

Flavor note: The bergamot from the Earl Grey and the cranberry-orange combo make this one extra elegant — like a winter afternoon tea in a cup.

Why You’ll Love This Drink

This Cranberry Bliss Latte perfectly balances the tart sweetness of cranberries with the creamy warmth of espresso and milk. It’s festive without being overly sweet — and it’s such a fun way to enjoy the classic Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar flavors but in coffee form.

Whether you’re sipping it hot by the fire or iced during a cozy holiday cookie baking day, it’s a beautiful seasonal drink that tastes like pure Christmas bliss.