For when you’re it’s too cold for an espresso martini but you’re not a fan of hot toddy’s.

I too am enthralled with espresso martinis, but winter is here, and with that perpetual coldness.
Crème brûlée syrup. Here’s an alternative hot espresso based drink which is a dupe for a Starbucks holiday mainstay. The crème brûlée syrup is surprisingly simple. Save what’s leftover for your morning cup.
Rum based. A deviation from the base liquor of a espresso martini simply because the complexity and richness of rum pairs best with the crème brûlée syrup.

Spiked Crème Brûlée Latte
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cup of water
- 1 TSP of vanilla extract
- 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso
- 1.5 ounces of dark rum
- 1/2 cup of oat milk (or dairy/ non-dairy milk of your choice)
- Crème brûlée syrup. Heat pan at medium-high heat. Add water and stir in sugar. Stir until dissolved.
- Once mixture begins to bubble and brown, approximately 7-10 minutes later, remove from heat. Stir frequently with long spoon or whisk.
- Place majority (approximately 95 %) of syrup in heat safe container and allow to cool.
- Creme Brûlée Crumbles. On a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper, pour our remain syrup.
- Spread out with spatula. Allow to cool and harden.
- Once hardened, torch with kitchen torch to brûlée. Allow to cool and harden again.
- Once fully cooled, crumble with sharp knife into small pieces.
- Assemble drink. Add espresso, rum and syrup into mug. Stir.
- Top with frothed milk and crumbles.
- Serve & enjoy!
