This easy Vanilla Steamer recipe combines warm steamed milk with cinnamon, vanilla, and almond for a cozy cafe-style drink to savor all winter long. With no alcohol and no caffeine, and easy to make dairy-free, it’s a drink that everyone can enjoy!
This super lovely Vanilla Steamer recipe offers a delicious wintertime and holiday beverage with no alcohol and no caffeine. A great alternative to Hot Chocolate and Eggnog, this steaming drink is perfect for snuggling up next to the fire on a chilly evening!
Why We ❤️ This Vanilla Steamer Recipe
The first time I made these vanilla steamers, we were trapped indoors all weekend due to a monster snow storm. Our daughters loved the drink so much that it has become a wintertime tradition. Here’s why I think you’ll love them too:
- Delicate yet delightful flavor. When hot chocolate and eggnog seem too heavy, this vanilla almond steamer is a wonderful way to take the chill off. The softness of the vanilla and almond are beautifully soothing, and perfect for relaxing before bed on a winter evening.
- Simple to make. This drink is very easy to make, and it has a casual feel to it. But it could also easily be dressed up a bit, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon.
- Kid-friendly. Steamers are a fun alternative to hot chocolate that kids can customize to their tastes and sip from big, warm mugs — just like mom & dad with their morning coffee! I remember our oldest daughter when she was young; we’d often find her snuggled up with a book and a mug of this steamer on a chilly day.❤️
What You’ll Need
One of the reasons these vanilla steamers are perfect for snow days is because you likely have the ingredients on hand already. Scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts.
- Milk – I usually use 1% or 2% milk, and whole milk when I’m wanting a richer steamer. Non-dairy milk is also an option.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the milk. I often use just half the amount.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon sticks infuse rich flavor and scent into the vanilla steamer while the milk simmers. And a sprinkling of ground cinnamon over the drink is a nice finishing touch.
- Vanilla extract – If you’re feeling fancy, vanilla bean paste or even an actual vanilla bean will also work. Those little flecks of vanilla bean are always a welcome sign that you’re in for a treat!
- Almond extract – This gives a festive cherry-like flavor. (That’s because almonds are related to cherries and other stone fruit!) It makes this steamer truly something special.
How to Make a Vanilla Steamer
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.
- Heat the milk & sugar. Warm the milk and sugar in a saucepan, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.
- Infuse with cinnamon. Drop the cinnamon sticks into the pan and continue to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then turn off the heat and let it steep for 20 minutes.
- Add the extracts. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, then warm for 3 more minutes.
- Finish. Discard the cinnamon sticks and pour the steamers into mugs or heat-safe glasses (as shown). Garnish with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick. Whipped cream is also fun, for a touch of decadence.
Tips & Variations
These tips will ensure your vanilla almond steamers turn out perfect — and also help you put your own spin on the recipe.
- Don’t let the milk boil. And don’t walk away from the pan. Stay close to the stove so you can stir and prevent the milk from forming a “skin” on top.
- Make it dairy-free. It’s easy to sub out the milk for your favorite non-dairy beverage.
- Try another sweetener. I often use honey instead of sugar, which is lovely with the vanilla and almond flavors.
- Make it pepperminty. For a holiday steamer, leave out the cinnamon and try adding a bit of pure peppermint extract. This extract can be very strong, so start with a drop or two, and add more to taste. Peppermint pairs surprisingly well with almond extract, or you can omit the almond and just pair the peppermint and vanilla.
- Use a ladle. If you don’t have a saucepan with a pour spout, I recommend using a soup ladle to add the steamer into the mugs.
- Froth it. If you have a handheld frother, use it to froth your vanilla steamers coffeehouse-style, for added body.
Serving Suggestions
You know what goes best with a warm vanilla steamer? Cookies, of course! Whether you snack on them alongside your steamer or dip them into the warm vanilla milk, try this drink with my White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt, Pan-Banging Snickerdoodle Cookies, Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies, or easy Graham Cracker Toffee.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover vanilla almond steamer in an airtight container or jar for up to 5 days. Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, or gently in the microwave. You can also drink it cold, or use it to make oatmeal for breakfast. However you choose to enjoy the leftovers, just be sure to give it a good stir to incorporate all the flavors first!
More Cozy Drink Recipes
Vanilla Almond Steamer
Ingredients
- 8 cups 1% or 2% milk (for extra richness, use whole milk instead)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
- ground cinnamon & cinnamon sticks, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk and sugar. Cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently.
- Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture and cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Remove saucepan from heat and let stand 20 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Set saucepan over medium-high heat and cook for 3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
- Remove cinnamon sticks and discard them. Pour finished steamer drink into individual glasses and garnish each one with a pinch of ground cinnamon and a fresh cinnamon stick, if desired. If you're feeling fancy or want to make this more of a dessert drink, top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream!
Nutrition Information:
This post was originally published in 2010, then updated in 2024.
What about using almond milk instead? some folks have lactose issues.
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This sounds delicious
I’m thinking if you want to spice it up a bit I wonder if Amaretto would be a good substitute for the almond extract. Just add according to taste. Start off with a little then add if you want more flavor of almond. Or use vanilla flavored Vodka in place of the vanilla extract.
I’m definitely trying this, alcohol free, this weekend! Then I’ll try it with the ‘spirits’!
Amaretto would be absolutely lovely in this!
These look amazing… truly my favorite flavors!
Thanks Amanda. :)
You have a beautiful website Brenda! I can’t wait to try some of your recipes!
Thank you, Rachel. And thanks for stopping by!
Gorgeous, Brenda. It sounds deee-lishous!
Thank you so much Robyn – great to hear from you!
Oh my, sounds delish. Hope you are having a wonderful week! xo
Hi Sandy – thanks for stopping by! Hope you had a great week, too.
What a delicious comforting drink for those who may not be chocoholics. The flavor sounds wonderful. By the way, I’m holding a giveaway on my blog for Orglamix Organic makeup and you’re welcome to come by and enter. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2010/12/orglamix-organic-mineral-makeup-review.html
Hi Lisa – thanks for stopping by!
Steamers don’t get enough love. They’re such a comforting drink. My usual choice is an apple cider steamer, though I like the idea of vanilla almond with a touch of cinnamon! Will definitely try this soon.
*Heather*
Hello Heather! Truthfully, I had never had a steamer prior to this one. This was so delicious – I love finding new things!
Sounds so yummy! have you thought of trying it with Almond milk? Inspired =D
Hi Tina – thanks for visiting! I do know people who just warm up almond milk. It’s not something we keep on hand, however, so this recipe is easy to whip up any time we want.
Looks wonderful. I’m going to try it tomorrow when I get home from school. I too, think the pictures look wonderful. Sorry you guys have been getting so much snow.
Thanks, Nancy – great to hear from you again. No worries about the snow – it was actually kind of fun over the weekend, but it is a bit challenging with the streets so full of snow now.
This sounds yummy! And the pictures are gorgeous.
Thanks, Mom. Give this one a try – I think you’ll like it, too.
What a nice change up from hot chocolate!
Hello Paula!