Bold, Sweet, and a Little Bit Spicy: Meet the Señorita Picante Latte

Presented by Alli from DIA Café

You know that feeling when you're walking down the street and hear heels clicking with confidence? That’s the energy we’re channeling today. Introducing the Señorita Picante, a drink that struts into your day with bold cherry, smooth vanilla, and just enough cayenne to remind you not to play it safe.

It's equal parts elegance and edge. A perfect pick for those mornings (or afternoons) when your to-do list is long but your spirit is even longer.

Meet DIA Café: Coffee With Cultura

We believe in cafecito with intention. At DIA, every bean is part of a story—harvested by Latin American farmers, crafted with community at heart, and poured with purpose. Whether you’re in it for the ritual, the recharge, or the flavor, we’re here to make sure every sip counts.

Our mission? Support Latino communities and create gathering spaces powered by coffee, culture, and conversation. So whether you're here for a quick fix or a new favorite ritual, you’re part of something bigger with every cup.

Now, let’s spice things up.

The Señorita Picante: A Latte with Attitude

Alli, one of our fiercest baristas (and salsa queen on weekends), is behind this flavor-forward twist on the classic iced latte. Inspired by her abuela’s love of cherries and her own not-so-subtle obsession with heat, the Señorita Picante is layered, luxurious, and just bold enough to raise eyebrows.

It starts sweet with cherry and vanilla, but don’t be fooled—it finishes with a subtle kick of cayenne and a wink that says, “Yeah, I did that.”

Let’s Make It: The Senorita Picante Latte

This recipe is designed to impress but easy enough to whip up when you're short on time but not on flair.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 oz. Monin Cherry syrup
  
• 1 oz. Monin Vanilla syrup
  
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
  
• 1 shot of espresso (or 2, if you’re feeling extra)
  
• 4 oz. milk of your choice
  
• Ice
  
• Cherry reduction or drizzle (optional but dramatic)
  

Step 1: Mix the Sweet and the Spicy
In a shaker, combine the cherry syrup, vanilla syrup, and a small pinch of cayenne pepper. Don’t go overboard—a little heat goes a long way.

Step 2: Shake it Like You Mean It
Add ice and shake until the mixture is cold and slightly frothy. This step brings out the flavors and chills the base.

Step 3: Layer the Latte
Pour the spiced cherry-vanilla mix over a fresh glass of ice. Slowly add your espresso shot to create a layered effect (bonus points if you're showing it off on IG).

Step 4: Add the Creaminess
Top with 4 oz. of your favorite milk—steamed or cold. Oat, almond, dairy—it all works here. Watch the colors swirl.

Step 5: Drizzle Drama (Optional but Glorious)
Drizzle a little cherry reduction or syrup down the sides or over the top for an extra hit of flavor—and aesthetic flair.

And that’s it! The Señorita Picante is ready to turn your break into a moment, your kitchen into a café, and your day into a power move.

Why It Matters

Anyone can make a latte. But the Señorita Picante? She’s more than a drink—she’s a whole persona. A reminder that being sweet doesn’t mean you can’t have spice. That tradition and boldness don’t cancel each other out—they elevate.

When you choose a drink like this, you’re not just sipping—you’re owning the moment. And when it’s made with DIA coffee? You're tasting culture, craft, and corazón in every layer.

So go ahead—channel your inner señorita. Be sweet, be spicy, be bold.

Made it at home? We want to see it! Tag us @diacoffees and show us how you #SeizeTheDia with your Señorita Picante flair.