The best lattes in NYC

Cafe Clover’s gilded latte is a sight to be Instagrammed. The turmeric-infused creation is the brainchild of Chef David Standridge and combines cold-pressed turmeric juice, La Colombe's Fishtown espresso, your choice of milk (almond, soy, etc.), and antioxidants like cinnamon and black pepper—and it’s all topped with gold leaf.

Two hands, one latte. Little Italy cafe Two Hands uses beans from Café Integral—which are sourced in Nicaragua by founder Cesar Vega and roasted in NYC—as its go-to coffee, and the latte is a tall cup of new wave perfection. Almond milk is also available for those who don’t take too kindly to dairy.

It’s only fitting that the original artisan bakery in NYC should have a latte as nuanced as its history. Orwasher’s on the Upper East Side (and its new location across the park on the Upper West Side) serves a perfectly balanced latte with Nobletree Coffee’s beans, which come from the brand’s own farms in Brazil.

This newly opened East Village cafe and barber shop is as cheery as the bright yellow cup that houses its latte. Annapolis-based Ceremony Coffee Roasters is behind the espresso, which is best consumed from the comfort of Three Seat’s barber perches and paired with a fresh cut or shave.

You can’t argue with the classics. Ferrara’s been a Little Italy staple since 1892, and for good reason: Its coffee, treats and conviviality are for the opera-loving crowd for whom it was originally created. The old soul of the cafe is as captivating as its traditional latte, which may or may not transport you to 19th century New York City at first sip.

Photograph: Flickr/CC/marieberne

In this day and age, La Colombe is pretty much synonymous with New York City’s coffee scene. The no-frills latte highlights the brand’s own beans along with the chic earthenware in which most of the drinks are served. Visit the natural light-filled NoHo location to ensure maximum Instagrammability.

Although it doesn’t involve any espresso, we had to make an exception for this magenta dream from NYC newcomer Chillhouse, a modern spa-cafe concept in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The Beet-Chata combines horchata (condensed milk, cinnamon and vanilla) with beet powder and steamed milk and is dusted with activated charcoal powder.

At Ralph’s (as in Lauren), it’s all about the experience—and this experience is a bit more attainable than nabbing a table at Polo Bar. The coffee shop, located at the Fifth Avenue Polo flagship, is quite possibly the most picturesque latte setting in all of Midtown. White banquettes and countertops serve as the perfect background for Ralph’s sustainably and ethically sourced coffees, and the latte does not disappoint.

Photograph: Flickr/CC/shinyasuzuki

If you’ve ever seen a giant orange coffee truck parked near Astor Place, you’ll instantly recognize the Mud logo (and trademark aroma). Mudspot is the brick-and-mortar answer to the fleeting mobile location, so head here for a spot at the counter and the inimitable latte, which comes in one size and one size only: BIG.