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Sometimes, the smallest coffee moments make the biggest impression.

Meet the Lemon Zest & Honey Piccolo, a delightful twist on the classic piccolo latte that brings together rich espresso, golden honey and the delicate citrus aroma of fresh lemon.

It's smooth, subtly sweet and just a little unexpected.

While lemon might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when making a milk-based coffee, there's a little magic behind this combination. Rather than adding lemon juice, which can cause milk to curdle, we're using the fragrant oils released from fresh lemon peel.

The result? A beautifully balanced coffee with delicate floral notes, a gentle citrus lift and a velvety finish.

And the best part? You can create this café-worthy little indulgence at home in just a few minutes.

A surprising combination that just works

Coffee, honey and lemon might sound like an unlikely trio, but each ingredient brings something special to the cup.

The espresso provides a rich, aromatic foundation, while the honey adds a natural sweetness that softens the coffee's intensity. Fresh lemon zest introduces a bright, fragrant citrus note without overpowering the drink.

Finally, a small amount of silky textured milk brings everything together.

Unlike a traditional latte, a piccolo uses less milk, allowing the espresso's flavour to remain front and centre.

Our favourite part? The honey you choose can completely transform the experience. A delicate floral honey will create a softer, lighter flavour, while a richer honey will add more depth and character.

It's a simple reminder that great coffee doesn't need to be complicated.

What you'll need

• 1 single shot of freshly brewed First Pour espresso (approximately 30 ml)
• 60 ml of your favourite milk
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 strip of fresh lemon peel

Choosing an alternative milk? We recommend using a high-quality barista variety for a smooth, creamy finish.

Let's make it!

Step 1: Start with something sweet

Add one teaspoon of your chosen honey to the bottom of a small piccolo glass. This will create a naturally sweet foundation for your coffee.

Step 2: Bring in the espresso

Extract a fresh single shot of espresso directly over the honey. The warmth of the coffee will help soften the honey and encourage it to blend beautifully with the espresso.

Step 3: Add a little citrus magic

Take a fresh strip of lemon peel and gently squeeze and twist it over your espresso to release its fragrant natural oils.

Drop the peel into your glass, allowing the delicate citrus aroma to infuse into the coffee.

Step 4: Make it silky smooth

Steam or heat your milk until warm and beautifully textured, with a fine, velvety microfoam.

Slowly pour the milk over your espresso, bringing all those wonderful flavours together.

Step 5: Sip and savour

Give your piccolo a gentle stir if needed to blend the honey, then enjoy it while it's warm.

Small cup. Big flavour.

A little Pemberton Lane tip

The secret is in the peel, not the juice.

When adding citrus to milk-based coffee, it's important to avoid squeezing lemon juice directly into your drink. The acidity can cause the milk proteins to curdle, affecting that beautiful smooth texture.

Instead, use a fresh strip of lemon peel, ideally with minimal white pith, and gently twist it over your espresso.

This releases the aromatic oils found in the skin, giving your coffee a wonderfully fresh citrus fragrance without introducing the same level of acidity.

For an extra special experience, try using a fresh, unwaxed lemon and peeling it just before preparing your coffee.

Make it your own

The beauty of this little coffee creation is how easily you can make it your own.

• Go floral: Try a light, floral honey for a delicate sweetness that complements the lemon.
• Add richness: Experiment with a darker, more robust honey for a deeper flavour.
• Try a different citrus: Swap lemon peel for orange peel to create a sweeter, softer citrus aroma.
• Make it stronger: Prefer a bolder coffee? Use a double espresso and reduce the milk to approximately 30 ml for a more intense experience.
  
  

A little something different for your daily ritual

At Pemberton Lane, we love discovering new ways to enjoy great coffee. Sometimes that means trying something completely unexpected, and other times it's simply about adding a thoughtful little twist to something familiar.

Our Lemon Zest & Honey Piccolo is the perfect example.

It's a reminder that a beautiful coffee experience doesn't need to be elaborate. Just a few carefully chosen ingredients, a little curiosity and a moment to enjoy it.

Whether you're starting your morning slowly, treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up or impressing a fellow coffee lover, this little cup is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So grab your favourite espresso, a spoonful of honey and a fresh lemon. Your next favourite coffee moment might be just one sip away.Try a different citrus: Swap lemon peel for orange peel to create a sweeter, softer citrus aroma.Try a different citrus: Swap lemon peel for orange peel to create a sweeter, softer citrus aroma.