An iced latte is a refreshing and creamy coffee drink that’s perfect for warm days or when you want a smooth, chilled coffee experience. Unlike hot lattes, an iced latte is made by combining espresso with cold milk and ice, creating a balanced and lightly sweet flavor. The best part? You don’t need a fancy espresso machine to make one at home!
What is an Iced Latte?
An iced latte is a cold version of a traditional latte, made with espresso, milk, and ice. It’s smoother than iced coffee because it contains more milk, creating a creamy texture with a balanced coffee flavor. Unlike a cold brew, which steeps coffee in cold water for hours, an iced latte starts with freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee and is served immediately.
What You Need to Make an Iced Latte
To make a delicious iced latte, you’ll need:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup of cold milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or any milk of your choice)
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- Sweetener (optional: sugar, honey, vanilla syrup, or caramel syrup)
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot, Aeropress, or a strong drip coffee instead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Iced Latte
Step 1: Brew the Espresso or Strong Coffee
If using an espresso machine, pull one to two shots (about 1–2 ounces). If using a Moka pot, Aeropress, or French press, brew ½ cup of strong coffee to replace the espresso. Let it cool for a minute or two before pouring over ice to prevent excessive melting.
Step 2: Fill a Glass with Ice
Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. If you want your drink to stay strong without getting watered down, you can use coffee ice cubes (made by freezing leftover coffee in an ice tray).
Step 3: Add the Espresso Over Ice
Pour the freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee over the ice. This helps cool the coffee quickly while keeping the flavor strong.
Step 4: Add Cold Milk
Slowly pour ¾ cup of cold milk over the coffee and ice. If you prefer a creamier texture, use whole milk or oat milk. If you like a lighter taste, skim milk or almond milk works well too.
Step 5: Sweeten to Taste (Optional)
If you like your iced latte sweet, stir in a teaspoon of sugar, honey, or flavored syrup. Popular choices include vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup for added depth. Stir well until fully combined.
Step 6: Stir and Enjoy!
Mix the coffee and milk together with a straw or spoon, ensuring everything is blended well. Your homemade iced latte is now ready to enjoy!
Delicious Iced Latte Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic iced latte, you can experiment with different flavors to create fun and exciting variations.
Vanilla Iced Latte – Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup for a sweet, aromatic twist.
Caramel Iced Latte – Drizzle caramel syrup into the drink and on top for extra sweetness.
Mocha Iced Latte – Mix in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolatey touch.
Honey Cinnamon Iced Latte – Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
Iced Matcha Latte – Swap the espresso for 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, whisked with water.
Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte – Mix in ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.
Pro Tips for the Best Iced Latte at Home
For the best iced latte experience, always brew fresh espresso or strong coffee instead of using old or stale coffee. If you prefer a richer and creamier texture, opt for whole milk or barista-style oat milk. To keep your iced latte from becoming watery, use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice. When adding sweeteners, use simple syrup or flavored syrups instead of granulated sugar, as sugar dissolves slowly in cold drinks. If you want a fancier touch, top your iced latte with a light milk froth or whipped cream.
Iced Latte vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse iced lattes and iced coffee, but they are quite different. An iced latte is made with espresso and milk, giving it a smooth, creamy taste. On the other hand, iced coffee is brewed coffee served over ice, often with minimal milk or cream, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor.
How to Store and Make Iced Lattes Ahead of Time
If you want to prepare iced lattes in advance, you can brew a batch of espresso or strong coffee and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just add ice, milk, and any desired sweeteners. Avoid mixing the milk too early, as it may affect the freshness and taste.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Iced Latte!
Making an iced latte at home is easy, cost-effective, and allows you to customize it exactly to your liking. Whether you prefer it classic, flavored, or extra creamy, you now have all the tips to create the perfect iced latte anytime.
Do you like your iced latte with a special twist? Let me know in the comments! ☕❄️😊