Hey y'all! If you've ever wished you could whip up a café-worthy iced latte right at home, you're in for a treat. This Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café delivers creamy, bold coffee flavors with the perfect chill—ideal for sunny afternoons, brunch with friends, or a quick pick-me-up any day of the week. No fancy barista skills required, just simple ingredients and a love for good coffee. Craving that refreshing, bold flavor? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
- Super simple and quick to make in under 5 minutes.
- Customizable sweetness and creaminess to match your taste.
- Uses everyday ingredients—no need for espresso machines!
- Cheaper and fresher than your local coffee shop.
- Perfect for hot days or whenever you need a refreshing boost.
Ingredients for Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso, cooled
- ¾ cup cold milk (whole, oat, almond, or your favorite)
- 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup or sweetener, to taste
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: whipped cream, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for garnish
How to Make Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee or prepare 2 shots of espresso. Let it cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to create a perfectly chilled base for your latte.
Step 3: Mix Latte Ingredients
Pour the cooled coffee or espresso over the ice. Add ¾ cup cold milk and your desired amount of simple syrup or sweetener. Stir well to combine until the drink is creamy and blended.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Top with whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, or chocolate shavings if desired. Sip and enjoy your homemade iced latte!
Notes for the Best Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
- Use coffee ice cubes (freeze leftover coffee) to avoid dilution—see Serious Eats' iced coffee guide for more tips.
- For an extra smooth latte, use a milk frother or shake the milk in a jar before adding.
- Sweeten to taste—start with less and add more if needed.
Variations: Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café, Your Way
- Vanilla Iced Latte: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract with the milk.
- Caramel Iced Latte: Swirl 1 tablespoon caramel sauce into the drink before serving.
- Dairy-Free Iced Latte: Use oat or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free treat.
Required Equipment for Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
- Coffee maker or espresso machine (or French press)
- Tall glass
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage & Shelf Life
Your iced latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers (without ice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving and add fresh ice. Avoid storing with ice to prevent watering down.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Pair your iced latte with buttery croissants, homemade banana bread, or fluffy American pancakes.
- Enjoy as a morning drink, afternoon snack, or alongside a savory brunch spread.
Pro Tips for Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
- Use freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before assembling for an ultra-cold experience.
- Try different milks for unique flavors—learn more about milk options at Healthline's milk guide.
FAQ: Iced Latte Recipe – Better Than a Café
- Can I make this iced latte with instant coffee?
Yes! Dissolve 2 teaspoons instant coffee in ¼ cup hot water, then add cold water to equal 1 cup before chilling. - What's the best milk for an iced latte?
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but oat or almond milk are great for a dairy-free version. - How do I make my iced latte stronger?
Use double-strength coffee or an extra shot of espresso for a bolder, richer flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 1 cup whole milk, chilled
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons flavored syrup (caramel or hazelnut, optional)
Instructions
-
1Brew 1 cup of strong espresso or coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature.
-
2Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
-
3In a separate container, mix the cooled espresso, chilled milk, simple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
-
4Pour the coffee and milk mixture evenly over the ice in both glasses.
-
5Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired. Add flavored syrup for extra taste.
-
6Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade iced latte.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!