Iced Latte Recipe

Energizing and easy to make, this delicious Iced Latte comes together in just 5 minutes and is everyone’s favorite pick-me-up.

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Not long ago, I was buying some variation of an iced latte nearly every single day.
I lived around the corner from one of the best little coffee shops in Austin, and I just couldn’t help myself. One day, I sat down to run some calculations. Cowering at my laptop, I pored over the previous three months’ bank statements. I wanted to know how much money I’d spent on these seemingly innocuous caffeinated treats—and exactly how much money I could have been depositing into my high-yield savings account instead. I discovered that, over the course of those three months, I had spent roughly $180 on coffee drinks.

After a momentary freakout, I decided I would make a conscious effort to make quality coffee drinks at home that actually tasted good. I did a bit of research and invested in a few tools that would ensure my domestic coffee journey would be fun and fuss-free. After some trial and error, I was able to nail down an amazing iced latte recipe and had formed a really yummy (and fiscally responsible) habit. For this recipe, you’ll take two shots of espresso and your milk of choice (I’m partial to pistachio milk or half-and-half), and then add ice and your favorite sweetener to conjure up a truly delicious morning (or anytime!) cup of joe.

Is This Iced Latte Healthy?

I’d venture to say this iced latte is one of the healthier coffee beverage recipes because it doesn’t call for any added ingredients like flavored syrups. The sweetener is completely optional. You can also tinker with this recipe and tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs. Want it sweet but don’t want to consume sugar? Opt for a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia, both of which are zero-calorie alternatives. You can also use skim milk or almond milk to keep it extra light. That said, this latte does contain caffeine and should be enjoyed in moderation.

The Difference Between Lattes And Cappuccinos

Both lattes and cappuccinos are Italian espresso-based drinks, but their major difference lies in the ratios. A traditional caffè latte (or simply latte) is made using a 1:3 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, topped with a layer of milk foam. And as far as cappuccinos go, they are traditionally made with a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Cappuccinos definitely contain more milk than cortados or flat whites, but they have less milk than a caffè latte. In fact, it’s rumored that the latte was created as a response to the cappuccino being too strong, with more milk added to soften the flavor—and just like that, the latte was born.

INGREDIENTS

2 shots espresso about 2 ounces, hot or cold brewed
1 cup ice
3/4 cup milk any variety
Optional sweetener of choice like honey or agave syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Brew
Prepare espresso.

Assemble
Combine ice, espresso, and milk.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Of course, an iced latte is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend keeping it in a glass cup. Keep in mind the ice will melt and dilute the coffee flavor. If you’d like to prep for busy mornings, you can brew the espresso ahead of time and store it in the fridge (separately from the milk) for up to 4 days.

Can I Use Strong Coffee If I Can’t Make Espresso at Home?

Absolutely. I’d recommend finely ground beans with the pour-over method. You could also just use your standard drip coffee machine, but make sure to adjust the ratio of coffee to water to ensure a bolder result. Cold brew concentrate works well here, too.

Why Is My Latte Watery and Diluted?

When you add ice to any drink, it will dilute it. Although this takes a little bit of forethought, a hack that I’ve had great results with is making espresso ice cubes in an ice cube tray. It’s an easy trick and it means you won’t be adding extra water to the beverage. These days, you’ll usually find at least one tray of espresso cubes in my freezer.

Serving Suggestions

When I’m sipping an iced latte, I’m almost always pairing it with something a little sweet, whether it’s a square of chocolate or a cookie of some kind. For some delicious and foolproof options, take a look at these Almond Flour Sugar Cookies or this recipe for Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones.

These two recipes for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats and Blueberry Oatmeal With Cheesecake Swirl are perfect for when you’re not in the mood for a baked good. My favorite accompaniment, though, has to be a crusty piece of toasted sourdough topped with Pistachio Butter.