Ice Latte
Caleb Ryan
| 18-05-2026
· Cate teamOn warm mornings or busy afternoons, a cold iced latte can feel especially refreshing. This popular coffee drink combines rich espresso, cold milk, and ice to create a smooth and creamy flavor.
Compared with regular iced coffee, an iced latte tastes softer and lighter because the milk helps balance the strong coffee flavor.
The best part is that we do not need expensive coffee equipment to prepare it at home. With only a few simple ingredients and less than five minutes, we can enjoy a café-style drink in our own kitchen. We can also adjust the sweetness, coffee strength, and milk type based on personal taste.
Preparation Time and Serving Size
- Preparation Time: About 5 minutes
- Total Time: About 5 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 large iced latte
This recipe is perfect for beginners because the steps are simple and easy to follow.
Ingredients We Need
Here are all the ingredients with detailed measurements:
- 2 ounces espresso (2 shots espresso)
- Or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- Or 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate
- 6 ounces milk of choice
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
- 1 to 2 tablespoons flavored syrup if desired
Recommended milk choices:
- Whole milk for a creamy texture
- Oat milk for a smooth dairy-free option
- Almond milk for a lighter taste
- Soy milk for a balanced flavor
Optional syrup flavors:
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel syrup
- Hazelnut syrup
If we prefer a less sweet drink, we can skip the syrup completely.
Kitchen Tools for Preparation
We only need a few basic kitchen tools:
- 16-ounce mason jar or large glass
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring cup
- Reusable straw if desired
Using a clear glass also makes the drink look more attractive because the coffee and milk create beautiful layers.
Step 1: Prepare Strong Coffee
1. The first step is making the coffee base. A rich coffee flavor helps the iced latte taste smoother and more balanced after adding milk and ice.
2. If using espresso:
- Brew 2 shots espresso until you get about 2 ounces liquid.
3. If using strong brewed coffee:
- Add 2 tablespoons ground coffee to about 1/2 cup hot water.
- Brew slightly stronger than normal coffee.
4. If using cold brew concentrate:
- Measure 1/2 cup directly from the refrigerator.
5. After brewing, allow the coffee to cool for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps keep the ice from melting too quickly.
Step 2: Mix in the Syrup
1. If we want a flavored latte, now is the best time to add syrup.
- Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons syrup into the warm coffee.
- Stir gently for about 10 seconds until fully mixed.
2. Adding syrup while the coffee is still warm helps the flavor spread evenly through the drink.
3. Vanilla syrup gives a soft and sweet flavor, while caramel syrup creates a richer café-style taste.
Step 3: Fill the Glass with Ice
1. Take a large glass or mason jar and add ice cubes.
- Use about 1 to 1 1/2 cups ice.
- Fill the glass about three-quarters full.
2. Using plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing for a longer time.
3. Fresh ice also helps maintain a cleaner flavor.
Step 4: Add the Milk
1. Next, pour the milk into the glass.
- Measure 6 ounces milk.
- Slowly pour it over the ice cubes.
2. Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, while oat milk gives a smooth and slightly rich finish.
3. If we enjoy a stronger coffee flavor, we can reduce the milk slightly to around 5 ounces.
Step 5: Pour in the Coffee
1. Now slowly pour the coffee mixture into the milk.
- Pour gently over the ice.
- Watch the coffee swirl through the milk.
2. This creates the classic layered iced latte appearance often seen in cafés.
3. For a colder drink, chilled coffee can also be used.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
1. Finally, stir everything together gently.
- Mix for about 5 to 10 seconds.
- Add a reusable straw if desired.
2. The iced latte is now ready to enjoy.
3. The flavor should taste smooth, creamy, refreshing, and balanced between coffee and milk.
Helpful Tips for Better Flavor
A few small tips can improve the drink even more:
- Use fresh coffee for a richer taste.
- Chill the serving glass before preparation for extra cooling.
- Adjust syrup amount depending on sweetness preference.
- Use larger ice cubes because they melt more slowly.
- For a stronger latte flavor, slightly increase the coffee amount.
We can also experiment with cinnamon powder, cocoa powder, or different milk choices for new flavors.
Why Homemade Iced Latte Is Worth Trying
Making iced latte at home is simple, quick, and budget-friendly. Instead of visiting a café every day, we can prepare a refreshing coffee drink in only a few minutes using ingredients already available in the kitchen.
Lykkers, homemade iced latte is a great way to enjoy a relaxing coffee break while also trying different flavors and styles. Once we learn the basic method, creating our favorite version becomes easy and fun. Let’s prepare a cold and creamy iced latte together and enjoy every refreshing sip!
How To Make Iced Latte
Video by The Dinner Bite