An iced latte is one of the most refreshing and popular coffee drinks around the world. Whether it’s a hot summer morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, the combination of chilled milk and bold espresso poured over ice hits the spot every time. The best part? You don’t need a fancy espresso machine or barista training to make an incredible iced latte at home.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to craft café-quality iced lattes using simple ingredients and tools, how to customize flavors, and tips to get the perfect balance between coffee and milk.
What Is an Iced Latte?
An iced latte is a cold coffee beverage made with:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or strong coffee)
- Cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice
It’s creamy, smooth, and usually not very sweet unless flavored. Unlike iced coffee—which is simply brewed coffee served over ice—an iced latte uses espresso as its base, giving it a richer and bolder flavor.
Why Make It at Home?
Making iced lattes at home has multiple benefits:
- Saves money: Café iced lattes can cost $4–$6 each
- Total control: Choose your milk, coffee strength, and sweetness
- Customizable: Add flavors, syrups, and toppings just the way you like
- No long lines: Brew and enjoy in minutes
Plus, it’s a fun and satisfying process—especially when you nail that perfect ratio of espresso to milk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make an iced latte at home, gather the following:
Required:
- Fresh coffee beans (espresso roast or dark roast)
- Cold milk (whole, skim, almond, oat, soy, etc.)
- Ice cubes
- Optional sweetener (sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
Optional:
- Flavor syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, mocha)
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder for topping
Tools and Equipment
You don’t need a full espresso bar to make a great iced latte, but you do need one way to make strong concentrated coffee.
Recommended Tools:
- Espresso machine (ideal but not necessary)
- Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press (alternatives for strong coffee)
- Milk frother or whisk (for texture, optional)
- Tall glass
- Spoon or stirrer
- Coffee grinder (for best results)
Step-by-Step: How to Make an Iced Latte
Step 1: Brew the Espresso (or Strong Coffee)
Start by brewing your espresso or a strong coffee alternative. Here are the best options:
Option A: Espresso Machine
- Pull a single or double shot (30–60 ml)
- Let it cool slightly before adding to ice
Option B: Moka Pot
- Use finely ground coffee
- Brew on the stovetop until concentrated
- Equivalent to strong espresso
Option C: AeroPress
- Use a 1:3 ratio of coffee to water
- Brew with 15–18g of coffee and 60ml water
- Press directly into a cup or pitcher
Option D: French Press
- Use a higher coffee ratio (1:10)
- Steep 4 minutes, plunge, and chill
- Works well if you don’t have espresso tools
Let your coffee cool slightly before pouring over ice to avoid melting it instantly.
Step 2: Fill Your Glass with Ice
Use a tall glass (12–16 oz) and fill it 3/4 full of ice. For best results, use fresh ice made from filtered water.
Tip: You can freeze coffee ice cubes to avoid dilution.
Step 3: Pour in the Espresso
Gently pour your cooled espresso or strong coffee over the ice. You’ll see a rich dark layer begin to form at the bottom of the glass.
If you plan to add syrup, do it now so it dissolves easily in the coffee.
Step 4: Add Cold Milk
Pour in 150–200ml of cold milk, depending on your taste and cup size. You can use:
- Whole milk for creaminess
- Skim milk for a lighter version
- Oat or almond milk for dairy-free options
For a more layered look, pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon—it’ll float on top of the coffee.
Step 5: Stir and Taste
Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the layers and taste it. Adjust by:
- Adding more milk if it’s too strong
- Adding more coffee if it’s too light
- Adding sweetener or syrup if needed
Optional: Top It Off
For a café-style touch, top your iced latte with:
- Whipped cream
- Foamed milk
- Caramel or chocolate drizzle
- Dusting of cinnamon or cocoa
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try adding fun flavors to keep things exciting.
1. Vanilla Iced Latte
- Add 1–2 tsp of vanilla syrup before pouring in the milk
2. Caramel Iced Latte
- Mix in caramel syrup + drizzle on top
3. Mocha Iced Latte
- Stir in 1 tbsp of chocolate syrup before milk
- Top with whipped cream and cocoa powder
4. Hazelnut Iced Latte
- Add hazelnut syrup for a nutty twist
- Pairs well with oat or almond milk
5. Honey Cinnamon Iced Latte
- Mix 1 tsp honey + pinch of cinnamon into espresso
6. Coconut Iced Latte
- Use cold coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes
Pro Tips for the Perfect Iced Latte
- Chill your glass before making the drink—it helps keep it cold longer.
- Pre-make espresso shots and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to save time.
- Use barista-style plant milks (like Oatly Barista or Califia Farms) for better froth and texture.
- If you’re making it daily, invest in a reusable straw and insulated tumbler to enjoy it on the go.
Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Iced Latte | Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Base | Espresso or concentrated brew | Regular brewed coffee |
| Milk Ratio | High (usually 1:2 or 1:3) | Low or optional |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth | Light and refreshing |
| Brew Strength | Strong, but balanced by milk | Milder unless double-strength |
| Customization | Ideal for flavored drinks | Typically served black or sweetened |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an iced latte with instant coffee?
Yes, you can mix 1–2 tsp of instant coffee with a small amount of hot water to mimic espresso. Not ideal, but a quick alternative.
Do I need to froth the milk for an iced latte?
No, but frothing can add a nice texture. Some prefer cold foam on top, especially for a Starbucks-style effect.
How long does an iced latte last?
It’s best consumed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge (covered) for 24 hours. Stir before drinking.
Final Thoughts: Your Coffee, Your Way
Making iced lattes at home is easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Once you understand the basic process, you can experiment with flavors, adjust strength, or even recreate your favorite café drinks.
Whether you’re using espresso, a Moka pot, or strong brewed coffee, the iced latte is a perfect way to enjoy coffee cold without sacrificing flavor. So skip the line, grab your favorite mug, and start crafting your own signature iced latte at home.