An iced latte is the perfect blend of rich espresso and cold, creamy milk—making it a favorite among coffee lovers everywhere.
Whether you're craving a quick morning pick-me-up or a refreshing afternoon indulgence, the iced latte offers a cool twist on traditional coffee that’s satisfying and energizing.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make the ideal iced latte at home, with tips to customize it to your taste. After reading this article, you’ll soon be master the art of making this classic iced coffee drink!
1. Ingredients for Iced Latte
To make a classic iced latte, you'll need just a few simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
Espresso or Strong Coffee: The base of your iced latte is strong coffee, and espresso is the traditional choice. You’ll need about 1 shot of espresso per serving (about 30 mL) or 1 cup of very strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
Cold Milk: The milk is what gives the iced latte its creamy texture. You can use any milk you prefer—whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or even a dairy-free alternative.
Ice Cubes: Ice is essential to make your iced latte cold and refreshing.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Iced Latte
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make your iced latte! Follow these simple steps for the perfect iced coffee:
Step 1: Brew the Espresso or Coffee
Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you’re using an espresso machine, brew a shot of espresso (about 30 mL). For a stronger coffee flavor, you can brew double the amount of espresso, or use a coffee machine to brew about ½ cup of very strong coffee. Allow it to cool down slightly before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. The more ice you add, the colder and more refreshing your iced latte will be. Make sure the glass is large enough to hold both the coffee and milk.
Step 3: Pour in the Coffee
Pour the brewed espresso or strong coffee over the ice. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can use two shots of espresso, or simply adjust the amount of coffee to your taste.
Step 4: Add Milk
Pour your chilled milk of choice into the glass with the ice and coffee. The amount of milk you use depends on your preferred strength and creaminess. Typically, ¾ of the glass should be filled with milk for a balanced iced latte. Stir the mixture gently to combine the coffee and milk.
Ice Latte
Video by Starbucks Coffee
3. Tips for the Perfect Iced Latte
To make sure your iced latte turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee: The quality of your espresso or coffee is crucial to the flavor of your iced latte. Make sure to use freshly brewed, high-quality coffee beans for the best result.
Chill your milk: For a smoother texture, you can chill your milk in the fridge before adding it to your iced latte. Cold milk will mix better with the ice and coffee, giving you a more consistent drink.
Don’t skimp on ice: Iced lattes are meant to be cool and refreshing, so don’t be afraid to fill your glass with ice cubes. More ice will also help keep your drink colder for longer.
An iced latte is a simple yet satisfying drink that combines rich espresso with creamy milk and ice for a refreshing and energizing treat. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create this coffeehouse classic right at home. Whether you enjoy it black or with a hint of sweetness, iced lattes are customizable to suit your preferences.
