Iced Latte
Short description
An Iced Latte is a chilled coffee beverage made with espresso and cold milk, typically served over ice. It is refreshing, lightly creamy, and highlights the bold flavor of espresso balanced by the smoothness of milk.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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It offers a beautiful balance between strong espresso and creamy milk, cooled down by ice for a refreshing treat.
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Easy and quick to prepare with just a few ingredients.
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Easily customizable: use your preferred type of milk or add syrups and flavors.
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Perfect for warm weather or any time you want a cold caffeine boost without the fuss of complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.
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Espresso shots
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Cold milk (whole, skim, oat, almond, or choice)
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Ice cubes
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Optional: flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, etc.)
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Optional: sweetener (sugar, simple syrup, honey, etc.)
Directions
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Brew one or two shots of espresso. Let them cool slightly to avoid melting too much ice.
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Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
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Pour the cold milk over the ice, leaving room for espresso.
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Add sweetener or flavored syrup if using, and stir until fully dissolved.
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Slowly pour the espresso over the milk and ice. This layering can create a beautiful visual effect.
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Stir gently before drinking to combine flavors evenly.
Servings and timing
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Serves: 1 person
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Preparation time: about 5 minutes
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Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Use different kinds of milk: dairy (whole, skim) or non‑dairy (oat, almond, soy) to suit dietary preferences.
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Try flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or mocha for extra sweetness.
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Make it dairy‑free or vegan by using plant‑based milks.
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Add spices: sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
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Swap espresso for strong cold‑brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
storage/reheating
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Iced Lattes are best enjoyed immediately. They do not store well once ice has melted.
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If you want to prepare ingredients ahead, you can brew and chill the espresso and refrigerate it up to 24 hours. Use fresh ice and milk when ready to serve.
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Reheating is not applicable since this is a cold drink; warming it would defeat the iced concept.
FAQs
How many shots of espresso should I use?
It depends on how strong you like your coffee. Typically one shot (about 1 ounce) for a light taste, two shots for a bolder flavor.
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?
Yes. Use strong brewed or cold‑brewed coffee. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
What kind of milk works best?
Whole milk gives a richer texture, but skim or non‑dairy milks like oat, almond, and soy work well too, especially if you prefer a lighter or vegan version.
How do I avoid the drink getting too diluted?
Let the espresso cool slightly before pouring over ice, use large ice cubes (they melt more slowly), and don’t over‑ice.
Can I make it sugar‑free?
Absolutely. Skip syrups and sweeteners, or use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit if desired.
Is there a way to make it frothy?
You can froth a small amount of milk and add it on top, or use a milk frother on cold milk to create a foam layer.
How should I store leftover espresso?
Keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Use it cold in chilled recipes; avoid reheating if possible.
Can I use flavored milks?
Yes. Flavored milks add sweetness and complexity. Be mindful of added sugar if paying attention to dietary intake.
What’s the best ratio of milk to espresso?
A common ratio is 3 parts milk to 1 part espresso, but you can adjust to taste.
Can I add ice cream for a dessert twist?
Yes, adding a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream turns it into an indulgent treat similar to an affogato‑style iced latte.
Conclusion
The Iced Latte is a simple yet elegant beverage combining the boldness of espresso with the cool creaminess of milk and ice. It’s versatile, quick to make, and delightful as a refreshing pick‑me‑up. Feel free to experiment with milk types, syrups, or coffee strength to find your perfect version.
