An iced honey latte is a perfect blend of smooth espresso, creamy milk, and natural honey sweetness.
It offers a refreshing yet rich flavor that stands out from typical iced coffee drinks.
Thanks to its popularity at Starbucks, more people are enjoying this unique combination.
The best part?
You can easily make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Here’s how!
Why Use Honey in Coffee?
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey is more than just a sweetener; it’s packed with natural health benefits.
Unlike processed sugar, honey contains antioxidants that can help protect your body from cell damage.
These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to overall wellness.
Additionally, honey has a gentler effect on blood sugar levels compared to regular sugar, making it a better option for those looking to manage their blood sugar more carefully.
Its natural makeup can provide a boost of energy without the sharp spikes and crashes that sugar can cause.
Flavor Profile
Honey adds a unique flavor to coffee that you don’t get from other sweeteners.
It introduces subtle floral notes and a natural complexity, creating a more nuanced sweetness.
Unlike syrups or sugar, which can overwhelm the taste of coffee, honey blends smoothly, enhancing the espresso’s rich, bold flavor.
Customization
One of the best things about using honey in your iced latte is how customizable it is.
You can adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
For a lighter sweetness, use a small amount to let the espresso shine through.
If you prefer a stronger honey flavor, simply add more until it matches your taste.
Essential Ingredients
- Espresso:
- 2–4 ounces of espresso
- Recommended coffee beans: Look for flavors like cherry, chocolate, or nuts to complement the honey.
- Honey:
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey (for a more natural flavor) or regular honey (for a milder, uniform sweetness).
- Milk Options:
- 1 cup whole milk for creaminess, or
- Non-dairy alternatives like oat milk (barista-style for frothing) or almond milk for a lighter, nutty flavor.
- Ice Cubes:
- 6–8 regular ice cubes, or
- Coffee ice cubes to avoid diluting the drink.
Equipment
- Espresso Machine: Ideal for pulling strong espresso shots.
- Moka Pot or French Press: Alternative brewing methods to create a concentrated coffee base.
- Optional Frother: For frothing milk and adding a creamy texture (electric or manual frother, or shake milk in a mason jar).
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Start by brewing 2–4 ounces of espresso using your preferred method.
If you have an espresso machine, this will give you the richest flavor.
Alternatively, a moka pot or French press can also work well for making a concentrated coffee base.
Make sure the espresso is slightly cooled before the next step.
Step 2: Stir in the Honey
While the espresso is still warm but not too hot, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey.
Mixing the honey into the warm espresso helps it dissolve fully, creating a smooth sweetness that blends well with the coffee.
If the espresso is too cold, the honey may not dissolve properly, so ensure it’s just right.
Step 3: Add the Ice Cubes
Fill a glass with 6–8 ice cubes.
Pour the honey-infused espresso over the ice.
The ice helps cool the espresso down instantly, turning it into a refreshing iced drink.
Step 4: Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour 1 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative like oat or almond milk) over the ice and espresso.
The milk adds creaminess and balances out the strong espresso flavor, creating a rich and smooth drink.
For a thicker texture, barista-style oat milk works particularly well.
Step 5: Optional: Froth the Milk
If you want to make your iced honey latte even creamier, froth the milk before pouring it into the glass.
You can use a milk frother, whisk, or even shake the milk in a mason jar for about 30 seconds to achieve a light foam.
This adds a luxurious texture similar to what you’d get from a coffee shop.
Step 6: Stir and Enjoy
Give your drink a good stir to ensure the espresso, milk, and honey are well-mixed.
If you prefer extra sweetness, drizzle a little more honey on top.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your iced honey latte!
Customization Options
Dairy-Free Alternatives
For those looking for a dairy-free version of the iced honey latte, barista-style oat milk or almond milk are excellent choices.
Barista-style oat milk is especially great because it froths well and adds a naturally creamy texture that pairs perfectly with honey.
Almond milk is another good option if you prefer a lighter and slightly nutty flavor.
Both alternatives maintain the smoothness of the latte while offering a non-dairy solution.
Keto-Friendly Version
If you’re following a keto diet, it’s important to balance your carb intake when using honey.
While honey isn’t typically considered keto-friendly due to its sugar content, it can still be enjoyed in moderation if you manage your carbs throughout the day.
One tablespoon of honey contains about 17 grams of carbs, so to keep your latte keto-friendly, you can reduce the honey or adjust your meals to compensate for those carbs.
Additionally, using a low-carb milk alternative like almond milk further helps keep the carb count low while still allowing you to enjoy the drink’s natural sweetness.
Caffeine-Free Variation
For a caffeine-free version of the iced honey latte, decaf espresso is a simple substitution.
You can still get the rich, bold coffee flavor without the caffeine.
If decaf espresso isn’t available, a strong cold brew made from decaf coffee beans is another great alternative.
This way, you can enjoy the same smooth and sweet experience without the caffeine buzz.
Tips for Perfecting Your Iced Honey Latte
Espresso Tips
To get the best flavor in your iced honey latte, start with freshly brewed espresso.
Fresh espresso has a rich, bold taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey.
As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have an espresso machine, no problem!
You can make a strong coffee base using a moka pot or a French press.
A moka pot produces concentrated coffee similar to espresso, while a French press can create a strong brew that works well for iced drinks.
Make sure to let the espresso cool slightly before mixing it with honey to prevent the ice from melting too quickly.
Frothing Milk
Frothing the milk is an easy way to add creaminess and texture to your iced honey latte.
While it’s not a must, frothy milk gives your drink a café-quality feel.
You can use a milk frother, which is the easiest and quickest method.
If you don’t have one, you can still froth your milk by pouring it into a mason jar, sealing the lid, and shaking it vigorously for about 30 seconds.
Another option is using a hand whisk to create foam.
Honey Syrup
Honey can sometimes be a bit tricky to mix into cold drinks.
A great tip is to make honey syrup by dissolving honey in warm water.
This makes it much easier to incorporate into the espresso and milk.
To do this, simply stir equal parts honey and warm water until fully combined.
You can even make a larger batch and store it in the fridge, so it’s ready to use whenever you want to make an iced honey latte.
This syrup blends seamlessly into cold drinks, ensuring the honey flavor is evenly distributed.
Variations to Try
Iced Honey Oat Milk Latte
For a dairy-free spin on the classic iced honey latte, try the Iced Honey Oat Milk Latte.
Inspired by Starbucks, this version uses oat milk and honey syrup for a smooth, creamy texture.
Oat milk naturally complements the honey’s sweetness, providing a rich mouthfeel without the need for dairy.
To make it, simply swap regular milk with a barista-style oat milk and mix in honey syrup instead of straight honey.
Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte
If you’re looking for a fall-inspired twist, the Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte is a perfect choice.
Add a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract to your iced honey latte for a warm, cozy flavor.
The cinnamon adds a slight spiciness that pairs beautifully with the honey’s sweetness, while the vanilla enhances the overall depth of the drink.
Hot Honey Latte
For a cozier option, turn your iced latte into a Hot Honey Latte by omitting the ice and steaming the milk instead.
Start by brewing your espresso, then dissolve the honey directly into the warm coffee.
Steam the milk (or heat it on the stovetop) and pour it over the honey-sweetened espresso.
The result is a creamy, warm latte with the same balanced sweetness of honey.
Conclusion
Making an iced honey latte at home is simple and rewarding.
With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a refreshing, naturally sweetened coffee drink in minutes.
Honey not only adds a unique flavor but also brings health benefits, making it a better choice than regular sugar.
Plus, you can easily customize this latte to fit your preferences, whether it’s by choosing non-dairy milk, adjusting the sweetness, or even making it caffeine-free.
Enjoy your delicious iced honey latte!
FAQ’s
Does honey dissolve well in iced drinks?
Honey can be tricky to dissolve in cold drinks because it’s naturally thick and sticky.
When added to a cold liquid, it tends to clump and sink to the bottom.
To make it easier, you can create honey syrup by mixing equal parts honey and warm water.
This makes it easier to stir into iced drinks, ensuring the honey blends smoothly and evenly throughout the latte.
Is honey better than sugar in coffee?
Honey is often considered a healthier alternative to sugar.
It contains natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Unlike processed sugar, honey has a lower glycemic index, which means it can help avoid sharp spikes in blood sugar levels.
Flavor-wise, honey adds a more complex sweetness with subtle floral notes that sugar doesn’t offer, making it a great complement to coffee’s bold flavors.
Can I make an iced honey latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can still make a great iced honey latte without an espresso machine.
A French press or moka pot are excellent alternatives.
Both can brew strong, concentrated coffee that mimics the richness of espresso.
