Craving a delicious iced vanilla latte?
You don’t need a fancy machine or a trip to Starbucks to enjoy one.
With just a few simple ingredients—coffee, milk, and vanilla syrup—you can whip up this refreshing drink right at home.
Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also way more affordable than buying one from a coffee shop.
Ready to learn how? Let’s get started!
How To Make An Iced Vanilla Latte: At A Glance
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add the vanilla syrup
- Add the coffee or espresso
- Top with milk
- Enjoy!
Ingredients Needed
Espresso or Strong Coffee
To make a flavorful iced vanilla latte, you’ll need a strong coffee base.
While espresso is the traditional choice, you can easily substitute it with strongly brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
Espresso provides a rich, concentrated flavor, which is why it’s preferred for a bold latte.
If using brewed coffee, make sure it’s brewed on the stronger side to match the intensity of espresso.
You’ll need about 2 shots of espresso (3 oz) or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee.
Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla syrup is what gives this drink its signature sweetness.
You can use store-bought vanilla syrup or make your own at home.
If you prefer homemade, all you need are three simple ingredients: sugar, water, and vanilla extract (or paste).
Specifically, you’ll need about ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and ½ tablespoon vanilla extract.
Milk
The milk you choose can drastically affect the texture and flavor of your iced vanilla latte.
Whole milk is a great option for a creamy, rich taste.
However, if you prefer plant-based alternatives, oat, almond, or soy milk work just as well.
Use 4-6 oz of milk depending on how strong or creamy you want your drink.
Each milk type will slightly alter the flavor, so pick what suits your preference best.
Ice
Ice is key to a refreshing iced latte, but it can water down your drink as it melts.
A good tip is to use coffee ice cubes, made by freezing brewed coffee.
This way, your latte stays cold without losing any flavor.
Regular ice cubes work fine too if you’re in a rush.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Syrup (Optional)
Making your own vanilla syrup at home is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients: sugar, water, and vanilla extract (or paste).
Here’s a quick recipe you can follow:
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a simmer until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract or paste.
- Let the syrup cool before transferring it to a jar or bottle.
Once the syrup is made, you can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
This makes it a convenient option to have on hand for future iced vanilla lattes or other recipes that call for vanilla syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brew the Coffee or Espresso
The base of an iced vanilla latte is strong coffee or espresso.
If you have an espresso machine, brew 2 shots of espresso (3 oz).
If you don’t have an espresso machine, there are great alternatives.
You can use a French press to make strong coffee or try cold brew for a smoother flavor.
Simply use ½ cup of strongly brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate for similar results.
2. Prepare the Vanilla Syrup
If you’re using homemade vanilla syrup, follow the quick recipe outlined earlier.
It’s as simple as simmering ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water together, then adding ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract or paste.
Let it cool before use.
If you’re opting for store-bought vanilla syrup, you can skip this step.
3. Assemble the Drink
Now, it’s time to bring everything together!
- Fill a glass with ice – Fill your glass halfway with regular ice or coffee ice cubes if you prefer to prevent dilution.
- Add the vanilla syrup – Pour 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup over the ice. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preferred sweetness.
- Add the coffee or espresso – Pour the freshly brewed espresso (or coffee) over the syrup and ice, stirring gently to combine.
- Top with milk – Finally, pour 4-6 oz of your milk of choice over the mixture. Stir gently to blend all the flavors together.
- Now, your iced vanilla latte is ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of your iced vanilla latte will vary depending on the type of milk and amount of syrup you use.
Here’s a rough estimate for some common variations:
With Whole Milk
- Calories: ~180-200
- Fat: ~7-9g
- Carbohydrates: ~20-25g
- Sugar: ~20g (from the vanilla syrup)
- Protein: ~6-8g
Whole milk provides a richer, creamier texture and slightly higher calories and fat.
With Oat Milk (unsweetened)
- Calories: ~140-160
- Fat: ~3-5g
- Carbohydrates: ~20-24g
- Sugar: ~15-18g
- Protein: ~2-4g
Oat milk is a popular dairy-free option that’s a bit lighter in fat but still creamy.
With Almond Milk (unsweetened)
- Calories: ~110-130
- Fat: ~3-4g
- Carbohydrates: ~10-15g
- Sugar: ~10-12g
- Protein: ~1-2g
Almond milk is lower in calories but also lighter in texture and flavor.
Vanilla Syrup
The vanilla syrup typically adds about 50-60 calories per 2 tablespoons.
You can adjust this to control the overall sweetness and calorie content of the drink.
These estimates may vary based on specific brands or types of milk, so always check your product labels for the most accurate information.
Optional Additions and Variations
Whipped Cream
For an extra indulgent touch, top your iced vanilla latte with whipped cream.
It adds a creamy, sweet element that elevates the overall flavor.
You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own at home by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract.
Adding whipped cream also creates a visually appealing drink, perfect for a treat on a hot day.
Flavored Variations
You can easily switch up the flavor of your iced vanilla latte by incorporating different syrups:
- Caramel Syrup: Add a sweet, buttery layer to your drink by swapping vanilla syrup for caramel syrup.
- Cinnamon Syrup: This is perfect for a warm, spiced twist. A dash of cinnamon adds depth to the drink’s flavor.
- Mint Syrup: For a refreshing spin, try mint syrup, which pairs surprisingly well with the coffee and milk base.
These syrups are easy to find in stores or can be made at home for a more customized flavor.
Seasonal Variations
Get creative with your iced vanilla latte by adding seasonal flavors:
- Autumn Spice: During the fall, try adding a pinch of pumpkin spice or a splash of spiced syrup to give your latte a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Peppermint: For a winter-inspired drink, add peppermint syrup or crushed candy canes to give your latte a festive, holiday vibe.
Tips for the Best Iced Vanilla Latte
Adjusting Sweetness
The sweetness of your iced vanilla latte is entirely customizable.
If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor with a hint of vanilla, start with 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup.
For a sweeter drink, go up to 2-3 tablespoons.
Adjust it based on your taste preference as you experiment with the recipe.
Cold Brew Option
For a smoother, less acidic coffee base, you can substitute espresso or strong-brewed coffee with cold brew.
Cold brew coffee is known for its mellow flavor and low acidity, making it a great choice for iced drinks.
If you’re using cold brew, replace the espresso with ½ cup of cold brew concentrate.
Dairy-Free Options
If you’re dairy-free or prefer plant-based milk, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
Oat milk is a great option because of its creamy texture that closely resembles whole milk.
Almond milk offers a lighter, nutty flavor, while coconut milk gives the drink a hint of tropical richness.
Espresso Machine Alternatives
Don’t have an espresso machine? No problem.
You can still make a great iced vanilla latte using strong-brewed coffee.
Simply brew ½ cup of strong coffee using your preferred method, like a French press or drip coffee maker.
Alternatively, you can use instant espresso powder mixed with hot water for a quick fix.
Conclusion
Make your own iced vanilla latte at home with just a few simple ingredients.
This easy Starbucks copycat recipe is quick, delicious, and customizable to your taste.
Try it today and share your creations!
FAQs
How is an Iced Latte different from Iced Coffee?
An iced latte is made with espresso and a larger amount of milk, creating a creamier drink.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed coffee served over ice with little or no milk, giving it a stronger coffee flavor.
In an iced latte, the coffee-to-milk ratio is more balanced, while iced coffee has a higher coffee content with less dilution from milk.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes! You can make your iced vanilla latte sugar-free by using a sugar-free vanilla syrup, which is widely available in stores.
Alternatively, you can make your own by using a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol in your homemade syrup recipe.
Simply replace the sugar in the syrup recipe with your preferred substitute to create a low-calorie, sugar-free version.
What’s the difference between using espresso and cold brew?
Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee, giving your iced vanilla latte a bold, rich flavor.
Cold brew, on the other hand, is brewed slowly with cold water over several hours, resulting in a smoother, less acidic flavor.
If you prefer a more mellow coffee taste, cold brew is a great alternative.
Espresso provides a stronger coffee punch, while cold brew gives a more subtle coffee profile.
How can I make this a hot vanilla latte?
To turn this recipe into a hot vanilla latte, simply skip the ice and use hot espresso or strong coffee.
Warm up the milk before adding it to the coffee, and mix in the vanilla syrup.
Stir well and enjoy!
You can also froth the milk for a creamier texture, similar to what you’d find in a coffee shop.
