Iced Latte Recipe

Steps

1. Fill a tall glass with 100–120 g of ice.
2. Pour in 150–180 ml of cold milk.
3. Add simple syrup, if using, and stir it into the milk.
4. Brew a double espresso using 18 g of coffee and aim for a final yield of 36–40 g.
5. Let the espresso rest for 30–60 seconds, then pour it slowly over the milk and ice.
6. Serve layered or stir thoroughly before drinking.

Iced Latte Ratio

Use approximately one part espresso to three or four parts milk. A 36–40 g double espresso with 150–180 ml milk makes a balanced drink. Reduce the milk to 120–150 ml for a stronger coffee flavour, or add a little more for a softer latte.

What Milk Works Best?

Whole milk gives the drink a rounded texture and natural sweetness. Semi-skimmed milk tastes lighter, while barista oat milk is the most reliable dairy-free option because it stays creamy when diluted by ice. Whatever you choose, use it directly from the fridge.

How to Keep an Iced Latte from Becoming Watery

Fill the glass generously with large, solid ice cubes and start with very cold milk. Let the espresso cool for no more than a minute before pouring. For a slower drink, freeze leftover coffee into ice cubes so melting ice adds coffee rather than plain water.

Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee

An Iced Latte always combines espresso with a substantial amount of milk. Iced coffee can be black or milky and may begin as chilled filter coffee, cold brew or espresso. The Iced Coffee recipes hub compares those styles side by side.

Iced Latte vs Iced Americano

An Iced Americano dilutes espresso with cold water, so it tastes cleaner and more intense. An Iced Latte uses three to four parts milk instead, giving it a creamier texture and softer coffee flavour.

Flavoured Iced Latte Variations

• For a lighter, coffee-forward drink, shake espresso with ice and brown sugar in the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso recipe.
• For caramel sweetness, make the Iced Caramel Latte with a measured amount of syrup.
• For airy cold foam and a savoury edge, try the Iced Salted Vanilla Cloud Foam.
• For a richer drink made with condensed milk, use the Vietnamese Iced Coffee recipe.
• For a simple vanilla latte, mix 10 ml vanilla syrup into the milk before adding espresso.

Tips

• Chill the glass before assembling the latte.
• A medium or slightly darker espresso roast will remain noticeable through cold milk.
• Mix syrup into the milk or warm espresso before adding ice so it dissolves evenly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ratio for an Iced Latte?

Start with one part espresso to three or four parts milk. For a 40 g double espresso, use approximately 150–180 ml of cold milk.

Do you cool espresso before making an Iced Latte?

A brief 30–60 second rest reduces immediate ice melt, but do not leave espresso sitting for a long time. Plenty of cold milk and solid ice will cool it quickly.

Should milk or espresso go into the glass first?

Add ice and milk first, then pour the espresso over them for a layered drink. Mix before drinking for an even flavour.

Can you make an Iced Latte without an espresso machine?

Yes. Use 45–50 ml of strong Moka Pot coffee or a concentrated AeroPress brew, cool it briefly and pour it over the milk and ice.

What is the difference between iced coffee and an Iced Latte?

An Iced Latte is specifically espresso mixed with a generous amount of cold milk and ice. Iced coffee can also mean chilled filter coffee, cold brew or a black espresso drink over ice.