Satisfy your cravings for a refreshing iced latte without having to leave your house! Learn how to make your own version at home easily.
I started making iced lattes at home to save a bit of money, and now I honestly prefer them! It’s so nice being able to tweak the sweetness and milk just the way I like it so that it's perfect for me every time. You deserve a delicious latte that feels like a treat without the café price tag!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Café-quality taste: You only need a few basics to make this iced latte that tastes just like your favourite coffee shop version.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, milk, or coffee strength to make it exactly how you love it – no barista required!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Espresso – use any espresso shot, strong brewed coffee, or instant espresso if you don’t have a machine.
- Milk – substitute with almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any dairy-free option. Use whole milk for extra creaminess.
- Sugar – swap with honey, maple syrup, agave, stevia, or your favourite flavoured syrup (like vanilla or caramel).
- Ice cubes – crushed ice or coffee ice cubes (made from leftover brewed coffee) work great and help prevent dilution.
How to make your iced latte
Step 1: Make the simple syrup.
Dissolve sugar in hot water, then let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Brew the espresso.
Use your espresso machine to brew 1–2 shots of espresso.
Step 3: Fill your glass with ice.
Add ice cubes to a tall glass.
Step 4: Add the simple syrup and milk.
Pour in your simple syrup along with the milk.
Step 5: Pour in the espresso.
Slowly pour the hot espresso over the ice, milk, and syrup.
Step 6: Top with milk and serve.
Stir, and enjoy your café-style iced latte at home!
Recipe Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize your iced latte so it tastes just right every single time!
- Make extra syrup: Store your leftover simple syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use coffee ice cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray to keep your latte cold without watering it down.
- Try different milks: Oat milk adds a naturally sweet flavour, while almond milk is light and nutty. Whole milk will give the latte a creamier feel.
- Add a flavour twist: Stir in a splash of vanilla, caramel, hazelnut or cinnamon syrup for a flavoured café-style latte.
- Go dairy-free or sugar-free: Swap the milk for a plant-based option and use maple syrup, stevia or monk fruit for sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make an iced latte without an espresso machine?
Yes! Use strong brewed coffee, instant espresso, or cold brew concentrate as an easy alternative.
How do I make my iced latte stronger?
Use an extra shot of espresso or reduce the amount of milk to keep the coffee flavour more intense.
Can I make this drink decaf?
Yes, just use decaf espresso or instant decaf coffee if you want all the flavour without the caffeine.
How to store
Make ahead: Brew the espresso and prep the simple syrup in advance, and store both in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Store: Keep the espresso and syrup in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Meal prep tools
- Pick up some coffee beans or pre-ground coffee such as Lavazza.
- You may need a coffee grinder if you're using fresh whole beans.
- Check out the Philips 3300 coffee machine on Amazon – it's a great little coffee maker to use at home and it brews espresso shots too.
- If you're using brewed coffee instead of espresso shots, pick up cheesecloth or a pack of coffee filters to help strain your coffee.
How to Make the Best Iced Latte at Home
Ingredients
- 2 espresso shots
- 3/4 cup milk can be dairy or non-dairy; I prefer 2% milk
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 tbsp simple syrup optional
For simple syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Prepare in advance: Boil water in a kettle, and add sugar to a mason jar. Pour boiling water over sugar, mixing to combine. Let cool at least 30 minutes before using.
- Brew your espresso shots in your espresso machine. Add ice to a highball glass, add simple syrup if desired, then pour milk overtop (starting with 1/2 cup). Finish with the espresso shot and stir.
- Adjust the sweetness and milk according to your tastes. I always start with less and add more if I need to. Enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Katie Didow says
Goodbye expensive lattes! This is so easy!