You only need 3 ingredients to make the best Iced Vanilla Latte at home: espresso, milk and homemade vanilla syrup. It’s so creamy and refreshing!

Pour it over ice for the ultimate cool-down on a hot day, customize the sweetness exactly how you like it, and enjoy that perfect balance of strong espresso, velvety milk, and rich vanilla. Itโs the summer coffee treat youโll want on repeat!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Coffee shop taste at home: Get that creamy, sweet, barista-style drink without leaving your kitchen.
- Quick and customizable: This latte is ready in minutes and is so easy to adjust to your perfect level of sweetness and strength.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Espresso shots โ Swap with strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate if you donโt have an espresso machine.
- Vanilla syrup โ Use store-bought, homemade, or try other flavours like caramel or hazelnut syrup.
- Ice โ Crushed or cubed both work; adjust for your perfect chill level.
- Milk โ 2% is classic, but you can use skim, whole, oat, almond, soy, or any milk you love for dairy-free options.

How to make this iced vanilla latte

Step 1: Make espresso.
Brew 2 espresso shots using the espresso machine.
Step 2: Chill your glass.
Fill a large glass with a generous handful of ice to keep everything nice and cold.

Step 3: Add vanilla syrup.
Pour 1 tbsp of vanilla syrup over the ice.
Step 4: Add milk.
Pour in your choice of milk.

Step 5: Pour in espresso.
Slowly pour the espresso over.
Step 6: Stir and enjoy.
Give it a good stir, pop in a straw, and sip away!

Recipe Tips & Variations
This iced vanilla latte gives you coffee shop vibes at home. Hereโs how to make it even better:
- Chill your glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes for the ultimate icy-cold sip.
- Make it extra fancy: Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of extra syrup.
- Batch the syrup: Make extra homemade vanilla syrup to keep in the fridge so youโre always ready for more.
- Top it off: Add frothed milk on top for a cafรฉ-style finish.
- Go decaf: Perfect for an afternoon treat without the jitters.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make the coffee taste stronger without adding more caffeine?
Use less milk for a more concentrated flavour without upping the caffeine. I usually add extra ice and it melts a bit and makes your glass appear fuller.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Just substitute the milk for a vegan-friendly option like soy, oat, coconut or cashew milk. You could also do almond milk but it won’t be as creamy.
How do I stop my iced latte from getting watered down?
Use coffee ice cubes! Just freeze leftover coffee in an ice tray so it stays strong as it melts.

How to make ahead and store
Make ahead: Brew the espresso and mix with vanilla syrup ahead of time for quick assembly.
Store: Keep the coffee and syrup mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, although I recommend brewing espresso shots fresh for best results.
More iced drinks to try

Iced Vanilla Latte (Ready in 5 Minutes!)
Ingredients
- 2 espresso shots
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
- 1 handful ice
- 3/4 cup milk I like 2% but you can use skim, whole or non-dairy
Instructions
- Brew espresso shots using an espresso maker. Add ice to a large glass, then add in 1 tbsp of vanilla syrup (see link in ingredient list for homemade simple syrup, or use store bought).
- Pour milk and espresso shots over top. Serve and enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Renee Amaral says
Love making this at home!