Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe- Starbucks Copycat Latte at Home
A hot summer afternoon with an iced latte, sounds good right? It feels like the perfect way to relax and enjoy the warmth of the day. Ah Yes! Today I want to share with you a simple and very delicious recipe called the Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe. This coffee is very smooth, so much creamy and the flavor makes this latte so much enjoyable.
This cool and creamy latte drink has become a top favorite among people who love a refreshing yet indulgent coffee or latte experience. Let’s dive into this easy and simple recipe and make this iced vanilla latte at home.
History Overview
I know you all are more excited to know the recipe, but before we start the recipe I want to provide you with just a little information about iced vanilla latte. So please have a little patience.
This latte is a part of the broader tradition of lattes, a drink that originated in the Southern European country of Italy. It is so much difficult to pinpoint exactly when this iced coffee and vanilla flavor became popular. In the late 20th century coinciding with the rise of coffee house culture and the expansion of chains like Starbucks in the 1990s.
Ingredients
Now start with ingredients, you don’t need to worry the ingredient list is too short and I think you will find every each one of them in your kitchen.
Espresso:
The main ingredient in this latte is espresso, you can use a double or single shot of espresso depending on your taste. And also you can make espresso shots by using any kind of espresso machine.
If you don’t have and want to buy one watch out our top 15 best espresso machines for home. And if you don’t want to buy any espresso machine, you can use a manual method of making espresso without an espresso machine. Check out our guide on how to make espresso without machine to create a perfect shot of espresso.
Remember, a perfect shot of espresso makes you drink doesn’t just satisfy you, it really makes you want more and more.
Vanilla Syrup:
As you see this recipe name you can guess that vanila has a major role in this latte. Vanilla syrup is one of the main ingredients in this iced vanilla latte recipe. The good news is, homemade vanilla syrup is made with just three ingredients.
Yes, you can make this syrup with just sugar, vanilla essence, and just water. And you can make a vanilla syrup imparts a smooth, sweet flavor with a fragrant vanilla essence. One more thing you can adjust the amount of vanilla syrup depending on the desired sweetness of the iced latte you want.
Milk:
For this latte we use cold milk. Though we know in traditional lattes we use steamed milk and the iced vanilla lattes are made with cold milk. The good thing is the cold milk makes the latte more lighter and smoother.
So many people use most commonly whole milk for iced vanilla latte. However, you can use non-dairy milks like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc. These alternatives can change the flavor of your latte; likewise the oat milk is particularly popular for its rich slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with your latte.
Whipped Cream:
Whipped cream is an optional ingredient in this latte. I use this as a topping. You can use any kind of whipped cream or if you want you can make this at home. However, you can use other things also as a topping like vanilla bean dust, caramel drizzle, honeycomb crunch, toasted coconut flakes, cinnamon or nutmeg dusting.
Ice:
This is the last ingredient you need to make this latte. I don’t think I need to describe ice or ice cubes. This chills your drink and makes it a refreshing treat, especially on hot summer days.
Measurements:
- 1 or 2 shots of brewed espresso (30–60 ml or 1–2 oz)
- 3/4 cup of milk (about 180 ml).
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup(about 30 ml).
- Ice cubes (about 6-8 cubes).
- Whipped cream for topping.
Step by Step Process of Iced Vanilla Latte
Step 1-Brew The Espresso
Now first step, brew the espresso, and I already told you 2 ways to brew the espresso for this latte. You can use any one of them and make a perfect shot of espresso and it cool down to normal temperature.
Step 2-Prepare The Glass
For preparing this glass we take a glass, add ice cubes, and pour in 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup. You can experiment with it as your test.
Step 3-Add The Milk
And now pour the cold milk into the glass and stir it well. You can use any kind of milk of your choice as I said before. Now stir evenly to mix the milk, and vanilla syrup.
Step 4-Pour The Espresso
Now it’s high time to pour the espresso shots into the glass. So pour the cooled espresso over the milk that will be a nice layered look. or you can mix it also.
Step 5-Topping
Now, to elevate this drink, top it with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel syrup for an extra indulgent treat. And now time has come to enjoy your refreshing iced vanilla latte!
Some Tips for a Perfect Iced Vanilla Latte
Must Chill Your Espresso Before Pouring
The fact is, hot espresso will instantly melt your ice and dilute the flavor. So after making your espresso, let it cool for 2-5 minutes, or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before adding it to the glass. This little trick will give you a bold and refreshing latte.
Milk Choice Affects Creaminess
Remember whole milk gives this latte a richer texture, but on the other hand oat milk offers a smooth, slightly sweet alternative that pairs beautifully with vanilla. Also, make sure your milk is well-chilled before pouring to keep the drink cold and creamy.
Use High-Quality Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla flavor is the soul of this creamy latte drink. If you want a good quality of vanilla taste try to use a premium vanilla syrup or it will be great to make your own at home with equal parts sugar and water, simmered with good quality vanilla extract or good quality of vanilla beans. These homemade vanilla syrup versions have a purer flavor and contain no preservatives which makes it 100 percent organic and safe for your health.
The Variation of Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe
While the classic iced vanilla latte is delicious on its own, there are some variations of this vanilla latte. Some famous variations include-
- Iced Vanilla Caramel Latte
- Iced Vanilla Mocha Latte
- Iced Vanilla Oat Milk Latte
- Iced Vanilla Honey Latte
Why Is This Iced Vanilla Latte So Popular?
Iced vanilla lattes are so much popular for several reasons, including their taste, texture, smooth and sweet flavor, and the growing preference for cold drinks.
First of all, its flavor, the rich and strong taste of espresso, the sweetness of vanilla, and the creamy taste of milk enhance its taste and reveal a more delicate flavor. Secondly, the iced vanilla latte is highly customizable. And finally, the iced vanilla latte is a refreshing choice, especially in warm weather.
These are pretty much popular in many countries, including The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Croatia, Bulgaria and South Africa.
Cold drinks like iced coffee or lattes are becoming more popular every day, especially among millennials and GEN Z, thanks to social media like Instagram or TikTok. Overall, the iced vanilla latte is a blend of flavor, convenience, and freshness, which is why it is a favorite drink for many coffee lovers.
FAQs
What kind of milk is best for an iced vanilla latte?
I usually use whole milk, which provides a rich, creamy texture, but you can also use oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Each milk has its own flavor and consistency, so I recommend experimenting based on your taste or dietary needs.
Can I make an iced vanilla latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can. if you don’t have any espresso machine you can make espresso without an espresso machine. We already posted an article on how to make espresso without machine, where we told several types of ways to make espresso without any machine.
I don’t have vanilla syrup. Can I make it at home?
Yes, you can. Here is the recipe, add equal amounts of water and sugar (1:1), and heat until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat and then add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Let it cool and your homemade syrup is ready.
Is an Iced Latte the Same as Coffee?
Frankly speaking an iced latte is not the same as regular coffee even though both contain coffee. As we already know, iced coffee is made with espresso and cold milk and its milk ratio is higher than coffee for making it creamy and smooth. On the other hand, regular coffee is made by brewing ground coffee beans and hot water, and is served black or small amounts of milk and sugar.
Conclusion
The main thing is that making an iced vanilla latte at home is not only simple but also allows us to customize it as we choose. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a refreshing drink that perfectly suits your taste. So grab your ingredients, follow the easy step, and treat yourself to a delicious iced vanilla latte. I am sure you will be glad you did.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
