Iced Latte
A rich, creamy iced latte made at home in just 5 minutes is one of summer’s best simple pleasures – and it costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a coffee shop. This easy iced latte recipe needs just two ingredients: espresso and milk. Whether you prefer whole milk for maximum creaminess, oat milk for a naturally sweet dairy-free version, or anything in between, this drink comes together fast, requires zero barista skills, and is completely customizable with any flavor syrup you love. And with 15 flavor ideas waiting for you below, you’ll never run out of ways to change it up.
The perfect iced latte…
This is one of the easiest espresso drinks you can master at home — there’s no milk steaming required, which is honestly the hardest part of making hot lattes.
The one thing I always tell people: use high-quality espresso beans, because when your drink is only two ingredients, the coffee itself makes all the difference. It’s…
☀️ Perfect for summer: This cold, creamy drink beats the heat and tastes just as good as your favorite coffee shop order – maybe better.
⏱️ Ready in 5 minutes: Two ingredients, no milk steaming, no special skills – just espresso poured over cold milk and ice.
🍯 Totally customizable: Stir in any flavor syrup you love, and check out the 15 ideas below to get you started.
👌 Completely foolproof: No barista training needed – if you can brew espresso, you can nail this.
💰 Budget-friendly: Skip the $6 drive-through run and make something just as good (honestly better) at home.
If you love cold coffee drinks, you’ll also want to try this shaken iced espresso for something with a little more texture, or an iced Americano if you like a lighter, less milky drink. And if you’re a matcha fan, this iced matcha latte is worth bookmarking for the days you want to switch it up.
Ingredient Notes
You’ll need two ingredients to make this iced coffee: espresso and milk of your choice. A flavored syrup is a great optional add-in if you like your latte sweetened. See the flavor ideas section below for 15 ways to customize it.
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Pro tip: Pour your espresso over the milk (not the other way around) for that signature crema layer on top – it’s a small move that makes the drink look and taste more like what you’d get at a coffee shop. The proper ratio for a latte is 1:3 espresso to milk, so a double shot paired with 6 oz. of milk is your sweet spot.
- Shortcuts: You don’t need a full espresso machine to make this work. A moka pot brews a rich, concentrated coffee that gets the job done beautifully, and a Nespresso or other pod machine is even faster. Cold brew concentrate is another easy option – just use a bit less since it’s less concentrated than a true espresso shot.
- Variations: The real fun of a homemade iced latte is the flavors. The basic formula is simple: stir 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite syrup into the milk before adding espresso, then adjust to taste. I’ve rounded up 15 flavor combinations below – from lavender and pistachio to salted caramel and protein latte – so there’s something for every mood and season.
Iced Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Coffee
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make a creamy iced latte at home in just 5 minutes with 2 ingredients! Plus 15 flavor ideas to customize your drink. Refreshing and simple.
Ingredients
- double shot of espresso
- 6 oz. milk
- flavored syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Prep espresso and brew into a small espresso cup. Set aside.
- Pour milk over ice in a glass, adding syrup if using.
- Pour brewed espresso over milk.
Notes
Storage: Best enjoyed immediately – the ice will dilute it quickly if it sits. If you want to prep ahead, brew your espresso shots and refrigerate them for up to 3 days, then pour over fresh ice when ready to drink.
Ingredients: Whole milk makes the richest, creamiest iced latte, but oat milk is a fantastic dairy-free option with a naturally sweet flavor that pairs really well with espresso. Any plant-based milk works – just know that thinner options like almond milk will give you a lighter, less creamy drink.
Prep ahead: Brew espresso shots in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Morning assembly takes about 30 seconds.
Tools: An espresso machine gives you the most authentic result, but a moka pot or Nespresso work great too. A tall glass and a reusable straw are all you need for serving.
Iced Latte Flavor Ideas
The best part about making a latte at home is how easy it is to customize! Just stir 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite syrup into the milk before adding your espresso. No extra steps, no special equipment. Start with one tablespoon and adjust to taste, since some syrups run sweeter than others.
- Brown sugar cinnamon – Use brown sugar syrup and 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- Pumpkin spice – My pumpkin iced latte walks you through the whole thing!
- Pistachio – Use pistachio syrup for a nutty, slightly sweet latte that’s having a major moment
- Lavender – Use lavender syrup for a floral, lightly sweet latte, or make your own with my lavender simple syrup recipe
- Rose – Use rose syrup for a floral, slightly exotic twist – also easy to make at home
- Maple – Swap in pure maple syrup for a warm, cozy foam that’s perfect for fall
- Salted caramel – Use caramel syrup and finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top
- Honey cinnamon – Skip the syrup and use raw honey mixed with a splash of hot water so it has the consistency of a simple syrup
- Toasted marshmallow – Use marshmallow syrup for a s’mores-inspired drink that’s surprisingly good
- Coconut – Use coconut milk and coconut syrup for a tropical twist
- Brown butter – Use brown butter syrup for a toasty, caramel-like depth
- Dirty Matcha – Whisk 1/8 tsp matcha powder into the milk before frothing for an earthy depth
- Strawberry – Use strawberry syrup for a fruity flavor that’s great over iced tea or an iced matcha latte, too
- Vanilla chai – Add 1/8 tsp chai spice blend to your vanilla syrup or use chai syrup for a warmly spiced, aromatic foam
- Protein latte – Whisk a scoop of unflavored collagen into the milk before adding espresso for a surprisingly creamy protein boost
Serving Suggestions
An iced latte pairs perfectly with a relaxed morning breakfast. If you want something light and quick alongside it, ricotta toast comes together in minutes and has endless topping options to keep things interesting. For busy mornings when you need breakfast ready ahead of time, protein overnight oats are already chilled and make a satisfying, no-effort pairing with a cold coffee drink. And if you’re hosting a weekend brunch, lemon blueberry scones feel a little special served alongside a homemade latte.
FAQs
Yes! A moka pot brews a strong, rich coffee that works beautifully as a substitute, and a Nespresso or pod machine is even easier. Cold brew concentrate is another solid option – just use a slightly smaller amount since it’s less concentrated than a pulled espresso shot.
An iced latte is made with espresso and milk (in a 1:3 ratio), giving it a creamier, richer flavor. Iced coffee is brewed coffee – usually drip or pour-over – poured over ice, with or without milk. An iced Americano is another option that’s espresso-based but uses water instead of milk for a lighter, less creamy result.
A drizzle of raw honey works well – just mix it with a tiny splash of hot water first so it dissolves fully rather than sinking to the bottom. Pure maple syrup is another great option and adds a warm, slightly earthy sweetness. Both stir easily into cold milk.
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer and founder of My Everyday Table, where she helps busy families take the stress out of weeknight dinners. With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and almost 20 years of experience, Emily specializes in simple, nourishing recipes and weekly meal plans that actually work for everyday life. She’s a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who believes delicious food and good nutrition go hand in hand.
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Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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