The Ultimate Summer Coffee
An iced latte is delightfully simple: it's chilled milk poured over ice, topped with a robust shot of espresso that creates a beautiful, cascading gradient of color before you stir it. Because we skip the steaming and frothing process, an iced latte is arguably much easier and faster to make at home than its hot counterpart.
What You'll Need
Ingredients:
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup of robust cold brew concentrate)
- 1 cup of cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- Optional: Liquid sweetener, simple syrup, or flavored syrups
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee Base
Pull a fresh shot of espresso using your machine. If you don't have one, cold brew concentrate is an excellent, smooth substitute that won't melt your ice too quickly. If you are using freshly brewed hot coffee, try to let it cool down slightly, or brew it directly over a few ice cubes to cool it instantly.
Step 2: Ice and Milk First
Take a tall glass and fill it to the top with ice. Next, pour in your cold milk of choice until the glass is about three-quarters full. If you are using syrups or sweeteners, add them to the cold milk now and give it a quick stir.
Step 3: The Espresso Top-Off
Slowly pour your espresso or concentrated coffee directly over the ice. Pouring the coffee last creates that iconic, mesmerizing marble effect as the dark coffee slowly sinks into the white milk. Snap a picture, stir well, and enjoy your perfect homemade iced latte.
Need Help Remembering the Ratios?
Finding the right balance of coffee to milk to ice is the only tricky part of an iced latte. If you find your drinks acting too watery or too milky, having a dedicated coffee recipe assistant can completely transform your home-cafe setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these coffee recipes without an espresso machine?
Yes! Many of our recipes are designed for home brewing. You can substitute espresso with strongly brewed coffee using a Moka pot, Aeropress, or even high-quality instant coffee mixed with a small amount of hot water.
What is the best milk to use for frothing at home?
Whole milk generally produces the thickest and most stable foam due to its fat and protein content. However, for dairy-free alternatives, barista-edition oat milk performs exceptionally well and complements the flavor of coffee.
How can I naturally sweeten my coffee without sugary syrups?
To avoid refined sugars, try adding a dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a small amount of honey or maple syrup. Spices trick your palate into perceiving sweetness without adding empty calories.
Telve: Coffee Recipes
Everything coffee lovers need in one app.
Discover unique coffee recipes
Explore a curated collection of coffee recipes, from classics like espresso and latte to refreshing iced coffee and cold brew. With clear, step-by-step instructions, Telve helps you easily brew your favorite coffee drinks at home.