Skip the line at the coffee shop and make your own iced vanilla latte in minutes for a fraction of the cost with this simple and quick 3-ingredient recipe. It's refreshing and delicious, ready to go or enjoy at home.
While I usually prefer an iced matcha latte over coffee on most days, I recently started enjoying coffee this past year and have come to appreciate a refreshing beverage once in a while.
Making coffee at home gives me the power to choose which beans I use and what other ingredients I add to my drink. That's why I'm so excited to share this easy-to-make and so-much-cheaper-than-a-coffee-shop iced vanilla latte with you today.
Iced vanilla latte
There's so much to love about this recipe:
- Refreshing and delicious
- Simple and so easy to make
- It uses clean ingredients, no extra-sugary syrups
- It's made with plant-based milk instead of dairy
Ingredients you'll need
To get started, all you need are the following things:
- Espresso: If you have an espresso machine, you're set. If you have an espresso machine and are still trying to learn how to use it, there are some great resources out there on how to pull the perfect shot.
- Milk: While I normally use almond milk or coconut milk, regular dairy milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk works great.
- Vanilla extract: This will give the beverage the smooth vanilla flavor without adding any sugary syrups.
- Sweetener: I use maple syrup to sweeten my beverages or omit completely.
- Ice cubes: A handful of ice cubes will turn your vanilla latte into a refreshing morning beverage for the warmer months (I use a silicone tray to make square ice cubes).
How to make an iced vanilla latte
1. Fill a glass with ice: If you're making it to-go, use an insulated tumbler. I love using this ice cube tray as it makes the cutest square cubes that are just the right size.
2. Pour milk over ice: Add the vanilla extra and stir. If you're using sweetener, add it now. Many recipes just have you pour the shot of espresso first and then add the milk, but I love the swirly effect you get when you pour a shot of espresso into milk.
3. Pour espresso: I prefer using organic, medium roast espresso beans. Keep your glass of milk nearby so you can pour the shot into the glass immediately.
4. Mix and serve: I prefer drinking my latte with a glass straw.
What do you do when you don't have an espresso machine?
If you don't have an espresso machine, use brewed coffee instead. I prefer to use about ½ cup of double-strength brewed coffee and cool it down in the fridge before making the latte.
Iced coffee vs iced vanilla latte vs iced Americano
With so many coffee beverages, it can get a little confusing when trying to figure out the differences between some of the popular iced drinks. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Coffee: brewed coffee, poured over ice
- Americano: espresso mixed in water, poured over ice
- Vanilla latte: espresso mixed with milk, poured over ice
More easy drink recipes
I hope you love this refreshing recipe as much as I do. Sign up for email updates to receive more delicious recipes right in your inbox or check out my new cookbook Plant Power Bowls. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook.
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 cup milk, such as almond milk or cashew milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour milk over ice. Add the vanilla extra and stir. If you're using sweetener, add it now.
- Pour a shot of espresso into the milk.
- Using a straw or spoon, mix the iced vanilla latte. Serve and enjoy.
Traci says
This is my new favorite recipe for latte! Love the addition of vanilla....brilliant and delcious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sapana Chandra says
So glad you love it, Traci!
Beth Neels says
I love that this is dairy free! I am intolerant so this was the perfect, refreshing drink!
Sapana Chandra says
Thank you, Beth!
Jen says
Now I don't have to send my husband out every morning, haha. He's going to be so happy.
Sapana Chandra says
He will be so delighted haha!
Iryna says
I love that there's no sugar and dairy. Such a refreshing drink for summer.
Sapana Chandra says
Thank you, Iryna!
Liz says
It's SO hot here in Virginia right now, this coffee is the perfect way to cool off! Thank you for this recipe!
Sapana Chandra says
It really is so refreshing! Glad you enjoyed it!
Pina says
I'm definitely in need of this iced latte to cool me down this summer! Love that it's only 3 ingredients and so simple to make!
Sapana Chandra says
It's so easy to make! I hope you enjoy it.
Tayo says
I am a big coffee lover and have just recently gotten into making my own iced coffee at home. I tried this and it came out perfectly and was so easy to make. Thank you!
Sapana Chandra says
That makes me so happy to hear, Tayo!
Dthreez Nhuts says
Oh yeah, best recipe 100/100
Irina says
Made it tonight. We really enjoyed iced vanilla latte, relaxing on the balcony. YUMMY!
Sapana Chandra says
So happy to hear, Irina!
Cindy Gordon says
Am I allowed to say yes 100% to this recipe? YUMM! I am a huge fan of cashew milk, so that is what I used!
Sapana Chandra says
Cashew milk works perfectly in this latte!
Sylvie says
Seing recipes like this makes you wonder why you would ever buy store-made lattes when it is so easy (and much more delicious) at home! Yum 🙂
Sapana Chandra says
Haha I felt the same way when I first started making them at home. So easy and so much cheaper too!
Krissy Allori says
The cashew milk was a great tip! It's so good!
Sapana Chandra says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Krissy!
Suzy says
This is going to save me so much money!! Hahah! This is one of my favorite drinks to order at the local coffee shop but now I can make it at home! Just perfect!
Sapana Chandra says
Yes!! So much cheaper to make it at home!
Jasmine says
I've never made my own iced latte! Definitely a nice way to save a few dollars and use for something more important.
Sapana Chandra says
Absolutely! And you get to know exactly what's in your latte.
Taylor Kiser says
This is so easy to make at home! So refreshing and tastes amazing!
Sapana Chandra says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Sharon says
I love the idea of making iced vanilla lattes right at home and skipping the expensive coffee shop.
Sapana Chandra says
It's so much cheaper and you know exactly what's in your latte!