How To Make An Iced Vanilla Latte (5 Minutes!) - Fork In The Kitchen

Maybe it’s a sweltering 100°F outside, or maybe you’re one of those “people who only ever drink iced coffee.” Or maybe you’re just really craving a refreshing iced latte… and that’s all the reason you need to make one at home!

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Regardless, you are going to fall head over heels for this iced vanilla latte. Not only is it sweetened perfectly with my popular vanilla bean syrup, made with real vanilla, but it’s also creamy and refreshing, delivering the perfect caffeine fix.

Even better? It’s an easy alternative to hitting up your local Starbucks on the ‘reg. So what do you say? Let’s make this vanilla iced latte that will have you forgoing any other version, it’s just too good. Pinky promise!

Looking for the hot version? Get the recipe here: Steamed Vanilla Latte!

Reader review

5 (23 ratings)

Just came across this recipe and so glad I did! It was really easy and the ingredients were something I already had on hand!! And the results tasted really good! I have no complaints! – Summer

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First, Make the Vanilla Syrup

If you don’t already have it, you will need to make vanilla syrup. Of course, you could use store-bought latte syrup, but we’re going for high quality here, and honestly, making the homemade syrup is about 1,000 times better… in my humble opinion. Plus, it takes like two seconds (ok maybe more like 3 minutes but who’s counting?).

The lowdown is this: simmer together some sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste (or, if you don’t have any, use vanilla extract). Done. Finito. In just three minutes, you’re on your way to your iced latte.

If you know me, you know I value efficiency as a busy businesswoman, so time is of the essence in the morning! So, while this syrup is simmering, start the coffee so everything is ready for take-off (i.e. assembly) at the same time.

Next, Brew Espresso (or very strong coffee)

If you have an espresso machine, use it! But I hear you…how can you brew espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine?! Well, friend, I don’t have an espresso machine either. The key, in this case, is to make very strong coffee or use cold brew concentrate.

Consider this: if you are using strongly brewed coffee instead of espresso, use more coffee (or less milk) for a more authentic latte flavor.

Time for Assembly

There isn’t really a wrong way to assemble an iced latte, but because we’re using simple syrup, I do have a preferred method. I like to channel my time as a barista at Caribou Coffee and combine the espresso with the syrup first, before adding ice. This ensures the flavor is infused throughout the latte (the ideal situation here).

Once they’re combined, you can add the milk or add the ice first, and then the milk. Dealer’s choice here. I like to pour the milk over the ice for a beautiful swirl.

And, for the creamiest texture and most luxurious iced latte, I highly recommend using whole milk. My favorite dairy-free option is oat milk, but any alternative will work since there’s no need to froth it for an iced version.

And that’s it! Just add in a reusable straw and sip away and enjoy your homemade perfection. But, if you really want to take your homemade iced vanilla latte to the next level, I am 100% your hype woman. Add on a big dollop of whipped cream and then really elevate it with a drizzle of vanilla syrup. It’s the ultimate treat. Why not live a little?!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

5 (23 ratings)

Get the Recipe Vanilla Iced Latte

Prep: 2 minutes minsCook: 3 minutes minsTotal: 5 minutes mins Servings: 1 latte Print Pin Rate Making an iced vanilla latte at is so easy and ready in just about 5 minutes! It can be made without a machine or special equipment, just make the homemade vanilla bean syrup. You'll quickly fall in love with this creamy, sweet, refreshing drink! 1/2x1x2x

Ingredients

Vanilla Syrup

• ▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ cup water
• ▢ ½ Tablespoon vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract

Latte

• ▢ 3 ounces espresso (2 shots), or ½ cup strong coffee
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons vanilla syrup, more or less to taste
• ▢ 4-6 ounces milk of choice, more or less to taste
• ▢ Ice

Equipment

• ▢ Reusable Straws
• ▢ Can-Shaped Glass Tumblers

Instructions

• Vanilla Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring to a simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla paste (or extract). Use immediately or let cool and store in a jar in the fridge until ready to use.½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, ½ Tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• Latte: Brew espresso or strong coffee as needed (or use cold brew concentrate) and add it to a drinking glass. Stir in the vanilla syrup and fill the glass with ice. Top with milk and stir to combine as needed.3 ounces espresso (2 shots), 2 Tablespoons vanilla syrup, 4-6 ounces milk of choice, Ice

Notes

• Milk: any type of milk will work; I recommend whole milk or oat milk as a dairy-free option.
• Ratio: if using strongly brewed coffee instead of espresso, consider using more coffee (or less milk) for a more authentic latte flavor.
• Syrup Serving: the syrup yields about 3/4 cup, or approximately 6 servings when using 2 TBSP per drink. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Serving: 1latte, Calories: 127kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 63mg, Potassium: 248mg, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 184IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 1mg Course: BeverageAuthor: Becca MillsCuisine: American Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!