Cool down with this sweet Iced Vanilla Latte all summer. It is a refreshing way to get your daily cup of Joe and easier than you would think to whip up!
I have dozens of coffee recipes on the site that are all delicious! If you are a fan of copycat recipes, be sure to try my Mocha Frappe Recipe, Irish Cream Cold Brew and Oreo Frappuccino.
Recipe Features:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in ten minutes! That is less time than getting in your car and driving to Starbucks!
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need 3 ingredients. Most shelf stable for weeks.
- Budget Friendly: You will save big bucks by ditching the coffee shop drive thru.
I have been known to visit our local Starbucks on the regular. This girl LOVES coffee.
When I realized I almost always order the same drink, I figured it was time for me to get my barista on. After a few tried and failed attempts, I have managed to make the very BEST: Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe! The beauty is that you only need THREE ingredients and about five minutes!
What You’ll Need:
After making this recipe I decided I should be a barista. Or really, anyone could be a barista. Not that I am super amazing at making coffee beverages but THIS latte is so so simple. You really cannot go wrong when you only have a few basic ingredients and this tastes EXACTLY like the Starbucks vanilla latte recipe.
- Coffee: Or Espresso. We’ve made it using both and it tastes delicious. Try French Pressed (affiliate) or, for a stronger taste not using espresso, Cold Brew Coffee (<< My recipe. It’s so easy!)!
- Milk: Or cream.
- Vanilla SYRUP: You can find it on Amazon here (affiliate). They even have a sugar free version.
TIP: Make sure you have a quality strong brewed coffee would be my only tip and you will be golden!
Step By Step Instructions:
- Start with QUALITY ingredients. This is where you will get most of your flavor.
- Decide if you want to use strong brewed coffee or espresso. We have gone both ways but I personally prefer coffee.
- Mix all of your ingredients and enjoy!
Tips and FAQ’s:
This is a question I am asked constantly. A vanilla iced latte is espresso or strong brewed coffee that is chilled over ice and sweetened with a touch of cream and vanilla syrup.
There are only a handful of basic ingredients in this recipe; coffee, milk, and flavored syrup. I have mentioned twice that quality is key. So what do I mean by quality ingredients?
– Ideally, you want to grind your own coffee beans. This will give you the freshest flavor. However, it’s not necessary in a pinch.
– Purchase coffee other than Folgers. I’m not bashing them by any means, I just prefer the taste of Peet’s, Gevalia, or Green Mountain if I’m using ready to brew coffee.
– Use whole milk or cream.
– Freeze coffee in an ice tray to use in place of ice. This will help keep your drink from watering down.
Yes! You can use a strong cup of brewed coffee, or even cold brew, in place of the espresso in this recipe. The end result will be equally delicious. The only suggestion I have is to make sure you add a little less syrup if substituting with a less bold flavor coffee.
No, cold brew can be much stronger than iced coffee and tends to lasts longer before becoming acidic. It is made by combining water and coffee grounds and letting sit overnight at room temperature. However, cold brew can be used in an iced coffee recipe, especially if you are looking for a stronger bold taste.
Related Recipes:
- Caramel Iced Coffee
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer
- Coconut Horchata Latte
- Snickerdoodle Latte
- Cinnamon Brewed Coffee
- Homemade Gingerbread Latte
- Coconut Milk Latte
- Dirty Chai Tea
- Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
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Iced Vanilla Latte
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 to 4 tablespoons vanilla syrup more or less to taste
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or two shots of espresso
Instructions
- Fill two tall cups with ice.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup to each of the cups.
- Divide the milk between the two glasses, pouring over the ice and syrup.
- Top with coffee or espresso, mix, and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Add more or less syrup per your tastes. I like 1-2 tablespoons, but also like a more bold coffee flavor. My sister, on the other hand, likes the full 1/2 a cup. Start with a small amount and add additional as needed.
- Want a stronger drink? Use a little less milk and more coffee/two shots of espresso per cup.
Nutrition
Equipment
Did You Make This Recipe?
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This post was originally published June 2016. It has since been updated to include clear instructions and images.
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Comments & Reviews
Debby says
I would like a video on how to make this
Jesseca says
Debby, there is currently no step by step video for this recipe. However, this recipe is fairly simple to make. You just mix all of the ingredients. I suggest adding less syrup at first, tasting, and adjusting the amount per your preference. If you have any questions I am happy to answer them for you.
Debby says
I didn’t see a video on how to make vanilla latte. Can yo please send me one?
Mojoblogs says
OMG! Want some! I am such a coffeeholic. Will definitely make this now. Again, thank you! 🙂
Jesseca says
Thank you for the great review! I’m glad you like it.
Julie says
I love iced coffee It I cannot have caffeine due to issues with my kidneys. Can I make this using decaf?
Jesseca says
Yep! I’ve made it both ways and it is equally delicious. Use your judgement on how much vanilla syrup to add.
Sabrina says
I wouldn’t call this an iced latte. It’s just an iced coffee…. latte’s use espresso not just regular cold coffee.
Jesseca says
This recipe is tailored for readers that have basics in their kitchen. Of course, espresso is preferred, but coffee works just as well. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Melissa says
1/2 cup of syrup? 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
Jesseca says
The great thing about this recipe is that it specifically calls out more or less to taste. It’s up to you on how much to add.
Jo says
1/2 cup of syrup is 320 calories. Milk is an extra 150 calories. Up to 470 calories here for those who wish to know.
Jesseca says
Thank you for calculating that.
2% milk is 130 calories per cup. Almond milk has 30 to 60 calories per cup, depending on the type used. If you swap for sugar free syrup, the one I have in the pantry, it is zero calories. So there are many ways to cut back on the calorie count for this recipe.
It is also two servings, so if you make it with the totals you projected, it would be 235 calories per serving. That’s less than the grande sized at Starbucks.
Anne says
Hi there. Does this recipe really use 1/2 cup of syrup?
Thank you!
Anne
Jesseca says
The great thing about this recipe is that is specifically calls out more or less to taste. It is up to you how much to add. I personally like it less sweet and add 1-2 tablespoons, while my sister likes it with the full amount. Start with less and add more as desired.
Alex says
Hey could you substitute the vanilla syrup with vanilla extract???
Jesseca says
I wouldn’t recommend that swap. However, we have had success making our own vanilla syrup for coffee. Mix 1-3/4 cup water, 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in one tablespoon pure vanilla extract.
Halle says
Where do you get your vanilla syrup from?
Jesseca says
Hi Halle,
I purchased my syrup from Amazon. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/2zTwJjy
Carla says
@Halle, actually some grocery stores carry it. I have seen it at Kroger.
Jesseca says
Thanks for sharing, Carla!