Iced Latte

Cold63-126mg per serving (1-2 shots)

Espresso poured over ice and topped with cold milk. Clean, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. The default iced coffee order for millions.

Ingredients

Espresso, cold milk, ice

Variations

Vanilla Iced LatteIced Oat LatteBrown Sugar Iced LatteIced Dirty ChaiShaken Iced Latte

Origins of the Iced Latte

The iced latte emerged as a natural evolution of espresso-and-milk drinks adapted for warm weather. While its exact origin is hard to pin down, it gained mainstream popularity in the United States during the 1990s coffee boom. Today it is one of the most ordered cold espresso drinks globally, particularly among younger coffee drinkers who grew up with iced coffee as the default.

How It Is Made

An iced latte is constructed by pulling one or two shots of espresso directly over a glass filled with ice, then topping with cold milk. The standard ratio is about 1 part espresso to 3-4 parts milk. Unlike a hot latte, there is no steaming involved -- the cold milk and ice create a refreshing, lighter drink. Some baristas pour the espresso last for a layered visual effect. The drink can be stirred or left layered.

Flavor Profile

The iced latte is smooth, creamy, and mildly coffee-flavored. Cold milk and ice mellow the espresso significantly, resulting in a drink that is more about refreshment than coffee intensity. The flavor is sweet and approachable, with subtle espresso notes in the background. It is lighter in body than a hot latte due to the absence of steamed milk texture.

Variations and Customization

Vanilla iced latte: the most popular flavored version
Iced oat milk latte: creamy and slightly sweet alternative
Brown sugar iced latte: trending flavor with cinnamon
Iced dirty chai latte: espresso added to a chai base
Shaken iced latte: shaken with ice for a frothier texture

Best Coffee to Use

Medium to dark roast espresso with bold, chocolatey flavors stands up well against cold milk and ice. The dilution from ice means delicate light roasts can get lost. Choose beans with strong caramel, chocolate, or nutty characteristics. A robust espresso blend will maintain its presence in the drink.

Did you know?

The iced latte is the most customized drink at major coffee chains -- Starbucks reported that the average iced latte order includes at least one modification from the standard recipe.

Related Drinks

Cold Brew

Cold

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Iced Latte?▼

Espresso poured over ice and topped with cold milk. Clean, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. The default iced coffee order for millions.

What is the difference between a Iced Latte and a iced coffee?▼

The key difference is in the milk ratio and preparation. A Iced Latte and a iced coffee use the same espresso base but differ in how much milk is added and how it is textured. The result is a noticeably different taste, body, and drinking experience despite sharing the same coffee foundation.

How do you order a Iced Latte at a cafe?▼

Ask for a Iced Latte by name. Most specialty cafes and chains serve it. You can customize with milk alternatives (oat, almond, soy), extra shots for more caffeine, or decaf. If you prefer it sweetened, ask for a pump of vanilla or caramel syrup.

Can you make a Iced Latte at home?▼

Yes. A Iced Latte can be made at home with minimal equipment. Follow the recipe above for exact proportions. The key to a good result is using freshly ground coffee and precise measurements.

Researched and compiled by CoffeeTrove. Last updated March 2026.