ICED LATTE | HOW TO MAKE AN ICED LATTE

Perhaps it’s scorching hot, with the mercury hitting a sweltering 100°F outside. Alternatively, you might be one of those who can’t get enough iced coffee, regardless of the weather. And hey, sometimes, you simply have an irresistible urge for a refreshing iced latte, and that alone is reason enough to indulge.

No matter what, you’re bound to be smitten with this delightful iced vanilla latte. The sweetness is just right, achieved by using homemade vanilla bean syrup with real vanilla. Creamy, refreshing, and providing the perfect dose of caffeine, it’s a true treat.

And the best part? It comes at a more affordable price compared to your regular visits to Starbucks. So, why not give it a try?”

IS AN ICED LATTE THE SAME AS COFFEE?

In short, no, iced coffee and an iced latte are not exactly the same. There are two primary distinctions between the two beverages, which are related to the type of coffee used and the milk proportions.

An iced latte is made using espresso combined with milk.

On the other hand, iced coffee and cold brew are both variations of coffee served over ice. The addition of milk to these drinks is optional and can be adjusted according to the consumer’s taste preferences.

HOW TO MAKE A VANILLA ICED LATTE

To make this delightful beverage, you’ll only require three simple ingredients: espresso (or robust coffee), a milk variety of your preference, and some delectable vanilla syrup.

FIRST, MAKE THE VANILLA SYRUP

If you haven’t prepared vanilla syrup in advance, you’ll need to make it for this recipe. While you can opt for store-bought latte syrup, we’re aiming for superior quality, and honestly, making homemade syrup is incomparably better, at least in my humble opinion.

The process is quite simple and doesn’t take much time – just a couple of seconds (well, maybe around 3 minutes, but who’s counting?).

Given that we typically use hot coffee anyway, we need not worry too much about the cooling process. This way, we get the best of both worlds – a quick and efficient outcome!

Here’s what you need to do: Begin by combining sugar and water in a pot and gently heat it until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, take the pot off the heat and add in the vanilla bean paste.

If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute. Stir everything together thoroughly. That’s it! You’re ready to use this delightful mixture in your recipe.

NEXT, BREW ESPRESSO (OR VERY STRONG COFFEE)

If you happen to own an espresso machine, it’s time to put it to good use!

Now, I understand that not everyone may have an espresso machine on hand, and that’s perfectly fine. Don’t worry; you can still enjoy a similar experience! The secret lies in brewing very strong coffee.

Here are several methods to prepare “espresso” or exceptionally strong coffee:

If you’re looking for a convenient and easily available option, try using cold brew concentrate.

But if you prefer a traditional approach, strongly brewed coffee can be your go-to choice. To achieve a strong brew, use a coffee-to-water ratio of 15:1, meaning 15 parts water to 1 part coffee. Of course, you can adjust this ratio based on your personal taste and preferences.

For the boldest and most intense coffee flavor, opt for espresso beans or a dark roast when brewing.

While you can use any brewing method you like, a French press is an excellent option to make a strong cup of coffee.

Another method to brew strong coffee is to use a stovetop espresso maker, also known as a Moka pot. This classic Italian method can produce a robust espresso-like coffee.

If you’re looking for a quick fix, instant espresso or instant coffee can also be used for a fast and strong coffee experience.

For those who have a Nespresso machine, it’s another convenient way to enjoy a strong cup of coffee with minimal effort.

Consider this: if you opt for strongly brewed coffee in place of espresso for your latte, you'll want to use a bit more coffee (or reduce the amount of milk) to achieve that truly authentic latte taste.

MAKE THE ICED LATTE: TIME FOR ASSEMBLY

There’s actually no incorrect method for putting together an iced latte. However, since we’re using simple syrup, it’s beneficial to mix the espresso or coffee with the syrup initially before adding ice. This way, the flavor gets evenly infused throughout the latte, creating the ideal taste experience.

You have two options to make your refreshing drink. First, you can start by adding the espresso and then stirring in the syrup before finally adding the ice.

Alternatively, you can begin by adding the milk and then the ice. It’s entirely up to you to decide which method you prefer.

For the smoothest consistency and indulgent iced latte experience, I highly recommend opting for whole milk. If you prefer a non-dairy alternative, my personal favorite is oat milk.

With that said, as it's an iced latte and frothing isn't necessary, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the type of milk. Feel free to use whichever milk you prefer the most.

And there you have it! Simply insert a reusable straw and start sipping to relish in the delightful results of your homemade creation.

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH WITH TOPPINGS

If you’re truly determined to enhance your homemade iced vanilla latte and take it to new heights, then count me in as your biggest supporter!

All you need to do is generously add a big dollop of whipped cream on top, and to make it even more delightful, drizzle some vanilla syrup over it. You can either use homemade vanilla syrup or opt for the thicker sauce designed specifically for drizzling. Trust me, this combination is the epitome of a delightful treat. So, why not indulge a little and savor this ultimate pleasure? Go ahead and give it a try!

FAQs

RECIPE CARD