Iced vanilla latte recipe without an espresso machine
Jack Donnell
At a glance
Make a simple iced vanilla latte with strong coffee, cold milk, vanilla syrup, and ice. An espresso machine is optional for this home version.
To make an iced vanilla latte without an espresso machine, combine strong coffee, cold milk, vanilla syrup, and ice. For one glass, start with 60 mL of cooled strong coffee, 180 mL of milk, and 10 mL of vanilla syrup. Adjust the coffee and syrup after tasting.
A traditional latte uses espresso. This home version uses strong brewed or instant coffee to give you a similar coffee-and-milk drink with equipment you already have.
Ingredients for one iced vanilla latte
- 60 mL cooled strong brewed coffee, about 1/4 US cup
- 180 mL cold milk or a plant-based drink you enjoy, about 3/4 US cup
- 10 mL vanilla syrup, about 2 teaspoons
- About 120 grams of ice, adjusted to your glass
Use a glass that holds at least 400 mL. The active preparation takes about five minutes when your coffee is already cool; allow additional time to cool freshly brewed coffee.
For an instant-coffee option, dissolve about 2 grams of instant coffee in 60 mL of hot water, following the product's instructions, then let it cool. Brands differ in strength, so treat this as a starting point. If you have an espresso machine, you can substitute a similar volume of your usual espresso and adjust the milk to taste.
How to make an iced vanilla latte without an espresso machine
- Mix the vanilla syrup with the cooled coffee in a small jug.
- Add the ice to your glass.
- Pour in the cold milk, leaving room for the coffee.
- Add the coffee mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Taste before adding more syrup. If you want more coffee flavor, add a little more concentrated coffee rather than a large amount of weak coffee.
Use vanilla syrup intended for drinks. Vanilla extract adds flavor without the sugar and volume of syrup, so it is not a direct spoon-for-spoon substitute.
Adjust the sweetness and coffee strength
| If you want | Start by changing |
|---|---|
| Less sweetness | Use 5 mL syrup instead of 10 mL |
| More sweetness | Add syrup a little at a time after stirring |
| More coffee flavor | Use more concentrated coffee and a little less milk |
| A lighter coffee flavor | Use a little more milk while leaving space for ice |
Syrups and sweetened plant drinks vary substantially. The same measured quantity can produce a different result with another brand.
Substitutions and common questions
Can I make it with oat milk?
Yes. Choose a version you like drinking cold. Some are already sweetened or flavored, so start with less vanilla syrup. Our guide to milk in coffee explains more of the options.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla syrup?
Vanilla extract and vanilla syrup are different ingredients. Extract adds vanilla flavor without the syrup's sugar, so do not substitute equal spoonfuls. For this starting recipe, use vanilla syrup intended for drinks and adjust it after tasting.
Can I use decaf?
Use your usual decaf coffee and keep the rest of the recipe the same as a starting point. The finished flavor will depend on the coffee you choose.
Why does my iced latte taste watery?
Weak starting coffee and melting ice can both dilute the drink. Cool the coffee before assembling, measure the milk, and taste before adding extra water. These changes help you work out which part of your recipe needs adjusting.
Do I need to froth the milk?
No. You can stir the drink with cold milk. Cold foam is an optional topping rather than a requirement for this recipe. For the espresso-based cafe drink, read what a latte is.
For a different coffee-and-dairy combination, compare a breve made with half-and-half with an affogato made with ice cream.