This Iced Vanilla Latte recipe uses the same formula as Starbucks! It’s creamy, delicious, and easy to make with vanilla simple syrup, espresso, and milk.

Two iced coffee drinks topped with whipped cream, with striped straws.

Indulging in a fancy overpriced coffee shop drink is fun once in a while, no doubt. But have one of those every day and you’ll quickly realize how much you spend in a week!

About this recipe

Learning how to make a delicious, thick, creamy, chilled drink at home, will not only impress your bank account but you may just end up forgetting about storebought coffee altogether.

It’s ready in 5 minutes, so you’ll be able to pour it in your travel mug to have on your way to work or enjoy on a hot afternoon. The optional whipped cream topping makes it an after-dinner dessert and all the extra calories worth it.

Keep this simple recipe handy and have this Starbucks copycat on a Dunkin’ donuts budget anytime you want!

There’s never been an easier, more delicious way to enjoy your morning espresso than this iced vanilla latte. Go ahead and give it a shot! It’s perfect with buttermilk pancakes!

Craving something different? Try a mocha frappucino or an iced Irish cream latte.

Iced latte being stirred with a spoon.

What You Need

  • Ice – Puts the ice in iced.
  • Vanilla simple syrup – I used Torani
  • Espresso – Use your favorite.
  • Milk – Can use skim, 1% or 2%
  • Whipped cream – optional topping
Overhead view of a whipped cream topped iced coffee.

How to Make It

Fill a 12-14 ounce glass about ¾ full with ice.

Syrup being poured into a glass with ice.

Pour in the vanilla simple syrup and espresso.

Espresso being poured over ice.

Add milk and stir to combine.

Milk being poured into coffee.

Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Whipped cream topped iced coffee.

FAQ

What is an iced vanilla latte?

A latte, or café latte if you’re fancy, is a simple drink made of espresso and steamed milk. It’s normally served hot but when you add ice to it, it becomes an iced latte. Then from there, you can take it up a notch with different flavored syrups! The addition of a classic sweet simple vanilla syrup takes it from a basic coffee to a decadent treat.

Is a vanilla latte sweet?

Yes it is. A simple syrup is a thick syrup consisting of sugar and water. With vanilla extract added to the mixture it then becomes a flavored simple syrup. This means, that not only can you use vanilla, but there are a ton of other options too!

What’s the difference between iced coffee and iced lattes?

Iced coffee is typically cold-brewed coffee with ice. It can contain milk, cream, or nothing at all. An iced latte is milk mixed with a shot of espresso then poured over ice.

Two iced coffees topped with whipped cream.

How to Make this Latte Your Own

  • Any milk can be used in this recipe. It’s technically not a latte anymore if you use it, but cream can also work!
  • Alter the sweetness level by reducing the amount of vanilla syrup. You can also use sugar-free syrup.
  • If you have an espresso machine or Nespresso machine, these will be the easiest way to get your coffee made. Otherwise, you can use a bold roast in a french press.
  • Using brewed coffee makes this a café au lait, but it still works!
  • If you’re really in a pinch, you can use instant espresso.
  • Swap out the vanilla simple syrup for a variety of other flavors. Try caramel, peppermint, cinnamon, almond, and mocha!
  • Omit the simple syrup completely and sweeten it with a natural sweetener and a bit of vanilla extract.
  • To make this plant-based, or non-dairy, use almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. It will no doubt change the flavor profile a bit, but it still works!
Latte on ice on a wooden board, teal linen in background.

Make ahead tips

You can prep the espresso the day before. Keep it chilled in the fridge and enjoy the next day! Once blended and on ice, it’s best served immediately.

More great sips

Love a specialty beverage? Try these:

Two iced vanilla lattes topped with whipped cream.

Get the Recipe: Iced Vanilla Latte

This Iced Vanilla Latte recipe uses the same formula as Starbucks! It's creamy, delicious, and easy to make with vanilla simple syrup, espresso, and milk.
5 from 3 rating

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 1 ounce vanilla simple syrup such as Torani
  • 1 ounce espresso
  • 8 ounces milk
  • Whipped cream optional topping

Instructions

  • Fill a 12-14 ounce glass about ¾ full with ice.
  • Pour in the vanilla simple syrup and espresso.
  • Add milk and stir to combine.
  • Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

  • Any milk can be used in this recipe.
  • Vanilla syrup can be reduced if desired or a sugar free syrup can be used.
  • Espresso Options: Having an espresso machine will make this recipe the easiest. If you have a Nespresso machine, that will work too. The next best option is to use a bold roast in a french press. If you use brewed coffee this is actually a café au lait. Lastly, if you’re really in a pinch, you can use instant espresso.
Calories: 315kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 124mg, Potassium: 1319mg, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 367IU, Calcium: 300mg, Iron: 2mg