How to make an iced latte at home as a cheaper, and healthier ‘copycat’ recipe alternative to your favorite coffee-shop version. Plus, this recipe is made with all-natural ingredients, dairy-free, and can be made vegan, keto, paleo, and whole30!

This post will show you how to make an iced latte with plenty of ingredient variations and swaps depending on your dietary requirements. Skip the coffee shop and make this iced Caffe latte at home for a fraction of the price, healthier, and in just a couple of minutes. Perfect for hot summer day coffee cravings!

Plus, making this at home from scratch allows you to use or make homemade dairy-free milks that are ‘clean’ of any gums and thickeners. Unlike many of the options available at coffee shops.

The Ingredients And Variations

The Milk: Oat milk is my go-to for lattes, with its creamy, frothable consistency. However, iced almond milk latte is a close second. Plus, you can also use any of your favorite dairy-free milk options. Optionally, you could also use dairy milk.

I wouldn’t recommend using half and half, as there is a lot of milk added per portion, so this can add up in fat and calories.

The Coffee: Technically, lattes are meant to use espresso. However, I won’t judge you for using any strong coffee. You could even use cold-brew coffee (made cold and left to brew overnight and then kept in the fridge for up to a week) for a less acidic version, that’s easier on your tummy.

The Sweetener: My go-to is maple syrup. However, this recipe is super versatile – you can use a liquid sweetener of your choice (agave, etc). OR a granulated sugar (if you dissolve it into the hot coffee first). You can even use Coffee Syrup for extra coffee flavor or lavender syrup for floral notes.

Alternatively, feel free to use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol. If Whole30, then skip the sweetener entirely.

Ice: You can use plain ice for a more diluted flavor. Otherwise, you can make frozen coffee ice cubes and blend that up – for a stronger flavor that won’t become ‘watered down’ as it melts.

How To Make Cold Frothy Milk

When it comes to lattes, frothy milk isn’t necessary but adds a nice ‘Barista’ touch to your homemade coffee drinks – hot or cold. In fact, I have a few options that you can use to froth your milk at home, depending on what tools you have available.

I should note though, that there are various factors that come into play as to what milk froths best. Higher fat content seems to help, and sometimes a little sugar with the milk can help. The type of milk you use (dairy vs. non-dairy vs. homemade non-dairy) can also impact the results. For those that want to try though.

You can try this Oat Milk Creamer or Cashew Cream too!

The Mason Jar Method

Add your milk to a mason jar and shake shake shake. Depending on what milk you’re using, the time may vary. Though about one minute is the average, I’ve found.

Coffee Press Method

Though a little bit of effort still, using a coffee press to make frothy milk works amazingly well as it mimics particular press frothers. Simply pump the press for 30-45 seconds until it’s frothy.

Handheld Milk Frother

If you plan on making lots of coffee drinks at home, then this gadget is well worth the price (and can be bought for under $10!). This small electric whisk helps incorporate air into the milk and takes just 10-15 seconds to work.

Blender

And last, but certainly not least, you can also use your blender to help froth the milk. Let it run at medium speed until airy and frothy. This takes just 15-20 seconds usually.

How To Make An Iced Latte

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the coffee

I love to use drip coffee for this. So simply pour the hot water over the coffee in a filter and allow to drip.

Add the sweetener to the warm coffee to dissolve or add in step two, whichever you prefer.

Step 2. Combine all the Ingredients

Fill your glass with ice, then pour in the milk and coffee. You don’t need to allow it to cool because of how much ice is in the glass. However, if you like your latte with extra coffee, then it’s best to chill the coffee first.

Add some frothy coffee creamer, if preferred, too. Stir and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Add-ins

• For those that love strong coffee, then it’s best to brew it stronger than usual. That way it won’t become watered down as the ice melts. You can also make the ice cubes from coffee or milk.
• Feel free to add some vanilla extract, for a quick iced vanilla latte.
• You can include additional natural flavorings, such as peppermint or rose water. And even top with your favorite spice mix: pumpkin spice, cacao powder, cinnamon, etc.
• If you decide to make coffee ice cubes, these can be frozen in bulk and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
• Add some cacao powder for a quick iced mocha drink.
• If making Whole30, make sure to use unsweetened milk and no additional sweetener.
• For paleo/keto, use a sweetener such as erythritol and any unsweetened milk.

Related Recipes

Feel free to check out more of my iced coffee recipes and coffee-shop-style drinks available on the blog. Let me know in the comments if you’d like me to make more!

• Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
• Mocha Frappuccino
• Golden Frappuccino (turmeric)
• Dalgona Latte
• Date Seed Coffee (Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative)
• Healing Mushroom Coffee (Adaptogen Coffee)
• Bulletproof Coffee

If you give this iced latte recipe a go, then let me know your thoughts and any questions in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.