Iced Latte
Ingredients
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- 2 ounces espresso – freshly brewed, hot
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar – or to taste, stirred into hot espresso
- 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
- 1 cup cold whole milk
Instructions
1. Brew 2 ounces of espresso using an espresso machine or stovetop moka pot, aiming for a strong, concentrated shot.
2. Immediately stir the granulated sugar into the hot espresso until fully dissolved, then set aside for 2–3 minutes to cool slightly so it does not melt all the ice.
3. Fill a tall glass with the ice cubes, leaving a little room at the top so the liquid does not overflow.
4. Pour the sweetened espresso evenly over the ice, allowing it to chill and dilute slightly for 15–30 seconds.
5. Slowly pour the cold whole milk over the iced espresso, letting the layers mix naturally, then stir gently to combine until the color is uniform.
6. Taste the iced latte and adjust with a little more milk for a softer flavor or a splash of additional espresso for more intensity, then serve immediately while very cold.
Iced latte is a chilled coffee drink built from the same foundation as a classic Italian caffè latte: a base of bold espresso softened and lengthened with plenty of milk. Served over ice, it has a clean, refreshing character, with the espresso’s bittersweet notes smoothed by the cool creaminess of the milk. The texture is light and drinkable rather than thick, making it ideal for warm weather or for coffee drinkers who enjoy espresso’s flavor without its full intensity straight.
Historically, the latte grew out of Italy’s long tradition of drinking milk with coffee, especially at breakfast, where caffè latte and cappuccino became daily rituals. As espresso culture spread internationally in the late 20th century, cafés began adapting hot milk drinks into iced versions to suit different climates and tastes, especially in North America and Asia. The iced latte became a staple of modern coffeehouse menus, spawning countless flavored and seasonal variations, yet it still rests on the essential formula of espresso, milk, and ice.