The iced vanilla latte has been a Starbucks staple for almost as long as the coffee has been popular. This sweet and creamy coffee is one of the most popular drinks on the menu, but it can cost a lot over time, as with many Starbucks classics.
If you are like me, it’s hard to resist making a stop at the green mermaid every couple of days, and that can get pricey. Luckily, iced vanilla lattes are incredibly easy to make at home and only contain three ingredients.
Not only will this recipe help you stick to your budget, but it takes less time to make than it does to drive over to your nearest coffee shop. So grab your preferred coffee brewer and some ice, and we will get started!
How to make iced coffee at home?
Iced coffee is incredibly easy to make at home and can be made from any pre-brewed coffee. Whether you prefer the ease of a drip brewer or the clean taste of a French press, delicious iced coffee can be made from any type of brewer.
Once you have your fresh, hot coffee, place it in the fridge until it cools. For a single cup, this can take an hour or two. If you are impatient, like I am, you can pour the hot coffee over some ice and shake. The shaking will stir up the ice cubes to cool down the coffee, but the result will be a little watery.
Using ice cubes made from coffee is the perfect way to cool down your brew quickly without using flavor. These ice cubes can be made easily the night before with your leftover coffee from that day.
The biggest tip for making delicious iced coffee is to brew it slightly stronger than you normally would so it doesn’t lose any flavor cooling down.
Can I use store-bought vanilla syrup for an iced vanilla latte?
Any vanilla syrup can be used in this recipe. If you have the extra time, the homemade vanilla syrup is a delicious addition, but store-bought syrup works just as well. The store-bought syrup might taste a bit sweeter, so keep this in mind when choosing your ingredients.
Homemade vanilla syrup is simple to make but is the pricier of the two options. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money on vanilla extract and whole vanilla beans, the taste is definitely worth it.
That being said, there are some amazing vanilla syrups out there pre-made and ready to sweeten your espresso. The Torani brand is often used in Starbucks copycat recipes, and it is easy to see why. It is delicious! Starbucks also makes its own vanilla syrup that you can buy online or through its store.
How to make vanilla syrup at home?
You can make vanilla syrup super easy at home, and your kitchen will smell as heavenly as a bakery. All you need is vanilla extract, whole vanilla beans, sugar, and water. It only takes five minutes to make and can be stored for 3-4 weeks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, whole
Instructions
- Add the water, sugars, and vanilla extract to a saucepan. Whisk together.
- Slice the whole vanilla bean in half and add the seeds to the saucepan and then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the level of heat and let simmer for five minutes.
- Cool and pour into a glass jar for storage.
Is iced coffee the same as cold brew coffee?
Iced coffee is different from cold brew for a couple of reasons. Iced coffee is brewed hot, which affects how it tastes. Hot-brewed coffee is more aromatic and has a full-bodied taste. Because of the molecules the hot water extracts from the coffee beans, hot brewed coffee also tends to be much more bitter and acidic than cold brew coffee.
Cold brew coffee is renowned for its slightly sweet and mild flavors. That’s not to say it is a weak-tasting coffee. Cold brew coffee tastes much stronger than iced coffee does, but it has a gentler flavor profile and is less acidic.
Cold brew coffee can be used to substitute iced coffee in this recipe, and the result will be a sweeter drink. Yet even with its added sweetness, the coffee flavor will be much stronger than that of an iced coffee.
Can I substitute espresso shots for coffee?
Substituting iced coffee for espresso shots will make the iced vanilla latte taste more like a real Starbucks drink. Espresso has a distinctly aromatic flavor. It is sharp and rich, allowing it to pair perfectly with vanilla’s deliciously sweet flavor.
If you are lucky enough to own an espresso machine, then substituting iced coffee for espresso shots is easy enough. To cool the espresso down even faster, let the shots pull into a cup already filled with ice.
Many Keurigs are able to create espresso-like coffee as well. Use the smallest size of coffee your Keurig will brew and select the “strong” setting. Once again, let the coffee pour into a cup filled with iced for an easy cooldown.
Recipe for a homemade iced vanilla latte
Iced coffee is simple and easy to make. It only uses three ingredients and can be brewed in less time than it takes to actually drive to your nearest coffee shop. For this recipe, be sure to have pre-brewed coffee ready and cooled.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong coffee, cold (or two shots of espresso)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup
Instructions
- Pour the iced coffee or espresso shots into your coffee glass.
- Add the vanilla syrup and stir until combined.
- Add the milk to the coffee slowly.
- Add ice and enjoy.
Conclusion
There is no need to spend money on an overpriced iced vanilla latte when you can make one so easily in your own kitchen. You don’t have to change out of your pajamas to get a fancy coffee. Enjoy your iced vanilla latte without needing to leave the house!