Iced Vanilla Latte (Better than Starbucks)

Iced Vanilla Latte made with just 3 ingredients for a refreshing drink that tastes better than Starbucks and is more budget-friendly too!

I used to visit Starbucks often for coffee and all kinds of coffee treat… until I paid attention to my credit card balance.

Yep! I was spending way too much on food and drinks that I could make at home.

One of the iced drinks I love the most there are their iced lattes which are also available at the fridge of many grocery stores.

I tried to create a copycat recipe of their popular Iced Vanilla Latte but it actually winded up tasting Better than Starbucks after a few attempts.

The quality of the ingredients matters of course as well as the way you brew the coffee.

These same ingredients are enough to make this vanilla iced latte recipe many times and other variations too.

In the end, you’ll end up spending less than buying coffee drinks at Starbucks.

Excited?

Reasons to Make this Better than Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte at Home

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be ready in 10 minutes! You will spend more time driving to a Starbucks than making our iced coffee.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need 3 ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly: You will save big money!
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this iced drink recipe by simply swapping the flavor of the coffee syrup.

Ingredients

This iced vanilla latte is so simple that anyone can make it quickly! You don’t need to be a barista! Here are what you’ll need to make it:

• Coffee: You can use any strong brewed coffee of your liking or an Espresso. For a rich flavor, I advise you to buy 100% Arabica coffee though! Make sure to follow the directions on the package to prepare your coffee ahead and chill for this recipe. If you prefer, you can even freeze your prepared brewed coffee in an ice tray! The coffee package will guide you about what type of coffee maker is best for the type of coffee grind you use, as you can see more about it on types of coffee grind below.
• Milk: We used reduced-fat milk (2%) to make this skinny latter but you may use whole milk, half-and-half, or this homemade coffee creamer. For a keto latte, use heavy cream while for a dairy-free latte, use a dairy-free creamer!
• Vanilla Syrup: You can find it on Amazon or in your grocery store. You can use regular syrup or a sugar-free version for a low-carb latte.
• Add-ons (OPTIONAL) – For a stronger vanilla flavor, stir one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the brewed coffee right after making it and while it is still hot. If you love sweet coffee drinks, you may add one tablespoon or more of sugar.
• Ice – everyone has it at home! For an iced latte only added it to the drink right before preparing the latte; otherwise, it’ll make your latte watery.

Types of Coffee Grind and Coffee Makers

If you didn’t know, the type of coffee grind will determine the best type of coffee maker to use when preparing your cup of Joe as follows:

• Extra coarse grind coffee (looks like ground peppercorns) – Use a Cold Brew!
• Coarse grind (looks like flaky sea salt) – French Press
• Medium-coarse grind (rocky sand) – A Pour-Over or Home Coffee Maker works best!
• Medium grind (sea salt texture) – Machine Drip or Siphon
• Medium-fine (beach sand) -- Aeropress
• Fine grind (table salt) – Moka Pot (Espresso) or Espresso Machine
• Extra fine grind (powdered sugar) – Turkish Coffee Pot

Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte

Their iced vanilla latte lists as ingredients on the bottle:

• Reduced-fat milk (2%) -- like we do! It also lists skim milk which makes me think whether there is a mixture of both in their latte.
• Brewed Starbucks espresso coffee (their signature espresso roast) – you can use theirs or buy any of your likings!
• Sugar and natural flavors (Starbucks vanilla syrup) – but you can choose any of your choices.

Their coffee bottle sold in the fridge of several grocery stores describes their iced drink as smooth vanilla flavor with bold espresso and creamy milk!

How to Make Iced Vanilla Latte

1. Prepare the espresso according to the directions on the package. Let it cool and chill! You can make it a day ahead if you prefer.
2. Place the ice into a cup. Then pour in the espresso, vanilla syrup, and milk.
3. Stir well and enjoy!

Frequent Asked Questions:

What is in an iced latte?

It is basically an espresso chilled and poured over ice and then mixed with flavored coffee syrup and a touch of cream/milk. If you prefer, you can use a strong brewed coffee or cold brew instead, but it won’t have the same taste as if using espresso. Lattes usually call for espresso!

Can you make this iced vanilla latte recipe with brewed coffee instead of espresso?

Yes! You can use a strong brewed coffee, or even cold brew, instead of espresso in this recipe.

Be aware a strong brew will need more syrup in order to sweeten your iced latte properly. 

Is cold brew iced coffee?

No! Cold brew can be much stronger than iced coffee, lasting longer before becoming acidic.

It can be used in an iced coffee recipe though, especially if you enjoy drinks with a stronger bold taste.

Make cold brew by simply combining water and coffee grounds. Then, let it sit overnight at room temperature.

How much ice goes into a Starbucks iced coffee drink?

Starbucks iced drinks are half ice. So a grande (16- ounce) drink has 8 ounces of ice.

Other iced coffee or latte recipes to enjoy

• Banana Coffee Chai Smoothie
• Almond Milk Matcha Latte
• Coffee & Cream Popsicles

Copycat Starbucks Recipes

• Cinnamon Muffins Recipe (Better than Starbucks’)
• Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Better than Starbucks’)
• Keto Starbucks Egg Bites Recipe (2 Ways)

PIN & ENJOY!