What It Is
An iced latte is the cold version of a latte. It uses the same ingredients — espresso and milk — served over ice instead of being combined with steamed milk.
What Changes
The temperature changes. The espresso-to-milk ratio remains the same as a hot latte.
Because the drink is cold, the milk is not steamed. It is poured over ice along with the espresso, and the drink blends together as it is stirred or sipped.
When the espresso is first poured, it may briefly swirl through the milk before the drink mixes.
Some people compare iced lattes with cold brew. Cold brew is stronger and more concentrated, while an iced latte is milk-forward and creamier.
How to Order
Standard version
"Can I get an iced latte, please?"
With customization
- "Iced latte with oat milk"
- "Iced latte with one pump vanilla"
- "Iced latte with an extra shot"
Many cafés prepare larger iced lattes with two shots of espresso by default. If you want a lighter drink, you can ask for one shot.
💡 Behind the Cup
An iced latte follows the same basic formula as a hot latte: espresso combined with milk in roughly the same ratio.
The difference is preparation. Instead of steaming the milk and combining it with espresso, the espresso and milk are poured over ice.
Because the milk is not steamed, an iced latte does not have the microfoam layer found in hot milk drinks.
📌 Good to Know
Iced latte vs. iced coffee
An iced latte uses espresso and milk. Iced coffee is brewed coffee poured over ice, with no milk added by default. Iced lattes are creamier, while iced coffee is lighter and more acidic.
Cold foam
Some cafés add cold foam on top of iced lattes. Cold foam is milk frothed cold into a light layer that sits on the drink and adds texture.
Ice and dilution
Because the drink is served over ice, the flavor gradually becomes lighter as the ice melts. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor that lasts longer, you can ask for light ice or add an extra espresso shot.
Sweetness
Iced lattes are not sweetened by default. If you want sweetness, ask for a syrup. See the sweetness guide.
Milk options
Most cafés can prepare iced lattes with dairy or plant-based milks. Oat milk is one of the most common dairy-free choices. See milk options.
Prefer the hot version? See the main latte.