Creamy Iced Vanilla Latte

By Amanda Paa – Updated March 11, 2025

This rich and creamy iced vanilla latte is made with whole milk and homemade vanilla syrup. The subtle sweetness and depth of flavor sets this recipe apart, balancing the toasty espresso. It comes together in just 5 minutes, and is very straightforward compared to a hot latte because you don't have to foam any milk.

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In the warmer months, a tall iced vanilla latte is my 3pm drink of choice. Its cool and creamy personality gets me through the end of the day. I have no doubt saved my pennies by making this afternoon delight at home, and you can too!

A few things about this iced vanilla latte recipe really set it apart:

Made with my homemade vanilla bean simple syrup (you can see the vanilla bean flecks!), the subtle sweetness and depth of flavor is what sets this latte apart, better than what you’d get at most coffee shops. It’s the perfect match for the deep, toasty espresso.

The syrup is incredibly simple to make with just 3 ingredients, and from there you’re only a shot of espresso away from having an incredible iced vanilla latte in your hands. This is a great store-bought syrup; in those I’ve tested, this one did not taste artificial at all and also has the real vanilla bean flecks just like homemade.

I also use whole milk, which makes for a rich, smooth texture and velvety mouthfeel.

The fat in whole milk helps mellow out the bitterness of espresso, creating a well-rounded taste without overpowering the coffee or vanilla syrup. I use it for the same reason in my refreshing and salted iced lavender latte. That being said, you can use whatever plant milk or dairy milk you’d like, just know it will result in a thinner texture.

And a pinch of flaky salt brings out the best in each of ingredient.

Salt helps balance the acidity in coffee, leading to a more rounded and smoother taste. It also enhances the aroma and makes subtle flavors, like vanilla, more prominent.

pouring simple syrup into a glass with espresso — **vanilla simple syrup being added**

Pouring milk into a glass with espresso — **vanilla simple syrup being added**

vanilla simple syrup in glass bottle with label

Iced espresso drinks are more forgiving.

Making an iced vanilla latte is very straightforward compared to make a hot version. This is because you don’t have to foam any milk, which I find to be the most difficult part when I’m trying to be a barista at home.

Sometimes I use cold brew coffee if I’m in a time crunch; it works well for a lazy girl Iced Mocha, but I prefer the depth and flavor of espresso.

For an iced latte, all you need to do is brew your double shot of espresso and mix that with the vanilla bean syrup. The heat helps disperse the flavor nicely, and from there you add the milk and your ice! It couldn’t be more simple.