With just espresso, milk, and ice you can make a refreshing iced latte at home that tastes very similar to Starbucks. This simple copycat saves time and money while delivering a perfectly balanced caffeinated drink.
Starbucks Iced Latte
The Starbucks Iced Latte is an unsweetened espresso-based drink made with dark roast espresso, milk, and ice. It’s straightforward and lets the coffee shine.
All lattes are built on espresso. A grande (16-ounce) iced latte at Starbucks is made with two shots of espresso and more milk than many other espresso drinks, which creates a smooth, milky texture.
Note from Jee
I find a Nespresso machine makes recreating Starbucks drinks at home easy. One Nespresso capsule equates to one shot of espresso, so use two capsules for a grande-sized iced latte.
If you prefer a slightly milder drink, one capsule still produces a tasty iced latte — adjust the number of capsules to suit your taste.
Recipe Summary
- This recipe recreates the Starbucks Iced Latte using the same basic ratio of espresso, milk, and ice.
- You’ll need an espresso machine or Nespresso to make a true latte. I also include a simple instant coffee option if you don’t have espresso available.
- The recipe yields a grande (16-ounce) iced latte.
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso: Use a dark roast espresso such as Starbucks Espresso Roast or compatible Nespresso capsules to approximate the original flavor.
- Milk: Starbucks typically uses 2% milk for iced lattes, but you can use whole milk, skim, or plant-based milks like oat or almond to your preference.
- Ice: Use filtered water to make ice for the cleanest flavor.
For the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pull or brew your espresso into a cup.
Step 2: Add milk to your serving glass, pour in the espresso, then top with ice. Stir gently and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- To sweeten iced drinks, use simple syrup. It dissolves easily and blends into cold beverages without graininess.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine or Nespresso, substitute instant coffee: combine 1 tablespoon instant coffee with 1/4 cup hot water to mimic two shots of espresso.
- For a richer finish, top the iced latte with homemade cold foam made from frothed milk and a touch of vanilla or sweetener.
Related
- Starbucks Iced Mocha
- Starbucks Iced White Mocha
- Starbucks Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
- TikTok Starbucks Iced White Mocha
- Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso
If you try this Starbucks Iced Latte recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Starbucks Iced Latte
Ingredients
- 2 capsules Nespresso espresso (or 2 espresso shots)
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
-
Put espresso into a cup.
Use two Nespresso espresso pods or pull two shots from an espresso machine.
2 capsules Nespresso espresso -
Add milk. Top with ice.¾ cup milk, 1 cup ice
Notes
- Use Nespresso Starbucks espresso capsules if you want a flavor closer to the chain’s espresso roast.
- Starbucks typically uses 2% milk for iced lattes, but any milk you prefer will work.
- If you don’t have espresso or Nespresso, substitute instant coffee: combine 1 tablespoon instant coffee with 1/4 cup hot water to replace two espresso shots.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.