Many of us can agree that, when it’s warm outside, there is no better way to start the day than with a large iced latte. Research suggests that the creamy, cold, caffeinated drink is a particular favorite for Generation Z and Millennials, with more than 50 percent of people aged 18 to 29 confirming that they “love” iced coffee. But treating yourself to a coffee is not just a young person’s thing—research also suggests that in the US, roughly 14 percent of the population spends more than $40 on coffee from coffee shops every month. We get it. It’s easier to just run down to Starbucks to get your iced latte fix. But it’s also pretty quick (and cheaper!) to make it from scratch, and with the right tips, tricks, and ingredients, it’ll taste just as good.
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How to make the best iced latte from home
A great latte starts with great coffee. So, if you’ve got one, you’ll want to make use of your espresso machine (if you haven’t got one yet, but you want to buy one, find our top models here!). That said, it’s not vital that you have an espresso machine to make a good iced latte. You could use a French press, an AeroPress, or a stovetop Moka pot, for example, to brew a strong espresso instead.
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Whichever tool you use to make your coffee, we recommend using freshly roasted beans for the best flavor. Coffee starts to lose its freshness after being ground, so, if you have the means, grind your beans just before brewing. Thick, creamy milk is also a must—some of the best dairy-free milk options for lattes include oat milk and almond milk, but keep an eye out for barista versions if they’re available.
Start by pouring the espresso or coffee over ice first, before slowly adding the milk to create a nice layered effect. After that, mix thoroughly to combine the milk and the coffee in a delicious creamy mixture. You can also experiment with different flavors and syrups if you fancy it.
7 vegan iced latte recipes
It’s also important to note that not every latte actually contains coffee. The word “latte” translates to milk in Italian, not coffee. So as you’ll see from some of our recipes below, a turmeric latte, for example, is a coffee-free milk drink with turmeric, while a chai latte is a milk drink with tea.
It’s Liv B
1 Iced Dirty Chai Latte
A regular chai latte doesn’t actually contain coffee, but good news if you want a big caffeine hit: a dirty chai latte does. This one is also made with oat milk (which, according to It’s Liv B, makes it “subtly sweet and delicious”), as well as chai tea bags, ice cubes, and sugar. “Add as much non-dairy milk as you like and watch how beautifully it swirls,” notes the blog post. “Enjoy!”
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Orchids + Sweet Tea
2 Dairy-Free Iced Mocha Latte
Chocolate and coffee are a flavor match made in heaven, and we won’t hear any different. This iced mocha latte—loaded with chocolate syrup, oat milk, and cold brew—is the ultimate celebration of both. For an extra dollop of indulgence, top it with some coconut whipped cream, too.
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Cass Clay Cooking
3 Vegan Iced Vanilla Oatmilk Latte With Brewed Black Tea
If you can’t stomach espresso, but a vanilla latte is one of your favorite drinks, why not make it with brewed black tea instead? “It’s less caffeine but all the flavor,” notes Cass Clay Cooking. “Don’t sacrifice your delicious drink because you don’t want a latte with three espresso shots.”
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Christie at Home
4 Vegan Iced Turmeric Latte
Turmeric is a tasty, colorful spice, and it’s also packed with antioxidants, too. While it can be used in many ways, one of the best is arguably in latte form. Again, this is one for those who aren’t a fan of espresso, as it’s made without any coffee. Instead, it uses dairy-free milk, maple syrup, turmeric powder, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and pepper.
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Eat the Rainbow
5 Dreamy Vegan Cherry Rose Vanilla Iced Latte
You might not initially think of cherries and rosewater when you think of ice latte flavors, but this recipe is well worth a sip. Taken from the Eat the Rainbow: Vegan Recipes Made with Love cookbook, it’s an aromatic, sweet-smelling, espresso-free way to start the morning.
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My Vegan Minimalist
6 Easy and Pink Iced Strawberry Latte
This pretty pink iced strawberry latte looks complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy to make. “Just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time are needed to make this stunning strawberry drink,” notes My Vegan Minimalist. Grab some ice cubes, strawberries, sugar, dairy-free milk, espresso, and some vanilla paste and you’re on your way.
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Le Petit Eats
7 Iced Salted Caramel Latte
Fun fact: Medjool dates make for a delicious caramel-like base in coffee. Try it for yourself in this delicious iced salted caramel late, which can be easily made vegan with dairy-free milk. “The sweet and salty goodness from the date caramel base pairs wonderfully with espresso,” says Le Petit Eats.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
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