Iced caramel latte Recipe

What’s not to like about a coffee that combines the flavors of coffee and caramel? The espresso coffee gives it a deep, strong, flavor that’s complemented by the sweetness of the caramel. And the chilled milk adds delicious creaminess. Put them together with my recipe and, you get an iced caramel latte. It makes an unforgettable, refreshing and cooling drink.

Is it a summer only drink?

As a summer cooling and refreshing experience an iced caramel latte is a no brainer.

It’s only for summer, right? If so, why do so many people drink iced caramel lattes all year round?

Imagine its mid-winter and you are at home. The heating is doing its job, and you have been exercising or cooking in a hot kitchen or working in the yard. Don’t you deserve a luxurious cooling and tasty drink? Step forward iced caramel latte.

Iced caramel latte vs regular caramel latte

While a regular latte needs skill to steam the milk and create a creamy foam, iced lattes use chilled milk and ice to create a delicious cold drink. They help cool you down when you need it. They are often made with stronger, dark roast, coffee because chilled milk and ice cut down the flavors the coffee can add. You might also want to add more sugar to balance the flavors.

As the milk is chilled, iced lattes often replace the foam with whipped cream for that final finishing touch of luxury.

The one thing iced vanilla lattes and regular vanilla lattes share is a delicious taste you will enjoy.

Best coffee beans for an iced caramel latte

If you’re looking for the best espresso coffee beans to make iced lattes, you should try a dark roast bean. Dark roast coffee has a fuller flavor and will hold up better when iced.

Some of my favorite dark roast coffees for iced lattes are:

• Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans
• San Francisco Bay Coffee French Roast, Whole Bean
• Starbucks Pike Place coffee beans
• Peet’s Coffee, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
• illy Dark Roast Coffee Beans

But you can buy good quality dark roast espresso beans from most grocery stores or online.

Brewing coffee for an iced latte

Brewing coffee for iced lattes is a bit different than brewing it for regular hot lattes.

If you have an espresso machine, set it to produce a stronger brew. Otherwise, you can make a strong short coffee with whatever type of coffee maker you have available.

When I am away from my beloved espresso machine, I use an Aeropress or moka pot. These can make a great substitute short strong coffee. But, you know what? You can make an espresso many ways , take a look here: How to make espresso without a machine.

Alternatively make a cold brew coffee

Cold-brew coffee is a longer, slower, process but it makes an exceptionally good and full tasting coffee. The longer steeping time allows the water to extract the most flavor.

As I mentioned, it is a slow brewing process, letting the beans steep in water for long periods of up to 24 hours. So you will need to plan in advance, perhaps as a special treat when you have the time to really relax and enjoy your iced latte.

Here are the basic steps:

• Grind your beans coarsely. You can use a burr grinder or even a blender, but make sure not to grind them too finely or they will end up being gritty when you brew the coffee.
• Put the ground coffee in a pitcher or other container.
• Add cold water and stir well
• Cover and leave to sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
• Finally, strain out the coffee grounds.

Making an Iced caramel latte at home

Making an iced caramel latte at home is a breeze (sorry – I couldn’t resist!).

An iced latte is often more expensive to buy than regular latte when you order it in a coffee shop. So it’s even a great way to save money.

You can buy all of the ingredients you need at your local grocery store. Here’s how to do it:

Equipment

• Espresso machine Alternatively, make a short strong coffee with any coffee maker available
• 1 Latte glass
• 1 latte spoon
• 1 straw

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso Or you can make a short strong coffee
• 1 tbsp caramel syrup make that a generous tablespoon!
• ½ cup chilled milk you can use any milk you prefer. Choose a creamy milk for the most luxurious experience!
• ½ cup ice cubes
• 1-2 tsp sugar White or brown, depending on your taste. But remember the caramel syrup is very sweet.
• 1 tbsp whipped cream Optional
• ½ tsp vanilla extract Optional
• 1 cinnamon stick Optional
• dusting chocolate / cinnamon powder Optional

Method

• First brew a double shot of espresso. Or a 1/2 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method. If you can, leave the coffee to cool for at least 5 minutes.
• Pour the coffee over a latte glass half full of ice cubes.
• Combine the chilled milk, sugar and caramel syrup in a blender and blend until it reaches a smooth creamy texture.
• Pour the milk over the iced coffee.
• If you enjoy a cinnamon flavor, stir with a cinnamon stick. Once the cinnamon has been in the coffee and milk for 230 seconds, discard it (or place onto a drying cloth to reserve for further use.).
• For a delicious and luxurious finish, add some whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup.
• For a final flourish dust over with chocolate powder or ground cinnamon.

Top tips for making iced caramel latte

Brew the coffee

• If you have an espresso machine, brew 1-2 shots – depending on how strong you like your coffee.
• If you are using a coffee maker, brew a strong short (about 1/4 cup) cup of coffee.
• Any coffee maker will do a great job. So try a French press or an Aeropress, or even make a regular instant coffee.
• The important thing is to make a strong coffee – you will be adding milk and honey. These easily drown the taste of a weak coffee.
• Pour the coffee over a latte glass half full of ice cubes.

Prepare the milk

• Combine the chilled milk, sugar, ground cinnamon and caramel syrup in a blender and blend until it reaches a smooth creamy texture.
• Pour the milk over the iced coffee.

Finishing touches

• For a delicious and luxurious finish, whip some heavy cream and spoon (or pipe) it over the top of the latte.
• Add a drizzle of caramel syrup.
• For a final flourish dust over with chocolate powder or ground cinnamon.
• Relax and enjoy your iced caramel latte!

More iced drinks not to miss

Stuck for ideas about other iced lattes? Check out these delicious iced options:

• Iced vanilla latte
• Iced mocha latte
• Iced hazelnut latte
• Iced coffee latte
• Iced chai latte

However and whenever you drink iced lattes, try to find the space and time to relax and enjoy the experience!