Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee: Discover the Delicious Truth

Have you ever looked at a café menu and wondered—what’s the difference between an iced latte vs an iced coffee? They both have ice and coffee, so aren’t they the same? Not really!

These two drinks taste different, are made in different ways, and even feel different when you drink them.

It’s a hot summer day, and you’re probably thinking of an iced latte or a simple plain iced coffee that you can definitely have within 5 minutes. Whatever is on your bucket list, these two have one thing in common: They will clearly soothe your soul.

So, how are iced coffee and iced latte different from each other? Although they sound the same, they mostly differ in the brewing process.

While an iced latte is based on espresso, an iced coffee is just regular coffee on ice. So, how exactly are this different from each other? Let’s find out.

Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference? 

An iced coffee is simply brewed coffee served over ice; on the other hand, an iced latte is made with espresso, milk, and ice.

Although both drinks are served over ice, they differ primarily in their ingredients, brewing methods, and flavors.

An iced latte is made with one or two shots of espresso, ice, and milk, which results in a creamy, smooth texture.

The typical ratio for an iced latte is one part espresso to three parts milk. On the other hand, iced coffee is just regular brewed coffee over ice.

While you need an espresso machine to brew an espresso shot, you can brew a regular coffee using a French press, moka pot, or even instant coffee.

Iced coffee extracts all of the flavors and oils from the ground coffee, giving it a stronger, acidic, and bitter flavor profile. On the other hand, an iced latte is made with espresso, milk, and ice, giving it a sweeter, mellow taste.

While the preparation of iced coffee may vary depending on the place, the iced latte remains constant.

In short, both drinks are served over ice. Although iced coffee can get a lot more brightness and acidity from a coffee bean, an iced latte is a richer, creamier drink with a more subtle flavor.

What Is an Iced Latte?

If you truly want to understand the difference between iced latte vs iced coffee, the first thing you need to know is what each of these terms means whenever we mention them.

An iced latte delivers a smooth yet balanced flavor, making it a top choice among coffee lovers.

An iced latte is simply the cooler version of a classic latte. This drink is made from a shot of espresso and 180g (6 oz) of milk, giving it a signature sweet, creamy, and velvety texture.

With a typical coffee-to-milk ratio of 1:3, you will still enjoy the flavor of coffee, with a satisfying caffeine punch in the end.

On the bright side, this drink is highly customizable. You can add different syrups and flavorings and have endless options for milk.

For this dairy-free version of iced latte, you can opt for non-dairy options such as oat milk, almond milk, and even soy milk. Although the choice of milk significantly impacts the taste of your iced coffee, you can clearly have a refreshing iced latte with whatever you want.

What Is an Iced Coffee?

As the name implies, iced coffee is regular brewed coffee served over ice.

Iced coffee is typically made by brewing regular coffee, chilling it, and serving it over ice. You can brew regular coffee using a French press, Aeropress, pour-over, or even drip machine.

Since it’s brewed with hot water, iced coffee tends to have more acidity, along with sweet, chocolatey notes and a well-balanced flavor.

Depending on your preference, you can enjoy iced coffee, either with or without milk.

You can serve it straight over ice, but if you want something fancier, add milk, syrups, or other flavors.

However, in my opinion iced coffee is best enjoyed in its purest form—straight over ice. After all, the name “iced coffee” says it all!

Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee: The Key Differences Explained

Let’s learn the various differences between iced coffee and iced latte. Apart from brewing methods, these two are unlikely to be the same in flavor, texture, mouthfeel, and caffeine content.

An iced latte is made from espresso, milk, and ice, while an iced coffee is just regular coffee over ice. So, the main difference lies in the base. For an iced latte, it should be an espresso, while for an iced coffee, it can be anything, including regular coffee, espresso, or even cold brew.

The preparation also differs in terms of these drinks. An iced latte requires an espresso and espresso machine because otherwise, why would it be a latte, right? On the other hand, you can use a French press or stovetop espresso for your iced coffee. So, the preparation method is different.

Also, an iced latte contains a satisfying amount of milk; however, an iced coffee can be made with or without milk. While a regular black coffee over ice is considered an iced coffee, an iced latte has to have espresso, milk, and ice.

The caffeine content also varies. The flavor and mouth of iced coffee is unlikely to be an iced latte. Whatever the case, coffee has come a long way to meet your needs. Now, it’s our responsibility to truly understand the differences between iced latte and iced coffee. While you may have a preference, this journey is worth exploring.

Preparation and Ingredients

If you have just two ingredients at home: coffee, milk and some ice, you can easily whip up a delicious iced latte or an iced coffee or whatever you want.

The iced latte has become one of the most desirable coffee drinks, so it is essential to learn how to make one. If you have an espresso machine at home, you can make a delicious iced latte with just steamed milk and ice.

Meanwhile, an iced latte mostly consists of espresso and milk. Still, with just two simple ingredients—coffee and ice—you can make a soothing, refreshing iced coffee to soothe your soul. Some people like to add milk or sweeteners to enhance the overall flavor of an iced coffee.

If you’re into iced latte, here’s how to make one.

Flavor and mouthfeel

An iced latte is an espresso-based drink that mainly consists of espresso and milk. Yet, this creamy, sweet drink is softened by the amount of milk added.

This drink is on the creamier, sweeter, and milder side; hence, the irony is the strong flavor of espresso is overshadowed by the heavy amount of milk used. This drink gives a silky, smooth texture and feels soft on the tongue.

On the other hand, an iced coffee is straightforward in terms of flavor and mouthfeel. This drink is made with regular coffee and ice yet gives a bolder, stronger kick in the end.

This drink is super light and stronger and also possesses a stronger caffeine content than an iced latte.

Here is a quick comparison table to help you better understand.

Feature	Iced Latte	Iced Coffee
Base	Espresso	Brewed coffee
Flavor	Creamy, smooth, slightly sweet	Bold, stronger, sometimes bitter
Mouthfeel	Silky, rich, milk-heavy	Light, refreshing, clean
Sweetness	Naturally smoother (with milk)	Depends on added sugar/syrups

Which One Packs a Bigger Punch?

The key difference between iced coffee vs iced latte lies in how they are made. Iced coffee is simply double-strength hot coffee brewed and then poured over ice, offering a refreshing, bright, and light flavor—perfect for summertime. It contains the same amount of caffeine as hot coffee.

On the other hand, an iced latte is made with one or two shots of espresso. A single shot of espresso has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while a double shot contains around 170 milligrams.

While iced lattes tend to have a creamier, milder taste due to the higher milk content, their caffeine levels can vary depending on factors like the coffee-to-milk ratio and brewing method.

Although iced lattes contain a good amount of caffeine, this depends heavily on how the drink is prepared and the serving size.

Generally, iced coffee tends to have more caffeine than an iced latte. Still, in some cases, a large iced latte made with stronger espresso can surpass the caffeine content of iced coffee.

Calories and Nutrition Differences

An iced latte contains more calories than an iced coffee. The main reason is milk. Milk adds calories, fat, sugar, and protein.

A 12 oz iced latte with whole milk has about 120 to 150 calories. It contains 6 to 10 grams of fat, 8 to 12 grams of natural sugar, and 6 to 8 grams of protein. If you use skim milk, the calorie count drops to about 70 to 90.

On the other hand, iced coffee uses water instead of milk. Water does not add calories. A 12 oz black iced coffee has about 2 to 5 calories. It has no fat, no sugar, and almost no protein. The only calories come from the coffee itself, which is very low.

In short, iced lattes are richer in nutrients and calories because of milk. Iced coffee is a lighter drink with almost no calories unless you add sugar or cream.

Making Iced Latte and Iced Coffee at Home

When it comes to iced coffee drinks, opinions among coffee enthusiasts can vary widely. Iced coffee is typically brewed hot and then poured over ice, preserving the robust, sometimes acidic flavors of regular coffee.

On the other hand, an iced latte is made by pulling a shot of espresso, mixing it with milk and syrup, and serving it over ice. It’s so easy to make that you just need to pull a shot, add the ice and syrup to the cup, and stir.

It’s so easy to make one of these at home. Whether you have an espresso machine or not, you can still make one with anything you have at home.

How to Make an Iced Latte at Home?

You can make a delicious iced latte at home every time you crave something delicious. All you need to do is brew an espresso, froth your milk, and add some ice. Voila! It’s that easy to make a sweet, creamy iced latte to beat a hot summer day.

Let’s skip the small talk and get straight to the point.

Ingredients

• 18g of finely ground coffee bean
• Filtered water
• Milk (200ml)
• Ice
• Sugar (Optional)

Direction

1. You will need 18g of finely ground coffee to brew a shot of espresso. If you have a whole bean, grind it finely using a burr grinder, or you can use pre-ground coffee.
2. Now, add 18g of finely ground coffee to your portafilter, level off the top, and tamp it down. Start the brewing process; it should take at least 25 seconds.
3. Now that you have your coffee bean steam your milk using a milk frother or the steam wand in your espresso machine. This step will add more sweetness and creaminess to your drink.
4. After you’ve steamed the milk, combine all of these ingredients to whip up a delicious iced latte. Fill a tall glass with lots of ice, add the steamed milk, and top it off with espresso.
5. You can add sweetener or flavors to your drink or enjoy it straight.

This simple 5 steps recipe will surely make your day. Don’t believe it, try once.

How to Make an Iced Coffee at Home?

A classic iced coffee is made by brewing your coffee, cooling it down, and serving it. It’s not that hard. Brew the coffee using your available kitchen equipment, ice it down, and enjoy.

You can make iced coffee using various methods, such as pour-over, French press, moka pot, or drip machine. Brew your regular coffee with or without a machine, then enjoy it straight over ice.

We will use a French press to brew regular coffee. In just five minutes, you can whip up a delicious iced coffee right at home.

Ingredients

• 10g of medium ground coffee bean
• Filtered water (180g)
• Ice cubes
• French press

Direction

1. You need to preheat your French press by pouring hot water into it. This will help keep the water temperature consistent throughout the brewing process.
2. Start with 10 grams of coarse-ground coffee per 4oz of water. You can always adjust the amount of ground coffee based on how weak or strong you like your coffee.
3. Bring the water to a boil. Just allow the water to sit for 30 seconds after it has come to reach the perfect brewing temperature.( 195-200°F)
4. Add your beans to the press, then pour in your hot water. First, we’re going to bloom the grinds by adding a little bit of water—just enough to soak the grounds at the bottom of the press and let them bloom for 30 seconds.
5. After that, you’ll add the rest of the water. Then, let the coffee brew in the hot water for 3-4 minutes before pressing it down.
6. While the coffee steeps, place the plunger on top to keep it hot, but don’t press it down yet. Now, press the plunger down slowly and evenly.
7. Add a handful of ice cubes to a glass and pour your coffee over it. Enjoy it straight or add milk, cream, or sweetener.

Pro Tips to Improve Your Homemade Iced Coffee drink

• Use strong brewed coffee for iced coffee. Use a double shot of espresso for iced lattes. Weak coffee tastes flat when chilled.
• Let the coffee cool before pouring it over ice. Hot coffee melts ice quickly and makes your drink watery.
• Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays. Use these cubes instead of regular ice to avoid dilution.
• Use cold milk for iced lattes. Cold milk keeps the drink cool and fresh. For a richer taste, add a splash of cream or half-and-half.
• If you like sugar or syrups, mix them while the coffee is still warm. Sugar melts better in warm coffee than in the cold.
• Use flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. They mix well and give your drink a coffee shop feel.
• Use fresh, good-quality beans. Stale coffee gives a bitter or dull taste.
• Use clean, filtered water to brew coffee. It improves the overall taste.
• For iced lattes, use 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk. For iced coffee, use 1 part coffee to 1 part milk or water. Adjust to your taste.

Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee: Which One Should You Choose?

An iced latte is a sweet, creamy drink made with espresso and milk meanwhile an iced coffee is just regular brewed coffee, served over ice. The main difference among these two lies in the ingredients and flavor profile.

Since both of these drinks are quite refreshing in the summertime, it’s really difficult to choose one over the other. However, if you had to compare them, these things can be considered.

If you have a sweet tooth in terms of coffee drinks, an iced latte would be ideal for you. This sweet, creamy drink will satisfy you.

In contrast, if you like the bold, strong flavor of coffee in your daily routine, go for an iced coffee. This lighter, refreshing drink is full of life.

Your choice between an iced latte and an Iced coffee truly depends on how you like your coffee. So, we’ll let you decide by the end of the article which one will be your ultimate pick.

Best for Refreshing & Light Drink

Iced latte has a smooth and creamy taste. It uses more milk than coffee, making the drink light and mellow. Baristas use espresso shots for a strong flavor. They pour cold milk over the espresso and add ice for a cooling effect.

Iced coffee tastes bolder and more bitter. It uses brewed coffee and less milk, keeping the flavor strong and rich. People brew hot coffee first, then chill it and add ice.

Choose an iced latte for a soft and refreshing drink. Pick iced coffee if you enjoy bold flavors.

Which one is Best for a Stronger Coffee Flavor?

An iced coffee will definitely be on the bolder, stronger side since it is brewed coffee with lots of ice.

This drink yields a stronger coffee flavor since all the oils and flavors from the coffee bean are diluted only with water.

Iced latte, on the other hand, is sweeter and milder due to the amount of milk used in this drink. The creamy, velvety texture reduces the boldness of espresso and gives you a softer, richer taste of coffee.

An iced coffee with many more flavors is much bolder and stronger than an iced latte.

Which One is Best for Lower-Calorie Options?

Iced coffee has fewer calories than an iced latte. It uses brewed coffee and ice and contains little to no milk, keeping the calorie count low.

Iced latte uses espresso, milk, and ice. Milk adds extra calories and whole milk is more caloric than skim milk.

A basic iced coffee with no sugar has about 5 calories, while a basic iced latte with whole milk has around 120 calories.

Choosing skim milk or plant-based milk can lower the calories in a latte. Adding sugar or syrup increases the calories in both drinks.

For fewer calories, choose iced coffee without added sugar. If you prefer milk, ask for light milk or no sweeteners in your latte. Iced coffee is the better low-calorie option.

Which One is Best for Customization & Added Flavors?

An iced latte is made with espresso and milk, which gives a wide range of opportunities to explore different flavors. Since the milk is combined with flavors, this drink is suitable for adding flavoring, and this step will bring out the inner barista in you.

Iced coffee has a stronger coffee taste. It works well with light-flavor syrups and suits people who prefer a less creamy drink. However, its bold taste may overpower some flavors.

If you enjoy flavored drinks, choose an iced latte. Choose iced coffee if you prefer a strong coffee taste with a slight twist. Both drinks offer room for creativity, but iced lattes give better results with most flavor options.

Common Questions About Iced Lattes vs Iced Coffee

THE ULTIMATE TASTE BATTLE: ICED LATTE VS ICED COFFEE

When it comes to iced coffee drinks, opinions among coffee enthusiasts can vary widely. Iced coffee is typically brewed hot and then poured over ice, preserving the robust, sometimes acidic flavors of regular coffee. On the other hand, an iced latte is made by pulling a shot of espresso, mixing it with milk and syrup, and serving it over ice. It’s so easy to make you just need to pull a shot, add the ice and syrup to the cup and stir.

The brewing method and ingredients can significantly impact the flavor. Normally brewed coffee extracts all the oils and flavors from the beans, resulting in a stronger flavor profile due to the cooling process.

An iced latte, by contrast, combines espresso and milk to create a stronger yet smoother flavor. The espresso provides a bold, intense taste, while the milk adds creaminess and balance, resulting in a smooth and satisfying drink.

Although both drinks use different methods of extracting coffee, the way they’re served makes a noticeable difference. Iced coffee has a more intense and robust flavor. In contrast, an iced latte offers a creamier texture and a subtly sweet taste.