How to Make an Iced Almond Latte (Easy Vegan Recipe)
Sometimes I catch myself laughing at how much I love anything almond. For instance, almond cakes, almond cookies, and of course, almond in my coffee.
Yesterday, I even wrote about the hot version of an almond latte (you can check it out here: almond latte). But with summer heat rolling in, the last thing I want is a steaming mug. What I’m craving instead is something cool, creamy, and refreshing.
The problem is, most of us end up heading straight to the café when we want that chilled pick-me-up. I used to do the same, but the cost adds up quickly, and sometimes the flavor feels off. Either too sweet, not nutty enough, or plain watered down.
That’s where making your own iced almond latte at home comes in. It’s smooth, lightly sweet with that marzipan-like flavor, and you can tweak it exactly to your taste.
In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to make an iced almond latte, share tips to get the flavor just right, and show you fun variations so you can enjoy it all summer long.
What Is an Iced Almond Latte?
At its core, an iced almond latte is what it sounds like: espresso (or strong brewed coffee), almond milk, and a splash of almond syrup poured over ice.
The almond syrup gives it that subtle marzipan-like flavor, while the almond milk keeps it creamy without being heavy. It’s a drink that tastes rich but stays light on your stomach compared to a whole milk latte.
The flavors complement each other…
Coffee brings the boldness, almond milk adds smoothness, and the syrup ties everything together with a gentle nutty sweetness. It doesn’t overpower the espresso; it enhances it.
Vegan-friendly drink
So if you’re lactose-intolerant or just looking for a lighter alternative, this drink checks all the boxes. You’ve probably seen iced almond lattes popping up in coffee shops everywhere.
But the truth is, they’re ridiculously easy to make at home. A few simple ingredients, a glass of ice, and you’ve got yourself a café-style drink in minutes.
How to Make an Iced Almond Latte (Easy Vegan Recipe)
Equipment
- Espresso machine, moka pot, or French press
- Tall Glass:
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoon for syrup
- Ice cube tray (bigger cubes work best to slow melting)
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee, cold brew concentrate works too)
- Almond milk (unsweetened or barista-style for extra creaminess)
- Almond syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- Ice cubes
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, nutmeg, or whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1) Brew your coffee: Pull 1–2 shots of espresso using your machine, or brew a strong cup of coffee. If using cold brew concentrate, measure about ½ cup for a smooth, less bitter base.
- Step 2) Stir in almond syrup: While the coffee is still hot, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of almond syrup. Then stir well so it dissolves evenly. This step makes sure the nutty sweetness blends with the coffee instead of sinking to the bottom later.
- Step 3) Prepare your glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. I suggest large ones because they're better since they melt more slowly and won’t water down your drink.
- Step 4) Pour espresso over ice: Slowly pour the sweetened espresso over the ice. Next, let it sit for a few seconds to cool down before adding milk, so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast.
- Step 5) Add almond milk: Top the glass with cold almond milk, pouring gently for that nice layered effect. Afterward, give it a quick stir if you prefer everything blended.
- Step 6) Garnish and enjoy: Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Personal tip:
I like to freeze leftover coffee into ice cubes and use those instead of regular ice. This way, as the cubes melt, the latte gets stronger instead of watered down.Tips for the Perfect Iced Almond Latte
Making an iced almond latte isn’t hard, but a few small tweaks can take it from “pretty good” to “coffee shop quality.” So, here are some tried-and-true tips:
1 – Use Cold Brew Concentrate
If you prefer a smoother, less bitter coffee base, cold brew concentrate is the way to go. It naturally has a lower acidity than espresso or hot-brewed coffee poured over ice.
This makes the almond milk and almond syrup stand out more. I like to keep a mason jar of cold brew in the fridge so I can throw a latte together without having to brew coffee on the spot.
2 – Use Barista-Style Almond Milk
Not all almond milk is the same. In fact, regular cartons often separate in iced coffee and don’t give you that creamy texture you’d expect.
However, barista blends are designed to froth and mix better with coffee. A few good options I’ve had success with are Califia Barista Blend, Almond Breeze Barista, and Silk Barista Edition. They cost a little more, but they completely change the mouthfeel of the latte.
3 – Adjust Syrup Quantity
This one comes down to personal taste. You can start with 1 tablespoon of almond syrup if you like it mild, and go up to 2 if you want that bold marzipan-like sweetness.
4 – Always Dissolve Syrup in the Espresso
A small but important step: stir the almond syrup into your espresso (or hot coffee) before pouring it over ice.
The reason is that syrup dissolves best in heat, and if you skip this, it can sink to the bottom of your glass. I can’t count how many times I forgot this and ended up with a sweet sludge at the bottom.
5 – Homemade Syrup vs Bought Syrup
Store-bought syrups are convenient and come in consistent flavors. For instance, brands like Torani and Monin make solid almond syrups you can find online or at specialty stores.
But when you make it yourself, you control the sweetness, the ingredients, and you can even get creative with add-ins like vanilla or cinnamon.
Plus, homemade syrup tastes fresher and doesn’t come with a long list of preservatives. If you’d like to try making your own, I’ve got a full guide here: How to Make Almond Syrup at Home.
Iced Almond Latte: Nutrition Benefits
One of the best parts about an iced almond latte is that it’s not simply tasty. But it can also be a lighter, healthier option compared to a traditional dairy latte.
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lower in calories compared to whole milk lattes | Swapping whole milk for almond milk cuts down on calories, making it easier to enjoy without the guilt. |
| Dairy-free and vegan-friendly | Perfect for anyone who’s lactose-intolerant, plant-based, or just trying to cut back on dairy. |
| Almond milk provides vitamin E and healthy fats | A natural source of antioxidants and heart-healthy fats that support overall wellness. |
| Can be made sugar-free for keto or low-carb diets | Using sugar-free almond syrup or monk fruit keeps the flavor without adding extra carbs or sugar. |
Last Thoughts
And there you have it: a cool, nutty iced almond latte you can whip up in minutes right at home.
Now I’m curious, have you ever tried making your iced almond latte? Do you stick with classic almond syrup, or do you like experimenting with flavors like caramel or vanilla?
And what’s your go-to milk: almond, oat, or something else entirely? So, go below and leave a comment and with that… voilà.
