How to Make an Iced Honey Latte (Easy & Quick Recipe)
I’m not exactly a gym bro, but I do enjoy working out and staying in shape. A few years ago, I made the switch and stopped adding sugar to my coffee.
Not because I hated it, but because I was trying to clean up my habits. I started eating more whole foods and cutting back on empty calories. Nowadays, most mornings it’s just espresso and oat milk.
But some afternoons, particularly in the summer, after a workout or a long walk, I want something cold, refreshing, and just a little sweet. That’s when I started experimenting with honey in my coffee, and that’s how the Iced Honey Latte became part of my regular cup.
It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and doesn’t feel like I’m undoing the work I put in at the gym.
Whether you’re someone who loves the taste of honey, wants a more natural alternative to syrup, or you’re trying to avoid refined sugar too, this drink might just hit the spot.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make it from scratch, which honeys work best, and a few easy ways to customize it to your taste. So let’s start brewing!
What Is an Iced Honey Latte?
An iced honey latte is a chilled espresso-based drink, sweetened with honey instead of syrup, and topped off with your favorite milk and a handful of ice. That’s it!
No complicated ingredients: just a clean, naturally sweet coffee that’s both bold and smooth.
What sets it apart is the honey…
Unlike flavored syrups that can be overly sweet or artificial, honey adds a gentle floral note that pairs well with espresso.
You can also play around with different types of honey. For instance:
- Clover honey is mild and smooth, making it a safe go-to.
- Orange blossom honey adds a bright, citrusy note.
- Wildflower honey brings a more floral, slightly herbal taste.
- Buckwheat honey has a rich and almost molasses-like taste.
Notes: Later in the post, I’ll share a few favorite honey brands I keep coming back to.
Iced Honey Latte (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Equipment
- Espresso machine, Moka pot, or Aeropress (whatever you use for strong coffee)
- Spoon for stirring
- Tall glass or mason jar
- Optional: a milk frother if you like it extra creamy on top
Ingredients
- Fresh brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- Honey – raw or regular, your call
- Milk of choice – dairy, almond, oat, etc.
- Ice cubes
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of sea salt for depth
Instructions
- Step 1) Brew Your Espresso or Coffee: Brew 1–2 shots of espresso or about ½ cup of strong coffee. You want it concentrated enough to stand up to the milk and ice. Next, let it cool a bit if it’s too hot, it'll melt the ice and water everything down.
- Step 2) Mix in the Honey: Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey while the espresso is still warm. It dissolves much better this way and blends evenly. Afterward, stir well until it’s completely mixed.
- Step 3) Add Ice and Milk: Fill your glass about ¾ of the way with ice. Pour in the honey-sweetened coffee, then top with your favorite milk. Give it a slow swirl to mix. It should look like one of those coffee reels people watch on repeat.
Video
Notes
Tip
If you want extra depth without more sweetness, add a tiny pinch of sea salt. This brings out the natural flavor of the honey and balances everything without tasting salty.Favorite Honey Brand (Recommendations)
If you’re new to using honey in coffee, picking the right one makes a big difference. Some honeys are mild, others have a strong flavor that can change how your latte tastes.
After trying several, I’ve found three brands that I enjoy. They mix well, taste amazing, and are easily found in most grocery stores.
1 – Nature Nate’s 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey
This honey is smooth, slightly floral, and not overly thick, making it perfect for stirring into warm espresso. Plus, it’s raw and unfiltered. So you’re getting all those natural enzymes and nutrients without weird additives.
2 – Dutch Gold Amber Honey
Dutch Gold has a warm, rich flavor that holds up well in iced coffee drinks. It’s not too strong or overpowering, but it adds depth, especially when paired with cinnamon or vanilla.
3 – Simply Nature Organic Wildflower Honey (from ALDI)
If you shop at ALDI, this is a solid budget-friendly option that still tastes great. It has more of a floral and slightly herbal vibe. For this reason, it adds a nice complexity to an iced honey latte.
Notes: You don’t need anything fancy or expensive. Instead, a clean-tasting honey that blends easily and doesn’t overpower your drink. I suggest starting with what you’ve got, and once you find a flavor profile you like, stick with it or play around.
Iced Honey Latte: Serving Suggestions & Flavor Tips
The way you serve this drink or what you pair it with can make it feel extra special. So here’s some of my favorite tips:
1 – Best enjoyed on warm days or post-lunch
I love sipping one after lunch when I’m hitting that mid-afternoon slump. It’s refreshing, not too heavy, and gives a nice caffeine kick without overdoing it.
2 – Pairs well with biscotti, oatmeal cookies, or fresh fruit
If you like having a little snack with your coffee, this latte plays well with mellow, earthy flavors. A cinnamon oatmeal cookie or a few slices of pear or apple highlight the honey’s natural sweetness. And a crunchy biscotti? Always a win.
3 – Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist
These spices bring warmth and depth that balance out the sweetness of the honey and accentuate the richness of the coffee. So, give it a try.
4 – Use vanilla or lavender-infused honey
These types of honey add a subtle extra layer of flavor. For instance, vanilla honey makes it richer and smoother.
Meanwhile, lavender adds a soft floral note that’s surprisingly good with espresso. Just a teaspoon goes a long way.
5 – Try cold brew
If you’re not in the mood to brew hot coffee, cold brew is a great alternative. It’s mellow, less acidic, and blends beautifully with honey. Just make sure it’s strong enough so the drink doesn’t taste watered down once you add milk and ice.
6 -Froth the milk
Even though this is an iced drink, frothed milk gives it a velvety texture and a more “barista” feel. I use a handheld frother for a few seconds. This makes the top super creamy without needing whipped cream or extras.
Last Thoughts
Now I’m curious to know:
Have you ever used honey in your coffee before? Do you like it bold with a darker roast or light and floral with lavender honey? Got a favorite milk or spice combo that takes it over the top? So, let me know how you make it your own and voilà!
