Espresso machine, Nespresso, Aeropress, or just strong brewed coffee
Glass or mason jar
Spoon or milk frother (optional, but fun if you like a little foam on top)
Ingredients
Freshly brewed espresso or very strong coffee
Vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade—your call)
Milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, soy… whatever you love)
Ice cubes
Optional: whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, or a vanilla bean garnish if you wanna get fancy
Instructions
Step 1) Brew the Coffee or Espresso: Start by brewing a strong espresso shot (or two if you like it bold). If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a small amount of strong coffee about ¼ cup. Next, let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt all your ice right away and water down the flavor.
Step 2) Add Vanilla Syrup: Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into your glass. I usually start with 1 and adjust if I want it sweeter. Afterward, stir it in with the coffee until it’s fully dissolved. Don’t skip this, or it won’t mix well with the milk later.
Step 3) Add Milk and Ice: Fill your glass with ice (I like to go about three-quarters full). Then pour in your milk of choice slowly and give it a gentle stir or swirl. If you want a creamy top layer, you can froth your milk before adding it.
Video
Notes
My personal tip:
If you’re using cold brew instead of espresso, try freezing coffee into ice cubes. That way, your latte never gets watered down as the ice melts.