Easy Vanilla Iced Instant Coffee Latte is a gourmet-style vanilla twist on the classic iced coffee favorite.
About this drink…
This vanilla-splashed iced latte is a wonderful alternative to a standard hot coffee, especially when you need something cold and refreshing during the summer months!
It’s a simple recipe—just 4 ingredients and a blender! And it’s budget-friendly!
Using frozen milk rather than ice helps create the creaminess that doesn’t get watered down like classic iced drinks.
Whether you prefer a little caffeine boost from instant coffee or prefer decaf, this delicious drink is the ultimate way to cool the heat on those hot summer days and nights.
So, why waste your time and money waiting in long lines to pay a fortune at a coffee shop when you can whip up this gourmet version at home in no time at all?
Enjoy it as your morning pick-me-up while you’re relaxing on the couch on the weekend or as you unwind on your porch watching the sun go down.
And, if you want a little more sweetness, add a dollup of whipped cream on top!
A little about lattes:
The term “latte” is a short way of saying “caffè latte” or “coffee and milk.”
“Caffè latte” is Italian, and if you order “a latte” in Italy, chances are you won’t get a coffee but rather a glass of milk.
In French, the term is “café au lait,” and in Spanish, “cafe con leche.”
All of the above sound so much more romantic than just coffee with milk, don’t they?
Actually, it should be milk and coffee since it’s coffee made with a milk base instead of a water base with a little milk. But whatever.
Even though Europeans have been mixing coffee into their milk since at least the 1600s, nowadays, when one orders a latte, they mean a contemporary coffee drink often made with hot milk and espresso.
And adding a splash of vanilla is just a little cafe gourmet!
This recipe, though, has a frozen milk base and instant coffee, and while it may not be fashionable or stylish, it’s deliciously cool and refreshing!
And coffee can actually be good for you!
Frequently Asked Questions: Easy Vanilla Iced Instant Coffee Latte
1. Why use both frozen and chilled milk?
Using frozen milk creates a thicker, slushier, café-style texture without the need for ice cubes, which can water down the coffee. Adding the chilled milk provides enough liquid for the blender to catch and emulsify the ingredients, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
2. Can I use a dairy-free milk substitute?
Yes, this recipe works with dairy-free alternatives. Oat milk and almond milk are particularly good because they have a creamy texture that blends well.
3. Is there a trick to getting the instant coffee to dissolve properly?
Since you are using a blender, the coffee will dissolve easily.
4. Can I make this in advance?
This drink is best served immediately, as the frozen milk will eventually melt. If you need to make it ahead, keep the mixture in the freezer, but you will need to give it a quick pulse in the blender again before serving to restore that perfect, frothy, iced texture.
5. How can I adjust the sweetness?
The sweetness in this recipe is customizable. Start with minimal sugar, blend, and taste. If you prefer a more dessert-like drink, feel free to add more.
6. What is the best way to garnish this latte?
For a professional touch, drizzle a little bit of vanilla syrup or a tiny splash of extra vanilla extract on top. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a single coffee bean also makes for a beautiful, simple presentation.
Love sweet and refreshing ways to cool off during the summer?
Try these homemade ice cream recipes:
Dairy-Free Chocolate Ice Cream
Dairy-Free Coffee Ice Cream
Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream
Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream
Easy Vanilla Iced Instant Coffee Latte Recipe
A delicious and easy iced coffee with a frozen milk base, instant coffee, and a splash of vanilla.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of milk, frozen + another 2 ounces only chilled from the fridge
- 1 teaspoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar or to taste
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (real or a good imitation)
Instructions
- Place the frozen milk, coffee, sugar, and vanilla in a blender
- Blend until all of the milk is slush.
- If the iced latte is too thick for your taste, add the chilled milk—a very little at a time—until you reach your desired consistency.*
Notes
* Sometimes, the frozen milk will be dry and gather at the sides of the blender (unless you let it defrost a little first).. Adding a little extra milk will take care of that. Be careful to add only a little at a time, otherwise you will lose the iciness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 267Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 42gSugar: 30gProtein: 8g