Iced Spanish Latte

The Iced Spanish Latte is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing coffee drink that combines strong espresso or coffee with milk and a touch of sweetened condensed milk. Served over ice, it’s the perfect beverage for warm days or whenever you’re in the mood for a cooling pick-me-up with a velvety finish. This drink has become a popular menu item at cafés worldwide, thanks to its rich flavor profile and smooth texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Iced Spanish Latte is ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy a balance between bold coffee and sweetness. It’s incredibly easy to make at home with minimal ingredients, requires no special equipment beyond your preferred coffee brewing method, and is customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re seeking a café-quality drink on a budget or trying to cut down on sugary commercial options, this homemade version hits all the right notes.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee

• Whole milk or milk of choice

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Ice cubes

directions

1. Brew two shots of espresso or prepare about ½ cup of strong coffee using your preferred method.

2. In a glass, add ice cubes to fill it about three-quarters full.

3. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, adjusting the amount depending on how sweet you like your coffee.

4. Add the espresso or coffee over the ice and sweetened condensed milk.

5. Top it off with cold milk, leaving room to stir.

6. Stir thoroughly until the layers are well mixed and the drink turns a light, creamy brown.

7. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 serving.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Iced Spanish Latte with Oat Milk: Replace regular milk with oat milk for a dairy-free and nut-free alternative.

• Vanilla Spanish Latte: Add a dash of vanilla extract for an aromatic twist.

• Stronger Coffee Kick: Use a dark roast or add an extra shot of espresso for a more robust flavor.

• Less Sweet Version: Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or replace it with a sugar-free alternative.

• Blended Iced Spanish Latte: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frappe-style drink.

storage/reheating

An Iced Spanish Latte is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to prepare it in advance:

• Storage: Store the mixed drink (without ice) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add ice just before serving.

• Reheating: This drink is not intended to be reheated. If you’d like a hot version, prepare a traditional Spanish Latte using steamed milk and hot espresso.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Spanish Latte and a regular iced latte?

A Spanish Latte includes sweetened condensed milk in addition to regular milk, giving it a creamier and sweeter flavor compared to a traditional iced latte.

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water to replace the espresso if needed.

Is this drink suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative.

Can I make a decaf version?

Absolutely. Simply use decaffeinated espresso or coffee in place of the regular version.

How much caffeine is in an Iced Spanish Latte?

It typically contains the same caffeine amount as a standard espresso or coffee drink—around 60–100 mg per serving, depending on your coffee strength.

Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Yes, control the sweetness by reducing or increasing the sweetened condensed milk to your preference.

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used depending on your dietary preference.

Can I make a large batch?

You can multiply the ingredients for multiple servings. Store the coffee-milk mixture in the refrigerator and add ice when ready to serve.

What’s the origin of the Spanish Latte?

The Spanish Latte is inspired by café con leche, a traditional Spanish drink. It has evolved into a popular modern variation, especially in Southeast Asia and specialty coffee shops.

Is this drink very sweet?

It has a noticeable sweetness from the condensed milk, but you can tailor it to your liking by adjusting the quantity used.

Conclusion

The Iced Spanish Latte is a simple yet indulgent coffee drink that perfectly marries the richness of espresso with the sweetness of condensed milk. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot day or just craving a smooth, flavorful coffee experience, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With easy customization and minimal ingredients, it’s a fantastic option for any home barista looking to elevate their iced coffee game.