Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe [+Tips]
Note: This page contains affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.
Okay, so here’s the scoop: the Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte isn’t just any cold coffee drink. It’s basically a summer hug in a cup-cool, smooth, and packed with that irresistible vanilla sweetness that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re a coffee newbie or a seasoned latte lover, this drink hits the spot every single time.
What’s magical about this iced latte is how effortlessly it combines the boldness of espresso with the creamy vanilla flavor and chilled milk – all over ice, of course. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up, a mid-afternoon treat, or even a morning energizer if you want to start your day with something cool instead of hot. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up at home, saving you a few bucks and a trip to the coffee shop.
So, ready to unlock the secrets behind making your own Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!
Ingredients For Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe
You’ll want to have these essentials on hand to make your iced vanilla latte taste just like the one from Dunkin (maybe even better – homemade style!).
-
Espresso Or Strong Brewed Coffee
- Use freshly brewed espresso shots if you have an espresso machine.
- Alternatively, a strong brewed coffee or concentrated cold brew can do the trick if you don’t have espresso.
-
Vanilla Syrup
- The star of the show! Dunkin’s vanilla syrup is sweet and aromatic, balancing the bitterness of the espresso.
- You can buy store-bought vanilla syrup or make your own (I’ll share a quick homemade syrup recipe in the tips section!).
-
Milk
- Whole milk for that rich, creamy texture.
- But hey, you can substitute with any milk you prefer: skim, almond, oat, soy, or even coconut milk.
-
Ice Cubes
- Lots of them! Because this is an iced drink, you want your latte nice and cold.
-
Optional: Sweetener
- Depending on your taste, you can add sugar, honey, or an alternative sweetener if you want it sweeter than the vanilla syrup alone.
How To Make Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte?
Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps and you’ll have a refreshing cup of iced vanilla latte in no time:
-
Brew Your Espresso Or Coffee
- Pull 2 shots of espresso or prepare about ½ cup of very strong brewed coffee.
- Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt your ice too fast.
-
Fill Your Glass With Ice
- Grab a tall glass and fill it to the brim with ice cubes. The more ice, the cooler and more refreshing your latte will be.
-
Add Vanilla Syrup
- Pour about 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup over the ice. Adjust to your preferred sweetness!
-
Pour The Espresso Or Coffee Over The Ice And Syrup
- This lets the vanilla syrup mix well as the espresso cascades through.
-
Add The Milk
- Pour 1 cup of milk gently over the coffee mixture.
- Watch the creamy swirl as it blends beautifully with the espresso – Instagram-worthy for sure!
-
Stir It Up
- Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or milk if needed.
-
Serve With A Straw And Enjoy
- Grab your favorite straw, sit back, and savor that perfectly balanced iced vanilla latte!
Expert Tips
Now, here’s where things get fun – some insider secrets and pro tips to elevate your homemade Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte:
-
Make Your Own Vanilla Syrup
- Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Heat until sugar dissolves, then cool and store in the fridge. Fresh syrup tastes incredible and lets you customize sweetness.
-
Use Cold Brew Concentrate For An Ultra Smooth Flavor
- Cold brew concentrate is less acidic and has a naturally smooth, mellow flavor, perfect for iced drinks.
-
Froth Your Milk
- Frothing isn’t just for hot lattes! Use a handheld frother to give your milk some airy texture before adding it – it feels luxurious.
-
Adjust Sweetness To Your Taste
- Dunkin’s vanilla syrup is pretty sweet. If you want less sugar, cut back or try using sugar-free vanilla syrup.
-
Chill Your Glass
- Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making your latte to keep your drink cold longer.
-
Experiment With Milk Types
- Oat milk adds a natural sweetness and creaminess that pairs beautifully with vanilla and espresso.
Recipe Variations
Because who wants to be stuck with just one version? Here are some exciting twists to personalize your iced vanilla latte:
-
Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte
- Add a drizzle of caramel syrup or sauce alongside vanilla for a buttery, sweet combo.
-
Iced Vanilla Mocha Latte
- Mix in a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a mocha twist that’s rich and indulgent.
-
Vegan Iced Vanilla Latte
- Use almond, oat, or soy milk, and ensure your vanilla syrup is vegan-friendly.
-
Sugar-Free Version
- Swap regular vanilla syrup with a sugar-free version, or sweeten lightly with stevia or monk fruit.
-
- Need a stronger caffeine kick? Double up your espresso shots.
-
Spiced Vanilla Latte
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a cozy, aromatic vibe.
Final Words
Honestly, once you make your own Dunkin Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte at home, you might never want to buy it again. It’s fresher, you control every ingredient, and you can tweak the sweetness and creaminess to your exact liking. Plus, the sense of accomplishment from crafting a café-worthy drink in your own kitchen? Priceless.
And the best part? This recipe is totally versatile – it’s a fantastic base to experiment with your favorite flavors and milk types, so you can keep it classic or get adventurous.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed To Make A Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Vanilla Latte At Home?
To replicate a Dunkin’ Donuts iced vanilla latte at home, you’ll need espresso or strong brewed coffee, cold milk (whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative), vanilla syrup, and ice. Optionally, whipped cream can be added for topping.
What Kind Of Coffee Does Dunkin’ Use In Their Iced Vanilla Latte?
Dunkin’ uses espresso shots brewed from their signature espresso beans. For a homemade version, you can use any dark roast espresso or strong brewed coffee to get a similar flavor.
How Much Vanilla Syrup Should I Use For A Medium Iced Vanilla Latte?
For a medium (24 oz) iced vanilla latte, use about 3 tablespoons (or 6 pumps) of vanilla syrup. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Can I Use Store-bought Vanilla Syrup For This Recipe?
Yes, store-bought vanilla syrup such as Torani or Starbucks Vanilla Syrup works well. You can also make your own at home using a mix of sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
What Is The Ideal Coffee-to-milk Ratio For A Dunkin’-style Iced Vanilla Latte?
Dunkin’ typically uses a 1:2 ratio of espresso to milk. For example, 2 ounces of espresso combined with 4 ounces of milk, plus ice and syrup.
How Do I Make Espresso Without An Espresso Machine?
You can use a stovetop Moka pot, Aeropress, or brew a strong cup of coffee using a French press or drip method with a higher coffee-to-water ratio as a substitute.
What Type Of Milk Does Dunkin’ Use In Their Iced Vanilla Lattes?
Dunkin’ typically uses whole milk by default unless otherwise specified. You can substitute with skim, almond, oat, or soy milk based on your dietary preference.
Can I Make This Recipe Sugar-free?
Yes, you can make a sugar-free version by using a sugar-free vanilla syrup and a low- or no-calorie milk option such as unsweetened almond or skim milk.
How Can I Make My Iced Vanilla Latte Taste Exactly Like Dunkin’s?
Use a dark roast or espresso similar to Dunkin’s blend, whole milk for creaminess, and a commercial vanilla syrup (like the one Dunkin’ uses). Chill the espresso before mixing and use plenty of ice for an authentic texture and temperature.
Is It Better To Add The Syrup Before Or After The Milk And Espresso?
For the best mix and flavor, add the vanilla syrup to the espresso first and stir to combine. Then pour in the milk and finally add the ice. This ensures even distribution of sweetness.