Latte Freddo Recipe [+Tips]

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Okay, let’s set the scene: It’s a scorching summer afternoon, the sun is blazing, and you need your coffee fix. A hot espresso? Nope, too steamy. A plain iced coffee? Meh, it just doesn’t have that richness you’re craving. Enter the Latte Freddo-Italy’s creamy, frothy answer to your cold coffee dreams.

Latte Freddo, meaning ’cold milk’ in Italian, is not just another iced latte. It’s a beautifully balanced drink made with strong espresso, cold milk, and a luxurious foam on top. It’s silky, frothy, and seriously addictive. The magic lies in the texture-it’s smooth, foamy, and hits the sweet spot between bold espresso and chilled creamy delight.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado or just looking to upgrade your summer caffeine game, this guide is for you.

Ingredients For Latte Freddo Recipe

Let’s talk ingredients-because quality matters here. Latte Freddo is simple, so every component needs to be spot-on.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Freshly Brewed Espresso

    • Go for 2 shots (about 60 ml total). You want it strong and rich. A stovetop Moka pot or espresso machine works best.
  • Cold Milk

    • ½ cup (120 ml) of whole milk is traditional, but more on that later. You can use dairy or non-dairy.
  • Ice Cubes

    • Keep it cold and refreshing. Use filtered water ice if possible (yes, it makes a difference!).
  • Sweetener (optional)

    • Sugar, honey, simple syrup, or agave. Add to taste. Some folks like it bitter and bold, others want that sweet kick.
  • Vanilla Extract (optional But Delightful)

    • Just a drop or two adds a beautiful depth to the flavor.

How To Make Latte Freddo?

Alright, roll up your sleeves and prepare to fall in love with this process. Making a Latte Freddo is half about technique, half about love.

Brew The Espresso

  • Use an espresso machine, stovetop Moka pot, or Aeropress to pull two strong shots of espresso.
  • Want an even more intense flavor? Let it brew a little longer, but avoid burning it.
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Pro tip: Let your espresso cool just slightly before mixing it with milk. If it’s too hot, it melts the ice too fast and waters everything down.

Prepare The Milk

  • Pour the cold milk into a mason jar, cocktail shaker, or milk frother.
  • Shake it hard for 30-45 seconds. You’re looking for that creamy foam to form.
  • No shaker? Use a hand frother or even a blender! The foam is crucial-don’t skip this part!

Assemble Your Latte Freddo

  • Fill a tall glass with ice.
  • Pour the cooled espresso over the ice.
  • Slowly pour the frothed milk over the top. Let it cascade like a silky waterfall.
  • Spoon the remaining foam on top for that signature café look.

Sweeten To Taste

  • Stir in your sweetener if using. You can mix it in with the espresso while it’s hot for better dissolving-or drizzle it over the top.

Sip, savor, and mentally transport yourself to a bustling café in Rome. Heaven.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Latte Freddo from ’yum’ to ’HOW did you make this?!’

Here are some barista-level tips:

  • Use High-quality Espresso Beans.

    Go for dark roasts with chocolate or nutty undertones. Avoid overly acidic or fruity blends.

  • Chill Your Glass.

    Pop your serving glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. It keeps your drink cold longer and adds a frosty edge.

  • Use Full-fat Milk For Maximum Creaminess.

    Skim milk won’t give you that rich foam. Plant-based alternatives like oat milk and almond milk can work beautifully too-just make sure they froth well.

  • Don’t Skip The Shake!

    That thick, creamy foam is what makes Latte Freddo special. Shake, froth, whip-whatever it takes!

  • Add Flavor Infusions.

    Vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, or even a dash of cocoa powder can transform your drink.

  • Make A Batch Of Espresso Ice Cubes.

    Freeze leftover espresso in an ice tray. Next time, your drink won’t water down as the ice melts-genius!

Recipe Variations

Let’s get playful. Latte Freddo is already fantastic, but here are some creative spins you might fall in love with:

Freddo Vanilla Latte

  • Add ½ tsp vanilla extract or vanilla syrup.
  • Pair with oat milk for a dessert-like flavor.

Mocha Freddo

  • Mix 1 tsp cocoa powder or chocolate syrup with the espresso.
  • Top with a dusting of cocoa for a luxurious treat.

Coconut Latte Freddo

  • Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for flair.

☕ Doppio Freddo

  • Double the espresso, half the milk-super bold, less creamy. Great for hardcore coffee lovers.

Honey & Cinnamon Latte Freddo

  • Sweeten with a teaspoon of honey and a dash of cinnamon.
  • It’s comforting, warming (even when cold), and divine.

Final Words

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how utterly perfect the Latte Freddo is? It’s like summer in a glass, vacation in every sip, and a café experience right in your kitchen. It’s elegant yet easy. Classic yet endlessly customizable.

This isn’t just a drink. It’s a vibe. A ritual. A mini escape from the heat, the hustle, the day. And now that you know how to make it-and make it really well-you’ve got a secret weapon to beat the heat in style.

FAQs

What Is A Latte Freddo?

Latte freddo is an Italian-style iced coffee made with chilled espresso and cold milk. Unlike iced lattes that may use ice cubes, latte freddo is often shaken or blended to create a frothy, creamy texture without diluting the drink.

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What Ingredients Are Needed For A Latte Freddo?

To make a latte freddo, you need freshly brewed espresso, cold milk (whole or any milk of choice), sweetener (optional), and ice. Some variations include flavored syrups or a dash of vanilla extract.

How Do You Make A Traditional Latte Freddo?

Brew 1-2 shots of espresso and let it cool slightly. Add the espresso, cold milk, and sweetener (if using) to a shaker or blender with ice. Shake or blend until frothy, then strain into a chilled glass. Serve immediately.

Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead Of Espresso For Latte Freddo?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in a small amount of hot water, let it cool, and then proceed with the recipe as usual.

What Type Of Milk Works Best In A Latte Freddo?

Whole milk is traditional for its creamy texture, but you can use any milk such as almond, oat, soy, or skim depending on your dietary preference or taste. Frothiness may vary depending on the milk’s fat content.

Is A Latte Freddo Sweetened?

Latte freddo is typically lightly sweetened to balance the bitterness of espresso. You can use simple syrup, honey, agave, or skip sweetener entirely depending on personal taste.

How Is Latte Freddo Different From An Iced Latte?

While both are cold espresso-based drinks with milk, an iced latte is usually built over ice and stirred, whereas a latte freddo is shaken or blended with ice to create a smoother, foamier texture without excess dilution.

Can I Prepare A Latte Freddo In Advance?

Latte freddo is best served immediately to preserve its frothy texture, but you can brew and chill the espresso ahead of time. Combine with milk and shake or blend just before serving.

What’s The Best Way To Froth A Latte Freddo Without A Blender?

If you don’t have a blender, you can use a cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid, or a handheld milk frother to achieve the desired foam and chill the drink thoroughly.

Can I Add Flavors To My Latte Freddo?

Yes, popular flavor additions include vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or chocolate syrups. Add them while blending or shaking to incorporate evenly into the drink.