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.
Oh, the iced Spanish latte – it’s like a tropical vacation in a glass, but without having to pack a bag or wait for a plane! This luscious coffee drink is a beloved café staple that’s been winning hearts all over the world. Picture this: robust espresso shots perfectly blended with creamy milk and a generous splash of sweetened condensed milk, poured over ice until it’s refreshingly cold. The result? A harmonious balance of bold, sweet, and silky smooth flavors that dance on your palate.
What really sets the Spanish latte apart from your typical iced coffee is that beautiful sweetness and creaminess that comes from sweetened condensed milk – not just regular sugar or syrup. This ingredient adds a rich caramel-like depth that’s simply irresistible. It’s a drink that’s as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer afternoon or treating yourself any time you crave something a little more special than your everyday iced coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista at home or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward yet luxurious. Ready to make your own café-worthy iced Spanish latte? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!
Before we get to the fun part-making it!-let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of the iced Spanish latte lies in its simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you want to cut corners. Each component plays a starring role in the final flavor.
Strong, rich, and freshly brewed espresso is a must. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry – a strong brewed coffee or a concentrated cold brew can work in a pinch, but espresso really delivers the best punch.
This is the magic ingredient! It brings sweetness and a creamy, almost caramel-like flavor that’s signature to this drink. Full-fat condensed milk is best for richness.
Whole milk is ideal for that luscious texture, but feel free to use any milk you prefer – almond, oat, or skim if you want to keep it lighter. The milk balances the espresso and adds volume.
To chill the latte and keep it refreshingly cool without diluting too quickly.
Alright, time to roll up those sleeves and make some magic happen! Here’s the step-by-step method that ensures your iced Spanish latte tastes like it came straight from your favorite café.
Pull 2 shots of fresh espresso using your espresso machine. The aroma alone will get your senses tingling! If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a strong cup of coffee or concentrate some cold brew.
In your favorite tall glass or shaker, combine the hot espresso shots with 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Stir or shake vigorously until the condensed milk is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and silky.
Pour in the cold milk slowly, stirring gently to blend it with the espresso-condensed milk mixture. The color should shift to a gorgeous creamy caramel tone.
Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top. This chills your latte instantly and makes it perfectly refreshing.
Mix everything once more to ensure each sip is perfectly balanced.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa powder on top, or dollop some whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
And voilà! Your iced Spanish latte is ready to be enjoyed. Sip slowly and savor the harmony of bold espresso, sweet condensed milk, and creamy milk.
Because I want you to be the iced Spanish latte master, here are some expert hacks to elevate your drink:
Want to switch it up? The iced Spanish latte is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious twists to experiment with:
Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the espresso and condensed milk mixture before adding milk and ice. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Swap sweetened condensed milk for sweetened condensed coconut milk or another plant-based condensed milk alternative, and use oat or almond milk.
Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom with your espresso for a warm spice kick.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for a smooth vanilla undertone.
Garnish with a thin slice of orange peel or lemon zest to add a refreshing citrus aroma.
If you’re looking to elevate your coffee routine with something indulgent yet simple, the iced Spanish latte is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and bold, with enough room for you to personalize it just the way you like. Plus, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re making it for yourself, your friends, or impressing guests.
The best part? It only takes a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have at home, and a few minutes to whip up. So, why wait in line at the café when you can create your very own iced Spanish latte oasis right in your kitchen?
To make an iced Spanish latte, you need espresso, sweetened condensed milk, ice cubes, and cold milk (usually whole milk, but you can substitute with any milk of your choice).
You can prepare espresso using an espresso machine, a stovetop moka pot, or a strong brewed coffee if an espresso machine is unavailable. For the authentic taste, use finely ground coffee and brew a concentrated shot.
A common ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk per shot (1 ounce) of espresso, but you can adjust based on your preferred sweetness.
No, regular milk cannot replace sweetened condensed milk because condensed milk provides the characteristic creamy sweetness essential to a Spanish latte. You can adjust sweetness by adding sugar, but it won’t replicate the same texture or flavor.
Yes, an iced Spanish latte is typically much sweeter than a regular iced latte due to the use of sweetened condensed milk, which adds both richness and sweetness.
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk. For the condensed milk, vegan sweetened condensed milk made from coconut milk or other plant-based options are available or can be homemade.
Medium to dark roast coffee beans work best to complement the sweetness of the condensed milk and provide a robust espresso flavor.
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the sweetened condensed milk, add the cold milk, then slowly pour the freshly brewed espresso on top. Stir gently to combine before drinking.
It’s best to prepare the espresso fresh for the best flavor. However, you can mix the condensed milk and milk base in advance and keep it chilled, then add espresso and ice when ready to serve.
Yes, popular variations include adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top, using flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel, or adjusting the milk type to match dietary preferences.