Iced Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Alright, let’s set the scene. It’s mid-afternoon. The sun is blazing outside, you’re trying to power through your day, and suddenly… that craving hits. You want something soothing like tea, but also cold, energizing, and indulgent. Cue the iced tea latte-your new best friend.

An iced tea latte is like a peaceful marriage between your favorite brewed tea and a silky splash of milk, finished with ice for a cool, café-style experience. It’s the ultimate summer refresher, and here’s the secret: you can make it at home, and it’s ridiculously easy.

Whether you’re a chai enthusiast, a green tea devotee, or black tea traditionalist, there’s an iced tea latte out there with your name on it. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to sugary drinks and it’s totally customizable. Sweet or unsweetened? Dairy or oat milk? Light or strong brew? You’re the boss here.

Ingredients For Iced Tea Latte Recipe

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy drink. The beauty lies in its simplicity-you only need a few pantry staples, and voila!

Basic Ingredients

  • Tea bags or loose leaf tea (Choose your favorite! More on this below.)
  • Water (Filtered is best for a cleaner taste)
  • Milk of choice (Dairy, oat, almond, coconut, soy… whatever suits your vibe)
  • Sweetener (optional)

    • Honey
    • Maple syrup
    • Agave nectar
    • Simple syrup
    • Stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free option
  • Ice cubes (Lots of them!)
  • Vanilla extract or cinnamon (optional, but so worth it)

Best Teas For Iced Tea Lattes

Depending on your mood or the flavor profile you’re craving, here are some delicious tea options:

  • Black Tea – Think English Breakfast or Earl Grey for boldness
  • Chai Tea – Spicy, aromatic, and perfect for cozy vibes even in summer
  • Matcha – Earthy and rich with antioxidants
  • Green Tea – Lighter, grassy, and refreshing
  • Herbal Tea – Hibiscus, rooibos, or mint for caffeine-free options
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How To Make Iced Tea Latte?

Okay, here comes the fun part. Making an iced tea latte at home is surprisingly easy, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll never need a coffee shop again.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brew Your Tea

  • Boil 1 cup of water.
  • Steep 1-2 tea bags (or about 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea) for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
  • For a bolder flavor (especially with chai or black tea), go longer, but don’t overdo it-it can get bitter.

Step 2: Sweeten (If You Like It Sweet)

  • While the tea is still warm, stir in your desired sweetener so it fully dissolves.
  • Optional: Add a dash of vanilla extract or cinnamon to boost the flavor.

Step 3: Chill It Out

  • Let the tea cool to room temp OR pop it in the fridge/freezer for faster cooling.
  • You can also make a tea concentrate in advance and keep it chilled for quick assembly.

Step 4: Assemble The Latte

  • Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour the cooled tea over the ice (fill about 2/3 of the glass).
  • Top it off with cold milk (about 1/3 of the glass).
  • Stir gently, and admire those gorgeous swirls. Seriously, it’s Instagram-worthy.

Step 5: Sip And Savor

  • Grab a reusable straw, take a deep breath, and sip like the royalty you are.

Expert Tips

Want to make your iced tea latte not just good-but barista-level good? Here’s how to elevate your game:

  • Double the tea bags if you’re using ice (it gets diluted otherwise).
  • Chill your glass in the freezer beforehand for an extra refreshing drink.
  • Use tea concentrate: Steep tea in half the amount of water, then dilute with milk and ice.
  • Add flavor infusions like:

    • Lavender
    • Cardamom pods
    • Fresh mint
  • Froth your milk if you want a creamy café-style foam on top. Just use a handheld frother or shake it in a jar.
  • Use simple syrup for sweetening-it blends easier into cold drinks.
  • Batch brew tea ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

One of the BEST things about iced tea lattes is how incredibly customizable they are. You can switch it up every day and never get bored!

☀️ Classic Black Iced Tea Latte

  • Use English Breakfast or Earl Grey
  • Pair with whole milk or oat milk
  • Sweeten with honey or brown sugar

Iced Chai Tea Latte

  • Use chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai blend
  • Add vanilla extract + cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Sweeten with maple syrup for cozy, autumnal flavor

Iced Matcha Latte

  • Whisk 1 tsp matcha powder with a little hot water to form a paste
  • Add cold milk and ice
  • Optional: Add a splash of vanilla and honey

Mint Green Tea Latte

  • Brew green tea with a few sprigs of fresh mint
  • Cool and pour over ice
  • Add almond milk and a drop of agave

Hibiscus Coconut Latte (Caffeine-Free)

  • Brew hibiscus tea for a fruity tart flavor
  • Use coconut milk for a tropical twist
  • Sweeten with honey or skip sweetener for a zingy punch

Final Words

Iced tea lattes are more than just drinks-they’re experiences. They’re what happens when comfort meets cool, and when classic flavors get a modern, chill twist. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy setup, just a little intention and a splash of creativity.

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Once you start making your own iced tea lattes, you’ll:

  • Save money (goodbye, overpriced coffee shop visits!)
  • Control the sweetness and ingredients
  • Enjoy endless flavor possibilities

So go ahead-experiment, explore, and sip your way to serenity.

FAQs

What Is An Iced Tea Latte?

An iced tea latte is a chilled beverage made with brewed tea, milk (or a milk substitute), and ice. It is typically sweetened and may be flavored with syrups or spices. The milk gives it a creamy texture, similar to a traditional latte made with coffee.

What Type Of Tea Is Best For An Iced Tea Latte?

Black tea, green tea, and chai tea are the most popular choices for an iced tea latte. However, you can also use white tea, oolong tea, or herbal teas like rooibos, depending on your flavor preference.

How Do You Make An Iced Tea Latte At Home?

To make an iced tea latte, brew your tea of choice, then chill it. Pour the chilled tea over a glass of ice, add milk or milk substitute (like almond or oat milk), and stir in sweetener if desired. Optionally, you can add flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel.

Can I Use Non-dairy Milk For An Iced Tea Latte?

Yes, non-dairy milk options like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and soy milk work perfectly in an iced tea latte. Oat milk, in particular, gives a creamy texture that closely resembles dairy milk.

Is It Necessary To Sweeten An Iced Tea Latte?

No, it’s not necessary to sweeten an iced tea latte. However, many people like to add sugar, honey, agave syrup, or flavored syrups to enhance the flavor. The sweetness level can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Can I Use Flavored Tea For An Iced Tea Latte?

Absolutely! Flavored teas such as peach, raspberry, or jasmine can add unique and refreshing twists to your iced tea latte. Experimenting with different flavored teas is a great way to customize your drink.

How Do I Make A Strong Iced Tea Latte?

To make a stronger iced tea latte, brew your tea for a longer time to extract more flavor. You can also increase the tea-to-water ratio or use a more robust tea variety, such as Assam or English Breakfast, for a stronger taste.

What Is The Best Ratio Of Tea To Milk For An Iced Tea Latte?

The best ratio is typically 2 parts tea to 1 part milk. However, this can vary based on personal preference. Some people prefer a milk-heavy iced tea latte, while others opt for a more tea-forward flavor.

How Do I Prevent My Iced Tea Latte From Getting Watered Down?

To prevent dilution, you can use tea ice cubes made by freezing leftover brewed tea in ice cube trays. This way, your iced tea latte stays flavorful as the ice melts.

Can I Make An Iced Tea Latte Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of an iced tea latte ahead of time. Brew the tea and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour it over ice, add your milk or sweetener, and stir. For the best taste, avoid adding ice too far in advance, as it may melt and dilute the flavor.