Summer is right around the corner, and that means iced coffee weather! But do you know the difference between iced coffee vs iced latte? Many people think they're the same thing; however, there are some important differences between them.
Patriotic Americans might declare their allegiance to iced coffee, while others swear by the iced latte's creamy cousin. So what's the difference between these two frosty beverages? In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between these two drinks so you can make the perfect cold coffee beverage choice for you this summer!
Whether you prefer iced coffee or iced lattes, there's no denying that these drinks are perfect for summertime. So stock up on your favorite beans or pods and get ready to cool down with a refreshing drink!
What is iced coffee?
Iced coffee is a beverage made by drip-brewing coffee and then chilling it. To taste, you can make iced coffee with iced cubed coffee, milk, and sugar. The cold brew concentrate can also be used as a base. To make iced coffee, start by making a pot of coffee using your preferred method.
Once the coffee is brewed, chill it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. When you're ready to drink it, pour the coffee over ice cubes and enjoy. You can also add milk, sugar, or syrups to flavor your iced coffee.
Making iced coffee at home is easy, and it's a great way to enjoy your favorite coffee beverage all summer long. There are a few different ways to make iced coffee, but the most popular methods involve brewing coffee cold.
You can use an espresso machine or a french press to make cold brew coffee, or you can use a pour-over method. If you're using an espresso machine, just follow the same steps you would for making regular espresso drinks—only brew for half the time. For french press or pour-over methods, simply grind your beans coarsely and steep them in cold water for several hours.
You can either drink your brewed coffee over ice cubes or mix it with milk and sugar to make an iced latte.
What is an iced latte?
An iced latte is a coffee beverage made with espresso, cold milk, simple syrup, and ice. To make an iced latte, start by brewing a pot of coffee using your preferred method. Once the coffee is brewed, chill it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
When you're ready to drink it, pour the coffee over ice cubes and add milk, sugar, or syrups to taste. You can also make an iced latte using cold brew coffee as a base. Just add milk and ice to cold brew coffee and enjoy.
Iced lattes are a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy your favorite coffee beverage all summer long. If you're looking for a little extra caffeine, an iced latte is a great choice.
Iced coffee vs iced latte
In terms of flavor, iced coffee has a few key differences from an iced latte.
Perhaps the most notable difference is in the taste.
The most common form of iced coffee is brewed coffee, giving it a bolder, more intense flavor. On the other hand, iced lattes contain espresso and milk, resulting in a creamier, smoother drink.
Another difference is in the preparation.
Iced coffee is typically made by simply pouring brewed coffee over ice, while an iced latte requires steaming milk and combining it with espresso.
Finally, the iced latte is usually served with a layer of foam on top, while iced coffee is not. These subtle differences come together to create two refreshing drinks that are perfect for hot summer days.
When choosing between iced coffee and an iced latte, it all comes down to personal preference. Because of the different flavors, some people may prefer one over the other. Do you want a strong, bitter beverage or a creamy, sweet one? The choice is yours.
Here are 10 key differences between iced coffee and iced latte:
1. Iced coffee is made with hot coffee cooled and poured over ice.
2. Espresso, steamed milk, and simple syrup make up iced lattes.
3. The temperature is lower for making iced coffee than for iced lattes.
4. Compared with iced lattes, iced coffee has a stronger taste.
5. Latte drinks are richer and creamier than iced coffee.
6. A cup of iced coffee contains more caffeine than a cup of iced latte.
7. Having an iced coffee is less expensive than having an iced latte.
8. Iced coffee tastes less sweet and lower in calories than iced lattes.
9. Most iced coffees are served black or with cream and sugar.
10. With iced lattes, you can choose to skim milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
1 Formulation when making iced coffee vs iced latte
When making iced coffee, coffee is brewed at a higher ratio than usual, typically 1:16 (one part coffee to sixteen parts water). This cold concentrate is then poured over ice and diluted to taste.
Iced lattes follow a similar process, but milk is added to the ice before the espresso is poured over it. The result is a creamy, refreshing iced drink perfect for summer days.
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2 Brewing methods
For iced coffee
There are two main brewing methods: cold brew and flash brew for iced coffee and iced latte. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in room-temperature water for 12-24 hours.
This method results in a less acidic coffee and less bitter coffee made with the flash brew method. On the other hand, flash brew coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then quickly cooling it down. This method results in a more aromatic coffee and has more of a "kick" than cold brew.
For iced latte
The espresso method of brewing coffee involves forcing hot water under pressure through ground coffee beans. The resulting coffee is robust and has a concentrated flavor. Making iced lattes usually involves brewing espresso.
After brewing the espresso, let it sit in the fridge to cool down. Afterward, prepare your glass, place some ice cubes, and add the milk. The milk (usually steamed) helps mellow out the strong espresso flavor and results in a refreshing and cooling drink.
Moka pots and Aeropress are also espresso brewing methods that you can use to make iced lattes. However, the taste of iced lattes made with these methods may vary slightly due to the different brewing techniques. Ultimately, it is up to the drinker to decide which brewing method delivers the best-tasting iced latte!
3 Variations in taste or flavors
There are two main differences in taste between iced coffee and an iced latte. Hot water is used to brew and then cool down coffee, poured over ice and milk. This results in a strong and flavorful drink with a slightly bitter taste.
On the other hand, to make an iced latte, you mix cold milk with simple syrup and ice cubes and pour the espresso over it. The result is a refreshing drink that is smoother and sweeter than iced coffee.
Of course, there are endless variations of iced coffee and an iced latte, so it's hard to say definitively which one is better. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer a strong and bold flavor or something smoother and sweeter? Try both and see for yourself!
4 How about the appearance?
Iced coffee and iced latte both have a refreshing taste that can help you to cool down on a hot day. The two drinks, however, have different appearances.
As a result of the brewing process, iced coffee has a darker color. Meanwhile, an iced latte is typically lighter in color and has a milky appearance. Steamed milk combined with espresso makes for a thicker drink.
Iced coffee generally has more caffeine than an iced latte in terms of caffeine content. Due to the preparation methods, iced coffee is made with water-brewed coffee, while iced latte is made with espresso.
So, if you're looking for a pick-me-up on a hot day, iced coffee may be the right choice. However, if you're looking for something smoother and creamier, an iced latte may be better.
5 How many calories?
How many calories are in your iced coffee or iced latte? It depends on the size and ingredients.
- A Tall Iced Coffee with 2% Milk and Classic Syrup from Starbucks has 140 calories.
- A Grande Iced Coffee with 2% Milk and Classic Syrup has 190 calories.
- A Venti Iced Coffee with 2% Milk and Classic Syrup has 240 calories.
- A Tall Iced Latte with 2% Milk has 170 calories.
- A Grande Iced Latte with 2% Milk has 230 calories.
- And a Venti Iced Latte with 2% Milk has 290 calories.
Whipping cream is added to all of these iced coffees and lattes, adding 50 more calories.
So, if you want to save some calories, you can ask for your iced coffee or iced latte without whip cream. Or you can choose a smaller size. Whichever you decide to go, enjoy your delicious iced coffee or iced latte!
What are espresso-based drinks?
A drink made with espresso and other ingredients is an espresso-based drink. A cappuccino, a latté, and a mocha are some of the most popular espresso-based drinks.
If you've ever been to a coffee shop, you've probably seen espresso-based drinks on the menu. But what exactly are espresso-based drinks? Espresso is a strong coffee that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It has a concentrated flavor and a thick, creamy texture.
Cappuccinos are espresso drinks topped with steamed milk and foam. As with cappuccinos, lattes also contain espresso and steamed milk, but they have less foam. Steamed milk is combined with espresso and chocolate to make mochas.
Other espresso-based drinks include:
- Americanos, made with espresso and water.
- Macchiatos, made with espresso and foamed milk.
- Breves, made with espresso half-and-half.
Drinks of this kind are created continuously, so it's always fun to try something new.
The versatility of espresso drinks makes them very popular among coffee drinkers. They can be flavored with syrups or spices or served plain as is. Don't forget to try one of these delicious espresso-based drinks next time you're at the coffee shop.
What is espresso?
Using an espresso machine, a small amount of hot water runs through finely-ground coffee beans under pressure. Coffee brewed in this manner is thicker than coffee brewed in other ways, contains more dissolved and suspended solids, and has crema on top (a thick, cream-like foam).
Because of the pressure applied to the brewing process, espresso coffee has more caffeine per unit volume than other types of coffee, but it is served in a smaller quantity. Cappuccino, latte, macchiato, mocha, and americano are also specialty drinks made from espresso.
While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of espresso, most coffee experts agree that espresso should have a body or mouthfeel (the tactile sensation of coffee in the mouth) that is creamy and thick enough to provide visual texture. The caffeine content of espresso per fluid ounce is higher than other drinks (contrary to popular belief that espresso is less caffeinated). Still, espresso is served in a much smaller portion.
It should also have an aroma that is neither burnt nor sour. Finally, espresso should have a flavor that suggests chocolate or caramels. The perfect espresso is often described as "sweet." Achieving this level of sweetness requires skill on the part of the barista and is often the result of experience.
How to make iced coffee?
In general, cold brew coffee is used to make iced coffee or sips that are brewed at a lower temperature to minimize bitterness. Milk, sugar, and flavoring, such as vanilla extract, are added to the coffee.
Pour the mixture is then poured over ice and served. Some iced coffees are made with hot-brewed coffee that is then chilled, but this can often result in a more bitter taste.
Making iced coffee at home is relatively simple and only requires a few ingredients. You can also make iced coffee from instant coffee, but the results will differ.
However, those who want a more premium iced coffee may consider investing in cold brew coffee concentrate or pod-based iced coffee makers. These products can make a consistently great iced coffee easier without much effort.
How do you make an iced latte?
Iced lattes are a refreshing treat that you can enjoy all year round. Making an iced latte at home is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
To start:
- Brew a pot of coffee or espresso.
- For a more robust iced latte, use espresso.
- After brewing the espresso, let it chill to cool down before adding it to a glass of milk and ice cubes.
- Add simple syrup or sugar to taste.
- Stir well and enjoy! If you want to get creative, you can also add flavorings such as vanilla extract or chocolate syrup.
Iced lattes are the perfect drink for any coffee lover looking to cool down on a hot day.
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Extra tips to make a perfect iced latte
A lot of people think that making iced coffee is as simple as pouring hot coffee over ice. However, if you do this, you'll end up with a diluted, watery drink. To make a perfect iced latte, start by making a strong pot of coffee. Then, let it cool completely. Once it's cooled, pour the coffee into a glass filled with ice cubes, and add milk (dairy or non-dairy) to taste. If you want a little sweetness, add simple syrup or agave nectar. Stir well and enjoy!
Check the tips below:
1 Don't pour espresso straight over ice.
There's nothing quite like a cold iced latte on a hot day for coffee lovers. However, if you're thinking of making one at home, remember one important rule: don't pour espresso straight over ice.
When hot coffee comes into contact with ice, it cools down too quickly and loses its flavor. Instead, make a concentrate by brewing double-strength espresso and then chilling it in the fridge. When you're ready to make your iced latte, combine the concentrate with milk and ice. You'll end up with a delicious drink full of flavor – and sans watery texture.
2 Pour the espresso last.
An iced latte is perfect if you're looking for a refreshing summer drink. To make an iced latte, start by brewing a strong cup of espresso. Then, pour the espresso over a glass of ice and add milk to taste.
For a classic iced latte, use whole milk or 2% milk. If you want a slightly lighter drink, you can use skim milk. Pour the milk into the glass slowly, using just enough to keep the surface of the espresso slightly above the level of the ice. Stir the latte to ensure a consistent taste or stay stacked for a more rustic look. Enjoy your iced latte immediately!
3 Use simple syrup or liquid sweeteners.
If you're looking for a sweeter iced latte, your best bet is to use liquid sweeteners or simple syrups. Granulated sugar won't dissolve properly in an iced drink, so it's likely to settle at the bottom of your cup.
Simple syrup is an easy way to add sweetness to an iced latte without any granules, and you can make it at home with just sugar and water.
To make a cup of simple syrup, simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, add the desired amount to your iced latte and enjoy!
4 No to a make-ahead iced latte.
Anyone who has ever made an iced latte at home knows that it is a process. First, you have to make espresso, then let it cool slightly before blending it with milk and ice. And if you want to make it ahead of time, you're out of luck-oxidation will quickly ruin the quality of the espresso, even if the espresso can blend with milk.
The best way to enjoy an iced latte is to make it fresh, but if you must make it ahead of time, try using cold brew coffee instead of espresso. Cold brew coffee is less susceptible to oxidation so it will stay fresh longer. Plus, its bold flavor pairs well with milk and ice, making it a perfect substitute for espresso in an iced latte.
1. Start with iced coffee - Iced coffee is the key to an excellent iced latte. Make sure the coffee is nice and strong to hold up to the milk and ice.
2. Use milk - Whole milk will give you the best results, but you can use whatever kind of milk you like. Just keep in mind that non-dairy milk tends to have a thinner consistency.
3. Add sweetener - A little bit of sweetness brings out the flavor of the coffee and balances out the bitterness. You can use sugar, honey, or your favorite type of simple syrup.
4. Pour it over ice - This is crucial! Pouring iced coffee over hot ice will melt the ice and water down your drink. So, dilute the milk, simple syrup, and ice and pour the espresso last.
5. Stir it up - Give your iced latte a good stir to evenly mix all ingredients.
6. Enjoy! - And last but not least, enjoy your iced latte! Sit back, relax, and savor every sip.
Related questions
There is a big difference in calorie content in iced coffee vs. iced latte. An iced latte made with whole milk has about 120 calories. While an iced coffee made with the same milk has only about 60 calories.
The difference is even more pronounced when using 2% fat or non-fat milk. While an iced latte made with 2% fat milk has about 100 calories, an iced coffee made with the same amount of milk only has about 20 calories. So, if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, it’s best to stick to iced coffee instead of an iced latte.
A standard iced latte from a coffee shop contains about 75 mg of caffeine. Nevertheless, caffeine levels can vary according to the size of the drink, the amount of espresso added, and the type of milk used.
For example, a latte made with skim milk will generally have less caffeine than one made with whole milk. In addition, lattes made with more espresso will generally be higher in caffeine than those made with less.
As a result, the exact amount of caffeine in an iced latte can vary somewhat. However, most iced lattes contain between 75 and 150 mg of caffeine.
When it comes to iced coffee, there are two main types: iced coffee and iced latte. Iced coffee is made by brewing double-strength coffee, then diluted with ice and cold milk. In contrast, iced lattes are created by combining espresso, milk, and ice. So, which one is stronger?
In general, iced lattes are supposedly stronger than iced coffees. This is because iced coffee is diluted with ice and milk, while iced lattes are made with concentrated espresso.
However, a few factors can affect the strength of an iced latte. For example, if you order a tall iced latte from Starbucks, it will have two espresso shots. But if you order a grande iced latte, it will have three espresso shots. So, if you’re looking for a robust iced coffee drink, make sure to request an iced latte with a double shot of espresso.