If you love creamy iced coffees with a hint of tropical sweetness, this Iced Coconut Vanilla Latte will become your new favorite drink. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing—perfect for warm days, slow mornings, or an afternoon energy boost. The combination of coconut and vanilla adds a soft, comforting flavor that feels indulgent yet balanced.
This latte delivers coffeehouse quality at home using just a handful of simple ingredients. It blends strong brewed coffee or espresso with coconut milk, vanilla, and ice to create a chilled drink that tastes like a tropical twist on a classic iced latte. You can easily make it dairy-free, customize the sweetness, or even turn it into a blended version.
With about five minutes of prep, this Iced Coconut Vanilla Latte gives you the perfect mix of creamy, cool, and invigorating—no specialty equipment required.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe keeps things simple while maximizing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with easy substitutions.
Strong coffee or espresso: Freshly brewed espresso creates the best latte flavor, but strong coffee or cold brew works perfectly too. For a bolder drink, use 2 shots of espresso; for a lighter taste, use brewed coffee.
Coconut milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk gives a rich, creamy texture, while carton coconut milk makes a lighter latte. You can swap it for oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic sweetness. You can use vanilla bean paste for a stronger flavor or swap it with coconut extract for extra tropical notes.
Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, simple syrup, agave, or even vanilla syrup all work beautifully. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Ice: Essential for a frosty, refreshing chilled latte. Crushed ice makes it extra cold and slightly slushier.
Optional coconut cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture for a more decadent drink.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Coffee maker, espresso machine, or cold brew concentrate
- Measuring spoons
- Glass or jar for mixing
- Spoon or frother for stirring
- Tall serving glass
- Ice cube tray (if making your own ice)
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Blended Iced Coconut Latte: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frappé-style drink.
- Coconut Caramel Latte: Drizzle caramel sauce into the glass or stir some into the coffee.
- Mocha Coconut Latte: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or a splash of chocolate syrup.
- Stronger coffee version: Use an extra espresso shot or reduce the milk slightly.
- Extra vanilla: Use vanilla syrup instead of plain sweetener for a richer vanilla taste.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk exclusively.
How to Make Iced Coconut Vanilla Latte
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1–2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup coconut milk (canned or carton)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (optional)
- Ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream (optional for extra creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This latte takes only about 5 minutes total, including brewing the coffee and stirring everything together. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for when you want a chilled drink fast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew your coffee or espresso
Start by brewing 1–2 shots of espresso or a strong 1/2 cup of coffee. Let it cool for a minute or two so it doesn’t immediately melt the ice. You can also use cold brew for an extra-smooth flavor.
2. Fill the glass with ice
Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. This helps chill the latte quickly and keeps it refreshing and cold.
3. Stir the coconut milk, vanilla, and sweetener
In a separate cup or small bowl, mix the coconut milk with vanilla extract and your preferred sweetener. If using canned coconut milk, stir well to blend the cream and liquid layers. Add coconut cream if you want a thicker, richer latte.
4. Pour coffee over the ice
Pour the espresso or coffee directly over the ice. This shocks the coffee and cools it immediately, helping preserve its bold flavor.
5. Add the coconut vanilla mixture
Pour the coconut milk mixture over the iced coffee. Stir gently so the flavors combine without diluting too quickly. Adjust sweetness or milk level to taste.
6. Serve and enjoy
Top with a bit more ice if needed, add a straw, and enjoy immediately while cold, creamy, and refreshing.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
A couple of small tricks can make this iced latte taste just like something from a specialty coffee shop.
- Use cold coffee for the best chill: Hot coffee melts the ice too fast, so cool it slightly before pouring.
- Adjust creaminess: Use canned full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream for a dessert-like latte; use carton coconut milk for a lighter drink.
- Sweeten while mixing: Add sweetener to the coconut milk so it dissolves easily.
- Use coffee ice cubes: Freeze leftover coffee into cubes to avoid watering down the drink.
- Shake instead of stir: Add all ingredients to a jar with a lid and shake well for a frothy, café-style texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this latte dairy-free?
Yes! Coconut milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work beautifully. Just skip dairy milk entirely and keep the coconut for full tropical flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the coconut milk, vanilla, and sweetener ahead of time, but add the coffee and ice only when ready to drink. This keeps the latte fresh and prevents dilution.
Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Absolutely. Cold brew adds a smoother, less acidic flavor and works perfectly in iced lattes.
How can I make it sugar-free?
Use vanilla stevia drops, monk fruit sweetener, or skip the sweetener altogether if you enjoy the natural sweetness of coconut milk.