Homemade Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe (Save Money & Time!)

Skip the drive-through lines and inflated coffee shop prices with this spot-on Starbucks iced vanilla latte copycat recipe. Using just four simple ingredients, you can create the same rich, creamy, and perfectly sweetened coffee drink that costs $5+ at Starbucks for less than $1.50 at home. The best part? It takes under 5 minutes to make and tastes exactly like the local Starbucks original.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to replicating Starbucks’ signature taste lies in the proper ratios and ingredient quality. This recipe uses the same 2% milk that Starbucks employs, combines espresso and vanilla syrup in the exact proportions, and maintains the ideal coffee-to-milk balance that makes their lattes so irresistibly smooth and flavorful.

How Do You Make Iced Coffee at Home?

Making iced coffee at home couldn’t be easier. Basically, all you need is a good quality strong coffee and, of course, ice. You simply brew coffee, let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate it, and then pour it over ice.

CopyKat Tip: Freeze coffee in an ice tray to use in place of ice. This will help keep your drink from watering down. Want your drink to have more coffee flavor? Add extra shots of espresso.

Ingredients Needed for a Homemade Iced Vanilla Latte Starbucks Beverage

This is an easy iced vanilla latte recipe based on the popular Starbucks iced coffee drink made in just a few minutes with five ingredients. You can customize your drink to contain the sweetness you prefer.

Core Components:

• Fresh espresso shots – Provides the bold coffee foundation with rich crema
• Vanilla syrup – Adds sweet vanilla flavor that blends seamlessly with coffee
• 2% milk – Creates the creamy texture and balances coffee intensity
• Ice cubes – Chills the drink and provides refreshing temperature

Optional Enhancements:

• Whipped cream – Adds luxurious topping for special occasions
• Vanilla extract – For making homemade vanilla syrup

Alternatives for Espresso

You can use espresso made in an espresso maker or a Nespresso. However, if you don’t own an espresso machine, you can also make this drink with strong coffee produced in a French Press or use instant espresso powder.

How to Make Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte

Skip those trips to Starbucks – you can make this perfectly refreshing and sweet drink home!

This Starbucks iced vanilla latte recipe is quick and easy – it takes less time than getting in your car and driving to Starbucks! You’ll save big bucks by ditching the coffee shop (check your credit card balance!). So, get your best barista apron on and make this tasty drink in your kitchen.

Here are the simple recipe steps:

1. Fill a glass with ice and add the vanilla syrup.
2. Add espresso. Room temperature or chilled would be best because hot expresso will melt the ice.
3. Pour milk and stir to combine.
4. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Popular Flavor Swaps:

• Caramel Latte – Replace vanilla syrup with caramel sauce
• Mocha Latte – Add chocolate syrup for a rich mocha flavor
• Cinnamon Latte – Use cinnamon syrup and dust with ground cinnamon
• Hazelnut Latte – Substitute hazelnut syrup for nutty sweetness
• White Chocolate Latte – Add white chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat

Dairy Milk Alternatives:

• Oat milk – Creamy, slightly sweet plant-based option
• Almond milk – Light, nutty alternative with fewer calories
• Coconut milk – Rich, tropical flavor that complements the vanilla
• Heavy cream – Ultra-rich version for special occasions
• Skim milk – Lower calorie option with lighter texture

Sweetness Adjustments:

• Honey or maple syrup – Natural sweeteners with unique flavor profiles
• Sugar-free vanilla syrup – Reduces calories while maintaining flavor
• Stevia or monk fruit – Natural sweetener alternatives

How to Make Vanilla Syrup at Home

You can, of course, go with store-bought vanilla syrup. You can even find sugar-free vanilla syrup. However, it’s easy to make homemade vanilla syrup. Here’s a simple vanilla syrup recipe.

1. Add 1 cup water and 2 cups sugar to a small pot.
2. Heat on medium-high and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Cool until room temperature, and then add two teaspoons of vanilla extract.

Homemade vanilla syrup can be made ahead of time. Make a batch, and you’ll have it on hand to make several iced vanilla latte Starbucks drinks.

How to Serve This Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte Recipe

Serve up your Starbucks version of iced vanilla latte in attractive glasses. They are so much nicer than plastic cups!

Why not make a big pitcher for a summer party – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. However, hold off on adding the cream until pouring it into individual glasses as it will begin to melt into the drink.

What Goes With an Iced Vanilla Latte Starbucks Beverage

• Biscotti is the perfect light biscuit to snack on with an iced latte.
• Chocolate cake or chocolate brownies – coffee and chocolate are two natural allies.

I hope you give this recipe a try! You are going to love the natural flavors of vanilla in this coffee treat. Best of all, you have options to make this with instant coffee (bold espresso roast) or instant espresso, or you can make a rich coffee with your own coffee grounds. You can get your caffeine fix when you prepare coffee at home.

Favorite Starbucks Iced Coffee Recipes

• Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
• Iced Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
• Iced White Mocha
• Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
• Passion Tea Lemonade
• Pink Drink
• Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

Best Starbucks Copycat Frappuccino Recipes

• Caramel Frappuccino
• Green Tea Frappuccino
• S’mores Frappuccino
• Strawberry Frappuccino
• Vanilla Frappuccino

Check out my easy drink recipes and the best Starbucks recipes here on CopyKat!

GO