An iced coffee and an iced latte are similar caffeinated drinks but there are some key differences that makes both special. Decide which you want: iced coffee vs. iced latte?
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Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is closer to a coffee beverage rather than being milky like a latte.
That being said, iced coffee starts by cooling a batch of regular old coffee. Once the coffee is cooled it is served over ice. In addition, it is typical to add a splash of milk or creamer. Some even add liquid flavorings.
This isn’t the only way ice coffee is made. If iced coffee is the goal drink from the start then it is best to make a concentrated hot drip. Because iced coffee comes from hot coffee that is cooled and served with ice having a concentrated coffee will ensure your iced coffee isn’t quickly watered down.
Another aspect to consider: iced coffee has about 80mg of caffeine per about 8 ounces of iced coffee.
Basically, iced coffee is exactly what it name says. Coffee that is iced.
Iced Latte
An iced latte is a combination of espresso and milk. Think of espresso as a very concentrated form of coffee. Of course you wouldn’t want to sit and drink a mug full of espresso (and shouldn’t!!) but this would be a small-volume caffeine boost.
To make an iced latte, a cup is filled about 1/2 way with ice and milk is poured in until it covers the ice. Then, a shot or two of espresso is poured over it (this is only about 1-3 ounces of fluids). You can drink it like this and enjoy the layered drink or mix the two together for the nice tan colored drink you often see.
Lattes are the drink that are usually ‘jazzed up’. Take a pumpkin spice latte. The above would be done; ice, milk, and espresso put in a cup, but also pumpkin sauce would also be added. It may even be topped with whipped cream and spices!
The caffeine content of a latte depends on how many shots of espresso it has. There are usually 2 shots of espresso in a regular iced latte. This would make for a drink with about 160mg of caffiene.
Thus, an iced latte is about 80% milk and 15% espresso and potentially 5% flavoring.
Purchasing Coffee Beans
You can get different blends of coffee and espresso beans at most grocery stores. They come in a range of quality, flavor, and style. There are sometimes half of an entire grocery store aisle dedicated to the multitude of varieties!
The thing is, iced coffee and iced latte’s require different beans! For iced coffee you need coffee beans and for an iced latte you will need espresso beans.
I purchase mine from Bottomless. I have a small device with the bag on top. When it begins to run low another bag will be automatically sent to my house. I LOVE IT!
This post is not sponsored, but by signing up with this link you can get a free bag! (and I will too!). You can set up your account so that new bags get ordered or the same one over-and-over again. I love it for finding new blends and beans from different local roasteries around the world.
My current obsession is the Skyline espresso from Camber.
The Similarities Between Iced Coffee vs. Iced Latte’s
Iced coffee and iced latte’s are different drinks but they have some similarities.
The two are caffeinated drinks that can be gotten at a coffee shop or made at home.
Another similarity is that they are both typically drank with a straw and served in a clear plastic cup.
The Differences between Iced Coffee vs. Iced Latte’s
These two drinks are similar but there are some distinct differences that separates the two.
Iced coffee is simply cooled coffee while an iced latte is mainly milk with a shot or two of espresso.
An iced coffee tends to be had either black or with a splash of cream while an iced latte will usually be quite flavorful and possibly sweet.
Another difference is the caffeine content. Unless you get a large iced coffee, the iced latte is likely to have more caffeine. Be sure to keep that in mind when selecting which beverage you drink.
Iced Coffee vs. Iced Latte Takeaway
The basic way I explain the difference in taste between an iced coffee vs. iced latte is by saying an iced coffee with be more ‘coffee-y‘ and an iced latte will be more ‘milk-y‘.
Some other key takeaways include:
- Typically, a greater caffeine content in an iced latte
- Iced latte’s tend to have more flavorings added to them
- Iced coffee uses coffee beans while an iced latte uses espresso beans
If you are looking to get some different coffee accessories check out this post where I speak on different items you may want to invest in!
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Let me know in the comments below which is your favorite: iced coffee vs. iced latte? The describe how you take it- cream, sugar, black?
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