Food-and-drink   |   How to Make a Vanilla Bean Iced Latte with Instant Espresso

How to Make a Vanilla Bean Iced Latte with Instant Espresso

By a Bug & a Bean | Posted on 2026-01-05

Learn how to make a vanilla bean iced latte with instant espresso at home. This easy recipe tastes like a coffee shop drink and takes minutes.

Post Tags

INSTANT ESPRESSO  

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

• Why Use Instant Espresso for Iced Lattes?
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make a Vanilla Bean Iced Latte with Instant Espresso
• Tips for Coffee Shop–Quality Flavor
• Variations to Try
• Frequently Asked Questions

Don't Forget to Pin This!

Don't lose this idea. Save it for later or share the magic with a friend. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!

A vanilla bean iced latte is smooth, lightly sweet, and timeless—and you don’t need an espresso machine to make one at home. Using instant espresso makes this recipe quick, approachable, and perfect for everyday coffee lovers who still want that coffee shop–quality flavor. This version highlights real vanilla flavor and a creamy finish, making it ideal for cozy winter mornings or refreshing afternoon iced coffee breaks.

Why Use Instant Espresso for Iced Lattes?

Instant espresso is a fantastic option for making iced lattes at home because it dissolves quickly, delivers a bold coffee flavor, and requires no special equipment. Unlike brewed coffee, instant espresso won’t water down your drink when poured over ice, making it ideal for iced recipes. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to keep on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons vanilla bean syrup (or vanilla syrup)
• 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk)
• Ice

Instant Espresso Essentials

Vanilla Bean Syrup Options

For the best flavor, use vanilla bean syrup made with real vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste. If you don’t have vanilla bean syrup, regular vanilla syrup or a homemade vanilla simple syrup works beautifully and still delivers that classic vanilla latte taste.

How to Make a Vanilla Bean Iced Latte with Instant Espresso

1. Dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water and stir until completely smooth.
2. Add vanilla bean syrup to the espresso mixture and stir to combine.
3. Fill a tall glass with ice.
4. Pour the espresso mixture over the ice.
5. Add milk of choice and gently stir.

Tips for Coffee Shop–Quality Flavor

• Use cold, fresh milk for the creamiest texture.
• Add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the vanilla flavor.
• Adjust sweetness gradually—vanilla bean syrup can be stronger than regular vanilla.
• For a stronger drink, add an extra ½ teaspoon of instant espresso.

Variations to Try

• Vanilla Cream Iced Latte: Add a splash of half-and-half.
• Honey Vanilla Latte: Replace syrup with honey syrup.
• Oat Milk Vanilla Latte: Naturally sweet and extra creamy.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free vanilla syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does instant espresso taste like real espresso?

When dissolved properly, instant espresso delivers a bold, concentrated coffee flavor that works extremely well in iced lattes, especially when paired with milk and syrup.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the espresso and vanilla mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice and milk just before serving.

This vanilla bean iced latte with instant espresso proves that you don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy a delicious, café-style drink at home. With simple ingredients and just a few minutes, you can create a smooth, creamy iced latte that feels special any day of the week.