Vanilla Latte (Iced or Hot)

Name: Vanilla Latte Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 2 Shots brewed espresso; ½ cup milk ((4 ounces)); 1 Tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

By Laura Sandford

Posted Oct 07, 2026

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Make the best vanilla latte recipe with only 4 ingredients in 5 minutes! Save time and money and learn how to make an iced vanilla latte or hot vanilla latte that’s even more delicious than your favorite coffee at home!

vanilla latte in a glass mug with a layer of foam on top and another latte to the left of it. There's a bottle of milk in the background on the right

If you want to make a vanilla-flavored latte without sugary syrups, then this vanilla latte recipe is for you!

Just as delicious as your favorite coffee shop, this recipe is made with 2 shots of espresso, frothy milk, pure vanilla extract, and it’s sweetened with honey for a naturally delicious morning pick-me-up!

The best part of making a vanilla latte at home is that you can customize it however you like! Use your favorite milk (dairy or non), sub a simple syrup or granulated sugar for the honey, enjoy it hot on a chilly day, or make an iced vanilla latte as a refreshing warm-weather treat.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Latte Recipe

Easy to make in 5 minutes at home!
No syrups or artificial ingredients – just vanilla extract and honey (or sugar).
4 ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Save money by making lattes at home!
Better than a coffee shop because you choose the quality of the ingredients, coffee beans, etc.

iced vanilla latte in a glass with the frothed milk giving it a two-tone look. surrounded by a jar of honey, coffee beans and milk

What is a latte?

A latte is an espresso drink composed of one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam on top. It’s creamier and has a slightly milder flavor than other espresso drinks, and is often customized with different kinds of milk and flavored syrups.

vanilla latte in a glass mug with a layer of foam on top and a silve spoon in it. There's another latte to the left of it and a bottle of milk in the background on the right

Vanilla Latte: Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead photo of the ingredients in this vanilla latte recipe all in bowls and labeled including honey, whole milk, brewed espresso and vanilla

2 shots espresso. I have this espresso machine, and it changed my life. There are many more inexpensive espresso machines! You can add another shot if you like a super strong vanilla latte. Or, you can substitute ½ cup of strong brewed coffee for the espresso, or use instant espresso powder.
Milk. Whole milk, half and half, and coconut milk are my top recommendations.
Vanilla extract. You can use vanilla simple syrup in place of the extract and honey. Or, use vanilla bean paste or powder.
Honey. Granulated sugar, simple syrup, or maple syrup are all great substitutes.

two iced vanilla latte in glass with glass straws. surrounded by a jar of honey and milk

How to Make a Vanilla Latte

Let’s walk through this recipe together, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by measuring the desired amount of honey, sugar, and vanilla into a 12- to 16-ounce mug.

how to make a vanilla latte - honey in a glass mug

Then brew 2 shots of espresso into the mug. I love this method because the hot espresso dissolves the honey and vanilla as it brews.

how to make a vanilla latte - espresso brewed into the glass mug which is on an espresso machine

how to make a vanilla latte - overhead view of the espresso in the glass mug

How to Froth Milk for a Vanilla Latte

Next, froth the milk. There are a few ways to do this. First, if your espresso machine has a milk frother, you can do it there.

Second, use an electric frother. I love this because it froths the milk perfectly every time without adding water (like your espresso machine does), giving you a stronger latte. Plus, it can froth while the espresso is brewing, saving time!

Or use a handheld milk frother and froth the milk in a glass container. This is also a great option if you don’t want to add water to your milk while it’s frothing.

how to make a vanilla latte - overhead view of frothed milk being poured into the glass mug with espresso and honey

how to make a vanilla latte - front view of frothed milk being poured into the glass mug with espresso and honey

a hand stirring a vanilla latte in a glass mug with a layer of foam on top. There's a jar of coffee beans in the background to the right, and a jar of honey in the backgroudn to the left.

To Make an Iced Vanilla Latte

Brew the espresso into the honey/vanilla mixture as mentioned above, then put ½ to 1 cup of ice into a glass (this is personal preference) and pour the brewed espresso/honey mixture into a glass

how to make an iced vanilla latte - overhead photo of brewed espresso poured into a glass of ice

Then froth the milk and pour it into the glass. Stir and enjoy.

how to make an iced vanilla latte - overhead photo of frothed milk being poured into a glass of ice and brewed espresso

frothed milk being poured into an iced vanilla latte in a glass before it mixes in so the espresso and milk are two distinct layers, surrounded by a jar of honey, coffee beans and milk

Serve

Serve the vanilla latte hot or over ice and drink right away. This recipe only makes one latte, but you can double or triple it to share with friends.

I always drink my latte after I’ve eaten breakfast – because I save the best for last, obviously. It pairs so well with any and all of your favorite breakfast recipes.

frothed milk being poured into an iced vanilla latte in a glass - the frothed milk is giving it a two-tone look. surrounded by a jar of honey, coffee beans and milk

Store

If you find yourself with an unfinished vanilla latte, you can store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Then, enjoy it as an iced latte later or reheat it in the microwave. No, the milk won’t be frothy. Yes, it will still taste good, and you won’t waste ingredients.

overhead view of a hot vanilla latte in a glass mug with the foamy milk on top visible. There's another latte, vanilla bean, coffee bean and a jar of coffee beans in the background

Vanilla Latte Recipe FAQS

What is a vanilla latte?

A vanilla latte is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, vanilla extract, and a sweetener (honey or sugar).

Can I make a vanilla latte without an espresso machine?

Yes! You can use strongly brewed coffee or instant espresso as a substitute for espresso.

What’s the best milk to use?

Honestly, just about any milk works well in this recipe. Whole milk, heavy cream, half and half, and full-fat coconut milk make extra creamy vanilla lattes. Almond milk and oat milk are delicious dairy-free options.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk like oat, almond, or coconut for a delicious dairy-free version.

What is the ideal vanilla latte ratio?

I personally think the ideal latte ratio is in this recipe – 2 shots of espresso with ½ cup milk (4 ounces).

What is the best vanilla syrup for a vanilla latte?

I suggest making your own simple syrup with vanilla. I avoid store-bought syrups.

How do you froth milk for a vanilla latte?

If your espresso machine has a milk frother, you can do it there.
Or, use an electric frother. I love this because it froths the milk perfectly every time without adding water (like your espresso machine does), giving you a stronger latte. Plus, it can froth while the espresso is brewing, saving time!
Or use a handheld milk frother and froth the milk in a glass container. This is also a great option if you don’t want to add water to your milk while it’s frothing.

How many shots of espresso are in a vanilla latte?

There are two shots of espresso in this vanilla latte recipe.

front view of a creamy iced vanilla latte being stirred so you can see swirls of milk and coffee in a glass. Surrounded by honey, coffee beans and milk all in jars

If you make and love my recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your creations!

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Vanilla Latte Recipe

Laura Sandford

Make the best vanilla latte with only 4 ingredients in 5 minutes! Save time and money and learn how to make an iced vanilla latte or hot vanilla latte that's even more delicious than your favorite coffee at home!

No ratings yet

Course beverage, Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings Latte

Calories 93

Prep Time5

Total Time2

Video

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 2 Shots brewed espresso
▢ ½ cup milk (4 ounces)
▢ 1 Tablespoon honey
▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Measure the honey and vanilla into a 16 ounce mug.
Brew 2 shots of espresso into the mug.
Use an electric or handheld frother to froth ½ cup milk.
Pour the frothed milk into the espresso mixture and stir to combine – enjoy!
To make an iced latte: put ½ to 1 cup of ice into a glass, then pour the brewed espresso/honey mixture into a glass. Then froth the milk and pour into the glass. Stir and enjoy.
Enjoy!

Notes

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

2 shots espresso. I have this espresso machine and it changed my life. There are many more inexpensive espresso machines! You can add another shot if you like a super strong vanilla latte. Or, you can substitute ½ cup of strong brewed coffee for the espresso, or use instant espresso powder.
Milk. Whole milk, half and half, and coconut milk are my top recommendations.
Vanilla extract. you can use vanilla simple syrup in place of the extract and honey. Or, use vanilla bean paste or powder.
Honey. granulated sugar, simple syrup or maple syrup are all great substitutes.

Store

Store leftover latte it in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Then, enjoy it as an iced latte later or reheat it in the microwave. No, the milk won’t be frothy. Yes, it will still taste good and you won’t waste ingredients.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!