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Iced Americano vs Iced Latte: Which One Should You Choose?

Iced Americano vs iced latte. Mmmm, what a tough choice, especially during a hot summer day. 

An iced Americano is a simple beverage made by adding cold water to a shot (or two) of espresso, served over ice. On the other hand, an iced latte is a combination of espresso, milk, and ice. 

While both drinks are served cold, their ingredients’ differences can significantly affect the overall taste and texture. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two popular iced coffee drinks.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me keep offering readers solid information.

Iced Americano vs iced latte

Iced Americano vs Iced Latte: Comparison

When you’re trying to decide between an Iced Americano and an Iced Latte, it helps to understand their differences.

Ingredients and Preparation

An Iced Americano is a simple drink made with espresso and cold water. The espresso is brewed using high pressure and then mixed with cold water. The drink is typically served over ice. The idea is to enjoy the drink black, but multiple customizations are possible.

An Iced Latte, on the other hand, is made with espresso, cold milk, and ice. The espresso is brewed with high pressure and mixed with cold milk to create a creamy and refreshing iced coffee. The drink is typically served over ice and can be enjoyed with various milk alternatives, such as almond milk or oat milk.

Coffee to Water Ratio

The coffee-to-water ratio is an essential factor to consider when making both drinks. For an Iced Americano, the ratio is typically one shot of espresso to 4-6 ounces of cold water. For an Iced Latte, the ratio is one espresso shot to 8-10 ounces of cold milk.

Flavor and Texture

The Iced Americano has a more robust flavor and a thinner consistency, while the Iced Latte has a creamier texture and a more approachable flavor. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, the Iced Americano may be the better choice. If you prefer a creamier and sweeter taste, the Iced Latte may be the better choice.

Caffeine Content

Both drinks contain caffeine, but the Iced Americano typically has a higher caffeine content per ounce.

Calorie Content

An Iced Americano with no added sweeteners or milk has almost no calories, while an Iced Latte can contain up to 200 calories, depending on the type of milk and sweetener used.

Price

An Iced Americano is usually cheaper than an Iced Latte as it has fewer ingredients. However, this may vary depending on the coffee shop you are visiting.

Equipment

When it comes to equipment, both drinks can be made with a standard espresso machine. However, some coffee shops may use a Moka Pot or Nespresso machine to make an Iced Americano.

Customization

In terms of add-ins, both drinks can be customized with various syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or simple syrup. You can also make coffee ice cubes to prevent the dilution of the drink.

To summarize, the choice between an Iced Americano and Iced Latte comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re looking for a bolder and stronger coffee or a creamier and sweeter drink, both options are delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day.

Iced Americano vs iced latte

The Origins of Iced Americano and Iced Latte

The Iced Americano and Iced Latte are popular choices for coffee enthusiasts, but they have different origins and histories.

The Iced Americano is a simple drink that originated during World War II. American soldiers who were stationed in Italy found the local coffee to be too strong for their taste. They added hot water to their espresso shots to make it more palatable, creating a milder version. When the soldiers returned to the United States, they continued ordering the drink with ice instead of hot water, thus creating the Iced Americano.

On the other hand, the Iced Latte has a more recent history. It was first introduced in the United States in the 1980s when espresso-based drinks started gaining popularity. It is important to notice that the exact origins of the ice latte are not well documented.  Some attribute its origins to chain coffee shops testing different products.

How to Make Iced Americano and Iced Latte

Making an Iced Americano and Iced Latte is easy and can be done at home with a few simple steps. Here’s how you can make them:

Iced Americano

To make an Iced Americano, follow these steps:

  1. Brew a shot of espresso using your coffee brewer and let it cool.
  2. Fill a glass with ice and add the cooled espresso shot.
  3. Add water to the glass, leaving some room for cream or sugar if desired.
  4. Stir and enjoy!

Iced Latte

To make an Iced Latte, follow these steps:

  1. Brew a shot of espresso using your coffee brewer and let it cool.
  2. Fill a glass with ice and pour milk over the ice.
  3. Add the cooled espresso shot to the glass.
  4. Stir and enjoy!

Both Iced Americano and Iced Latte can be customized to your liking. Depending on your preferences, you can add more or less milk, espresso, or sugar (or any other sweetener ).

Iced Americano vs iced latte

Buying Recommendations

If you are interested in preparing Americanos or Lattes at home, here is a list of the equipment, coffee, and other items to consider.

De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker

Buy on Amazon now!


Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Buy on Amazon now!


Zulay Powerful Milk Frother Handheld Foam Maker for Lattes

Buy on Amazon now!


Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Roast

Buy on Amazon now!


Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee, Medium Roast

Buy on Amazon now!


Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an iced Americano and an iced latte?

An iced Americano is made by pouring an espresso over ice and filling the glass with water, while an iced latte is made with espresso and milk. The iced Americano has a stronger coffee taste, while the iced latte is creamier and sweeter.

Can you customize an iced Americano at Starbucks?

You can customize your iced Americano at Starbucks by adding flavored syrups, milk, or cream. You can also ask for extra shots of espresso to make it stronger.

How do you make an iced Americano with milk?

Add cold milk to the Americano and stir to make an iced Americano with milk. You can use any type of milk, such as whole, skim, or almond milk.

What’s the recipe for a Starbucks iced Americano?

To make a Starbucks iced Americano, you will need an espresso shot and cold water. Fill a tall glass with ice, add the espresso shot(s), and then fill the glass with cold water. You can customize the drink by adding flavored syrups or milk.

Which is stronger, an iced Americano or an iced latte?

An iced Americano is stronger than an iced latte because it is made of espresso and water. An iced latte is made of espresso and milk.  The milk adds natural sweetness to the drink.

How does the strength of an iced Americano compare to iced coffee?

An iced Americano is stronger than iced coffee because it is made with espresso, which has a higher concentration of caffeine than regular coffee. However, adding extra espresso shots or water can customize the drink’s strength.

Iced Americano vs iced latte

I am a fan of both drinks! I hope this article has been helpful.

Iced americano vs iced latte, which one do you prefer?

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