Iced Latte vs. Iced Macchiato: Perfect Summer Drinks

Which is better, an Iced Latte or an Iced Macchiato? And what is the difference between these two popular beverages? This article will give you the answers to these questions.
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Samanta Fryer
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Samanta Fryer is our senior editor and content writer, at CoffeeVibe. Apart from writing and reading, she’s fond of the coffee brewing process and enjoys tasting new coffe read more
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Last updated: August 18, 2023
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Unless you are a coffee connoisseur, you may not realize there is a difference between an iced latte and an iced macchiato. These iced beverages often taste very similar with hints of caramel, so it can be easy to get confused. But the fact is there is a simple difference between the two. It turns out iced macchiatos are much stronger drinks that are made up of layers, while lattes are mixed drinks that are weaker. 

Here we will take a closer look at iced latte vs. iced macchiato. We’ll look at what makes these two popular drinks so unique, how they are made, and which one is the best. 

What is an Iced Latte?

An iced latte Trusted Source Iced latte recipe | BBC Good Food Cool off with a refreshing iced latte. This simple drink only needs a handful of ingredients and is perfect for a hot weather caffeine kick. www.bbcgoodfood.com is an ideal espresso that you can enjoy as you cool down on a warm summer day. It combines the delicious taste of ice-cold milk and strong, rich espresso. They are simply a cold drink that is espresso-based, but they provide a flavor that is so much more than that. 

Iced lattes are the ideal caffeinated drink to enjoy when the temperature starts to rise. They are not the same thing as iced coffee. Iced coffees are not too strong and typically are sweetened with cream or sugar. They are often topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Iced lattes are very different from iced coffees Trusted Source Caffeinated recipes inspired by iced coffee - The Washington Post This recipe collection is brought to you by a strong need for caffeine. www.washingtonpost.com . These drinks are made with strong shots of espresso instead of brewed coffee. The level of strength that a latte has depends on how many shots of espresso are added. The strength alone is a major distinction, and they are not usually enjoyed by those who take their coffee at half strength. Iced lattes are also much sweeter than iced coffee and are ideal for anyone who has a sweet tooth. They contain a larger amount of milk than what is typically added to iced coffee or other similar caffeinated beverages. 

How to Make an Iced Latte

Iced Latte vs. Iced Macchiato: Perfect Summer Drinks
Iced coffee tends to be sweetened, not overly strong, topped with ice cream, and possibly even whipped cream.

To prepare an iced latte, you will need a glass that is resistant to heat, a double shot of espresso, ice, and milk. 

You start by adding ice to your glass until it is between one-half to two-thirds full. Then, fill the glass with milk of your choice. The amount of milk added should be enough to cover the ice in the glass completely. 

You are now ready to begin preparing your espresso. First, you should pull a full shot of double espresso like you would for any other hot beverage. If you do not have an espresso machine, you can make espresso on your stovetop. However, to get the best results, you will need to use a drip or plunger preparation. 

The next step is to pour the espresso over the ice and milk in your glass. For beginners, it is best to add the espresso in small amounts and taste test it to ensure you get the correct strength. 

Once you add the espresso to the ice and milk, all you have to do after that is stir it up and drink. If you want to sweeten your latte, even more, you can add sugar or any of your favorite coffee sweeteners to the espresso before you pour it over the milk. 

Another thing you may want to do is add a touch of vanilla extract to the milk or a little extra sugar to add even more flavor. 

The Pros and Cons 

Preparing the perfect iced latte is not rocket science, but it can take some time to get the ideal flavor and strength that you desire in your drink. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when it comes to preparing an iced latte. 

Pros

  • Your basic iced latte has just three ingredients, milk, ice, and espresso
  • You can add the choice of your favorite sweeteners to an iced latte, including vanilla extract or coffee creamer
  • Iced lattes are easy to make and can be fashioned from instant coffee if needed. 
  • Iced lattes are a great refreshing caffeinated beverage to enjoy on a hot summer day. 

Cons

  • While you can prepare espresso using your stovetop, you will need to purchase an espresso machine for the best results. 
  • Iced lattes tend to have less caffeine than other similar beverages 
  • It may take some time to get the exact strength level you desire with your iced latte when preparing one at home

 

What is an Iced Macchiato?

Iced Latte vs. Iced Macchiato: Perfect Summer Drinks
The iced macchiato usually contains a bit more cold milk or cream than hot versions. It’s also topped with whipped cream and various flavored syrups, which makes it better.

An iced macchiato Trusted Source Macchiato - BBC Good Food Middle East Put your coffee machine to work and brew an easy macchiato. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you need a pick-me-up. www.bbcgoodfoodme.com is a cool caffeinated beverage where cold whole milk is poured over ice and topped with a double shot of espresso. Since a macchiato is typically made using less milk than with an iced latte, it has a much stronger flavor. The standard severing for an iced macchiato is also much smaller, and it is typically around one and one-fourth ounces. 

How to Make an Iced Macchiato

A macchiato provides the ideal blend of coffee, milk, vanilla, and caramel. It is a sweet and smooth summer drink that you can make easily at home. Making an iced macchiato is very similar to making an iced latte and doesn’t require many ingredients. 

It takes about five minutes to prep for an iced macchiato. The ingredients you will need include a tablespoon of vanilla-flavored syrup or vanilla extract, a third cup of ice cubes, three-fourth cup of whole milk, a tablespoon of caramel sauce, and four ounces of your favorite cold brew coffee

The first step is to pour your vanilla syrup or extract into a glass. Next, you will need to add in the ice cubes and pour the whole milk on top of it. Finally, you will slowly pour the cold brew into the glass and add caramel sauce on top. 

An iced caramel macchiato is made using shots of coffee or espresso on top. You will notice that the coffee hangs at the top once you prepare it. It is fine to enjoy the individual layers as they settle naturally, or you can choose to stir them together and enjoy the drink that way.

 

The Pros and Cons 

An iced macchiato is a refreshing cold beverage to enjoy when the weather turns warmer outside. The richness of the whole milk combined with espresso and sweet caramel makes it a delectable drink. However, there are a few pros and cons to making an iced macchiato. 

Pros

  • There are two variations of an iced macchiato, and you can choose the one that you prefer with or without caramel. 
  • The preparation of an iced macchiato is simple and affordable. 
  • Milk is a key ingredient that is healthy and can provide you with energy. 
  • An iced macchiato can easily turn a lazy afternoon into a more energetic one. 
  • Adding syrups like caramel and vanilla will give your iced macchiato a unique flavor. 

Cons

  • Iced macchiatos contain a lot of caffeine which can be harmful to your health if consumed in large quantities. 
  • The caramel and vanilla versions of macchiatos are delicious, but they contain high amounts of sugar. 

Which One is Stronger: an Iced Latte or Macchiato?

Iced Latte vs. Iced Macchiato: Perfect Summer Drinks
A macchiato is a much stronger coffee drink than a latte, offering more bold flavors and caffeine.

Overall, the iced macchiato is considered the strongest drink of the two. If you want a beverage that is full of flavors such as rich caramel or vanilla, an iced latte is usually your best option. If you would rather enjoy a delicious espresso that is at it is strongest potential, but you still want to cut out the bitterness of coffee, you will want to go with a macchiato instead. 

Iced macchiatos are stronger in flavor because they will have an extra shot of espresso added to them. And since whole milk is used instead of low-fat or 2% milk, it will help to create a more textured and full coffee flavor. 

Espresso shots are an important part of most iced coffees; however, they will make a huge difference in the taste of lattes and macchiatos especially. If you want to experience the fullest flavor, you can try out different types of milk to find the one that best suits your palate. The difference in the type of milk used can help to increase or decrease the overall flavor. 

Which One Is Better?

It can be a struggle to decide which is better when it comes to choosing between an iced latte vs. a macchiato iced drink. And it is important to understand what the difference is between the two. An iced latte is prepared using a shot or two of espresso, milk such as low-fat or 2% milk, and topped with ice cubes. The drink has a mixed appearance or a brownish color to it similar to coffee. An iced macchiato is made by adding whole milk to a glass, topping it with ice, and then pouring two espresso shots on top. 

The primary difference between the two is the flavor and that is due to the kind of milk used. While you can use any type of milk with an iced latte, most people tend to use low-fat milk with these cold drinks. With an iced macchiato, you only use whole milk, which can give it a richer flavor.

 

There is also a difference in how the two drinks are layered. For iced lattes, the drink is layered with espresso on the bottom, topped with steamed milk and the final layer is foamed milk. For iced macchiatos, you have espresso on the bottom layer and steamed milk on top. It may not seem like a drastic difference, but it can have a huge impact on the drinking experience. 

So which one is better, an iced latte or an iced macchiato? It all depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a stronger espresso that will help you stay energized and focused, an iced macchiato is the best option. But if you prefer something milder with a lot of smooth and creamy flavor, you should go with an iced latte instead. 

Final thoughts

An iced latte and iced macchiato may be a lot alike when it comes to flavor and ingredients. They are both excellent iced beverages to enjoy when you need a boost on a hot summer day. And they are both packed with rich flavor that makes them a great summertime treat. But even though they have many similarities, there are some key differences between an iced latte and an iced macchiato. 

Both of these iced drinks are easy to make at home Trusted Source Brew master: five steps to making the perfect iced coffee at home | Coffee | The Guardian From choosing the best beans and selecting the right milk to stirring vigorously, here’s all you need to consider for a delicious summer drink. www.theguardian.com , even if you do not have an espresso machine. They contain the same ingredients, milk, ice, and espresso, and extras such as vanilla extract or caramel syrup can be added to add even more flavor to them. 

An iced macchiato is much stronger than an iced latte because it does not have as many layers. It also has a richer and sweeter flavor since it is made with whole milk instead of milk that is low-fat or 2%. So, when it comes to iced latte vs. iced macchiato, if you prefer a stronger drink, an iced macchiato is the way to go. 

References

1.
Iced latte recipe | BBC Good Food
Cool off with a refreshing iced latte. This simple drink only needs a handful of ingredients and is perfect for a hot weather caffeine kick.
2.
Caffeinated recipes inspired by iced coffee - The Washington Post
This recipe collection is brought to you by a strong need for caffeine.
3.
Macchiato - BBC Good Food Middle East
Put your coffee machine to work and brew an easy macchiato. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
4.
Brew master: five steps to making the perfect iced coffee at home | Coffee | The Guardian
From choosing the best beans and selecting the right milk to stirring vigorously, here’s all you need to consider for a delicious summer drink.

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