How to Make Iced Cappuccino

An iced cappuccino is made by layering espresso and foamed milk in a glass of ice. It has a stronger espresso flavor than an iced latte, as it uses less milk in comparison. This makes it the perfect drink if you love intense coffee notes or are simply craving a pick-me-up on a summer afternoon.

There are many perks to making iced cappuccinos and other coffee drinks at home, one being the ability to customize the drink as much as you’d like. For example, if you don’t eat dairy, you can use frothed plant-based milk. It’s also easy to experiment with your favorite sweeteners, whether it be maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey.

Iced Cappuccino vs. Iced Latte

Both drinks are espresso-based, but there are some important differences. Iced cappuccinos usually have a nearly equal amount of espresso and milk. Iced lattes have more milk.

Making Iced Cappuccino Without an Espresso Machine

If you don't have an espresso maker, try brewing your coffee on the stronger side, or even add a pinch of instant espresso powder to your brew before creating your preferred drink. You can also use a moka pot, which is a stovetop coffee maker that uses pressurized extraction to brew something that tastes incredible similar to espresso.

To froth milk without a specialized tool or machine, simply add it to a jar or bottle, secure the lid, and shake until foamy.

Using Syrups and Non-Dairy Milks

Feel free to add flavored syrups to elevate your homemade iced cappuccino. However, keep in mind that syrups have sugar, so consider leaving out the sweetener to avoid a too-sweet drink.

If you're avoiding dairy, you can foam non-dairy milks as well, including soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk. In fact, soy milk is known for foaming well, thanks to its high protein content.