How to Make an Iced Latte with an AeroPress

If you’re craving a crisp, cold iced latte but don’t own an espresso machine, don’t worry—you can still enjoy that creamy, refreshing drink without any expensive gear. All it takes is a few tools you may already have at home and a little know-how.

Making an iced latte with an AeroPress is simple: just 10 steps, fresh coffee, cold milk, and ice. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a rich, milky coffee drink chilled to perfection—no espresso machine required.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your own iced latte using just an AeroPress, some everyday kitchen items, and fresh coffee.

What You’ll Need to Make an AeroPress Iced Latte

To follow this method exactly as described, you’ll need the following tools and ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• 300ml whole milk
• Fine granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
• 17g freshly roasted coffee beans
• An AeroPress coffee maker
• A large glass cup and a separate coffee cup
• A cocktail shaker (or any sealed bottle that can hold liquid and be shaken vigorously)
• A gooseneck kettle (such as the Hario Buono) or regular water kettle
• An electronic kitchen scale
• A coffee grinder capable of grinding fine to medium-fine

The Best Coffee Beans for AeroPress Iced Lattes

For the best results in an AeroPress, especially when making an iced latte, the article recommends choosing beans with nutty or cocoa-like flavour profiles. A specific suggestion is a Guatemalan Antigua coffee bean grown at 1,700 metres altitude, roasted to an Italian-style profile. These beans tend to produce a heavier body and sweeter tones that complement milk well. That said, personal taste matters most—choose beans you enjoy, whether they’re single origins or blends.

How to Make an Iced Latte Using an AeroPress in 10 Steps

Follow this step-by-step method to brew a rich shot of coffee and layer it over cold milk and ice for a DIY iced latte.

1. Heat Your Water

Start by boiling water, then let it cool slightly. You want the brew water to be around 90°C when you pour it over the coffee grounds.

2. Grind the Coffee

Grind 17g of fresh coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. This grind size works well for extracting a strong, espresso-like brew in the AeroPress.

3. Shake the Milk (and Sugar)

Pour 300ml of cold milk (and sugar, if using) into a cocktail shaker or other tightly sealing bottle. Shake vigorously until a thick layer of foam forms on top.

4. Prepare the Glass

Take a large glass and fill it with ice cubes. This will chill your drink and dilute it just a touch for a smoother sip.

5. Pour the Milk into the Glass

After shaking, pour the foamy milk over the ice in the glass. Leave a bit of space at the top for the coffee.

6. Preheat the AeroPress

Rinse your AeroPress with hot water to warm it up. This helps maintain brewing temperature and ensures better extraction. Then, discard the rinse water.

7. Add Coffee and Water to the AeroPress

Place 17g of ground coffee into the preheated AeroPress. Add approximately 70g of water at around 90°C. Stir the coffee and water mixture gently every 30 seconds to ensure even extraction.

8. Brew the Coffee

Let the coffee brew for about 1 minute (or until fully extracted to your taste), stirring occasionally to promote even saturation.

9. Press the Coffee

Once brewed, press down on the AeroPress plunger slowly and steadily to extract a concentrated coffee shot directly into your waiting milk and ice.

10. Enjoy Your Iced Latte

Give it a quick stir to mix the coffee with the milk foam, then enjoy your refreshing homemade iced latte!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an espresso machine to make an iced latte?

No, you don’t need an espresso machine. This method uses an AeroPress to brew a small, concentrated coffee similar to espresso, which you can then pour over milk and ice to make an iced latte.

What kind of coffee beans work best for an AeroPress iced latte?

The article suggests using beans with nutty or cocoa flavours, such as a Guatemalan Antigua roasted to an Italian profile. However, personal preference is key—any fresh, good-quality coffee can work depending on your taste.

Can I use any type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk—dairy or plant-based—as long as you shake it with sugar (if using) to create foam. The frothiness improves the texture of your iced latte.

Why shake the milk?

Shaking the milk creates foam, which mimics the texture of steamed milk. This gives your iced latte a creamier mouthfeel and more body, similar to what you’d get from a coffee shop version.

What grind size should I use for AeroPress iced latte coffee?

Use a medium-fine grind size, similar to what you’d use for espresso. This helps extract a strong brew in a short time, ideal for layering over cold milk.

Do I need a gooseneck kettle?

A gooseneck kettle like the Hario Buono is recommended for better water control, but a regular kettle will also work if that’s what you have.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Iced Lattes

For iced lattes, FrontStreet Coffee recommends their Ethiopia Huakui—a bright, juicy Ethiopian single origin with notes of berry and citrus that shine when served cold. Alternatively, their Classic Blend offers a balanced profile with roasted nut, chocolate, and caramel notes, ideal for a creamy milk coffee. For something sweeter, their Strawberry Candy Espresso (Strawberry Sugar Geisha Blend) brings intense sweetness and floral brightness. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.