Vegan iced coffee isn’t just for people on a plant-based diet. If you’re a coffee lover and are looking to explore some new recipes at your local cafe or make them yourself at home, then trying some different styles and different plant-based milks can open a wide world of options. The differences in flavour and texture can sometimes be subtle, but other times they could lead you to discovering your new favourite coffee.
Plant-Based Milks
Not all plant-based milks work the same way. Which one you choose can noticeably change the flavour, texture, and sweetness of the finished drink.
Oat milk has a creamy body and a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with espresso without overpowering it.
Almond milk is lighter in texture and lower in calories than most other plant milks. It adds a subtle nuttiness to coffee and lets the espresso flavour come through cleanly.
Soy milk has the highest protein content of the common plant-based milks and behaves most like dairy milk in coffee. Its neutral flavour makes it a reliable substitute in any recipe.
Cashew milk is naturally thick and creamy, which makes it one of the better choices for drinks where a richer mouthfeel is desirable. It blends smoothly with coffee and has a mild flavour that doesn’t compete with the espresso.
Hemp milk is less common but a useful option for nut-free homes. It has a slightly earthy, nutty flavour and a thinner consistency than oat or cashew milk.
Vegan Iced Latte
An iced latte is the most milk-forward of the vegan iced coffee drinks, which gives plant-based milks room to express their individual flavours.
Ingredients
- 2 shots (60 ml) espresso
- 250 ml cold plant milk
- 1 cup ice
Recipe
- Brew your espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour your milk over the ice.
- Add the espresso and any sweetener, then stir gently to combine.
Vegan Iced Flat White
A flat white uses a higher espresso-to-milk ratio than a latte and is served in a smaller glass, giving it a more concentrated flavour.
Ingredients
- 2 shots (60 ml) espresso
- 120 ml cold plant milk
- 1 cup ice
Recipe
- Brew a double shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
- If you want cold foam, pour the milk into a sealed mason jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Fill a small glass with ice.
- Add the milk, then pour the espresso over the top.
Vegan Iced Mocha
An iced mocha is one of the few vegan iced coffee drinks that calls for cocoa powder to be whisked with hot espresso before the cold ingredients are added, which prevents the powder from clumping in the glass.
Ingredients
- 2 shots (60 ml) espresso
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 200 ml cold plant milk
- 1 cup ice
Recipe
- Whisk the cocoa powder into the hot espresso until fully dissolved.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the chocolate espresso mixture over the ice.
- Add the plant milk and stir to combine.
Learn These and Other Vegan Iced Coffee Recipes
Vegan iced coffee covers far more ground than just these recipes. Any milk-based coffee can be made vegan, and any coffee at all can be spun into an iced coffee version. These recipes get you to the right ingredients in the right order; the practice behind it is what makes the result worth drinking.
Barista training covers that practice through real drinks on real equipment. They’re for anyone who wants to make great coffee at home, not just for those who want to work in a cafe. By enrolling you can build the skills to make better coffees and explore a wider range of new iced and vegan options.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours without any heat. The cold steeping process extracts different compounds than hot water does, resulting in a smoother, less acidic drink with a naturally sweeter flavour.
Does Vegan Coffee Make Good Coffee Ice Cubes?
No. Good coffee ice cubes are made with pure black coffee, before any of the milk or plant milk have been added.
What's the Easiest Way to Brew Coffee at Home?
An espresso machine is the most straightforward option. Pulling a double shot takes under 30 seconds and requires no active technique beyond pressing a button, and they handle the extraction automatically while still giving you control over the grind and dose if you want it.
