Tiramisu Iced Latte: The Viral Coffee You Must Try

Discover how to make the viral Tiramisu Iced Latte that’s taking TikTok by storm. A creamy, coffee-based treat inspired by Italy’s favorite dessert, it’s easy to make at home and perfect for hot days. Your next favorite drink is here!

Tiramisu Iced Latte: The Viral Coffee You Must Try

When classic Italian dessert meets trendy iced coffee, magic happens. If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen the Tiramisu Iced Latte—a creamy, layered, dessert-inspired coffee drink that’s taking over the internet. It’s rich, sweet, and cold, perfect for summer and even better when made at home.

“Tiramisu means ‘pick me up’—and this drink does exactly that with a modern twist.” – Lyoncafe Team

Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, a dessert lover, or simply someone looking for the next big thing in your feed, this guide will walk you through how to make the viral tiramisu iced latte, with tips from the experts at Lyoncafe—a trusted name in specialty coffee since 2015.

What Is a Tiramisu Iced Latte and Why Is It Going Viral?

The tiramisu iced latte is not just another cold coffee drink—it’s an experience. Inspired by the famous Italian dessert Tiramisu, this drink combines:

  • Espresso or strong coffee

  • Sweet cream or mascarpone-based foam

  • Cocoa powder dusting

  • Optional ladyfinger or biscuit toppings

  • Layers of flavor, texture, and temperature

Origin of Tiramisu Meets Cold Coffee Culture

Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up” in Italian, was born in Treviso in the 1960s. Traditionally made with mascarpone cheese, espresso, cocoa, and ladyfingers soaked in coffee or liqueur, it’s a dessert loved around the world.

Fast forward to 2024–2025, and this classic flavor has been remixed by Gen Z baristas and content creators, giving rise to tiramisu-inspired coffee. The iced latte version is a cool, caffeinated homage to that creamy indulgence.

According to Google Trends (May–July 2025), “Tiramisu Iced Latte” has seen a +480% increase in search interest globally—making it a top viral coffee recipe.

Why This Drink Is Blowing Up on TikTok and Instagram

  • Aesthetic appeal: The foam, cocoa dusting, and layered presentation are Instagram-worthy.

  • Emotional comfort: Combines two feel-good favorites: coffee + dessert.

  • Customizable: Easy to adapt to vegan, low-sugar, or alcohol-infused versions.

  • DIY-friendly: Home baristas can recreate it with simple tools.

At Lyoncafe, our café locations began offering a seasonal tiramisu iced latte in early 2023—and within months, it became our #1 viral menu item, shared in thousands of customer stories and short videos.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before you dive into crafting this treat, let’s gather the essentials.

Essential Ingredients (With Substitutions)

IngredientRole in DrinkSubstitution
Fresh espresso shotStrong coffee baseCold brew or instant espresso
Oat or whole milkCreamy texture, base for foamAlmond, soy, or dairy-free creamer
Heavy cream or mascarponeRichness and “tiramisu” flavorVegan whipped cream or coconut cream
Vanilla extractEnhances sweetness and depthMaple syrup or vanilla syrup
Sugar or sweetenerBalances espresso bitternessHoney, stevia, agave
Cocoa powderSignature tiramisu toppingChocolate shavings or cinnamon
IceKeeps it chilled

Lyoncafe Tip: Use barista-style oat milk for the best froth and flavor balance.

Equipment to Make It at Home

You don’t need a commercial espresso machine to make this viral drink.

  • Espresso machine or moka pot

  • Hand frother or blender

  • Shaker or mason jar with lid

  • Sifter for cocoa powder

  • Latte glass or clear cup (for visual effect)

Can’t froth cream? Shake it in a jar or whisk it by hand with a bit of effort—it still works beautifully.

How to Make a Tiramisu Iced Latte at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s get down to the delicious details. This version is adapted from Lyoncafe’s in-house barista recipe, used in over 30 café locations worldwide.

How to Make a Tiramisu Iced Latte at Home

Step 1: Brew the Perfect Espresso or Strong Coffee

Use:

  • 1–2 shots of espresso, or

  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee (from moka pot or Aeropress)

Let it cool slightly to avoid melting all your ice.

“Good espresso is the soul of this drink—use fresh beans and a fine grind.” – Minh Truong, Lyoncafe Founder

Step 2: Mix Your Cream Layer (The Tiramisu Twist)

In a bowl or shaker, combine:

  • 3 tbsp heavy cream

  • 1 tbsp milk

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp sugar (or more to taste)

Whip it with a frother or shake in a jar until it becomes thick but pourable—like melted ice cream.

Optional: Add 1 tsp mascarpone cheese for authenticity.

Step 3: Layer Ice, Coffee, and Cream

  • Fill your glass with ice cubes

  • Pour in the espresso or coffee

  • Spoon or slowly pour the cream layer on top to create beautiful separation

The result: a stunning layered latte with dark coffee at the base and light creamy foam on top.

Step 4: Garnish With Cocoa, Syrup, and Optional Toppings

  • Dust unsweetened cocoa powder on top using a fine sifter

  • Drizzle with coffee syrup, caramel, or chocolate

  • Add ladyfinger crumbs or biscotti bits for crunch

This is where the dessert magic happens. Don’t skip the topping!

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before you dive into crafting this treat, let’s gather the essentials.

Essential Ingredients (With Substitutions)

IngredientRole in DrinkSubstitution
Fresh espresso shotStrong coffee baseCold brew or instant espresso
Oat or whole milkCreamy texture, base for foamAlmond, soy, or dairy-free creamer
Heavy cream or mascarponeRichness and “tiramisu” flavorVegan whipped cream or coconut cream
Vanilla extractEnhances sweetness and depthMaple syrup or vanilla syrup
Sugar or sweetenerBalances espresso bitternessHoney, stevia, agave
Cocoa powderSignature tiramisu toppingChocolate shavings or cinnamon
IceKeeps it chilled

Lyoncafe Tip: Use barista-style oat milk for the best froth and flavor balance.

Equipment to Make It at Home

You don’t need a commercial espresso machine to make this viral drink.

  • Espresso machine or moka pot

  • Hand frother or blender

  • Shaker or mason jar with lid

  • Sifter for cocoa powder

  • Latte glass or clear cup (for visual effect)

Can’t froth cream? Shake it in a jar or whisk it by hand with a bit of effort—it still works beautifully.

Pro Barista Tips to Make It Café-Worthy

To elevate your Tiramisu Iced Latte from a fun TikTok recipe to a true barista-level beverage, mastering technique is key. At Lyoncafe, we train all baristas to focus on three things: texture, temperature, and balance.

Texture: How to Make Cold Foam with the Right Cream

Cold foam is the heart of the tiramisu twist. Here’s how to achieve it:

  • Use chilled cream and milk (3:1 ratio)

  • Whip just until soft peaks form (not stiff)

  • If using mascarpone, blend gently to keep the texture airy

Science tip: The fat content of your cream affects foam quality. Aim for 35–38% fat content for the perfect pour.

Taste: Balancing Sweetness and Bitterness

Tiramisu is all about contrast. To replicate the dessert’s magic:

  • Use medium to dark roast espresso for depth

  • Adjust sweetness gradually (don’t over-sugar)

  • Consider adding a drop of coffee liqueur or rum extract (optional)

Lyoncafe Signature Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the cream. It enhances sweetness and mimics the savoriness of classic tiramisu.

Tiramisu Iced Latte Variations You Can Try

Everyone’s taste is unique—and the tiramisu latte is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re dairy-free, sugar-conscious, or just love a twist, here are some exciting versions.

Dairy-Free & Vegan Version

  • Use oat milk or almond milk

  • Replace cream with coconut cream or vegan whipped topping

  • Skip mascarpone or use a plant-based alternative

It’s still delicious, with a nutty, slightly tropical note. At Lyoncafe Vegan Lab, this version was voted #2 best-seller in summer 2024.

Chocolate Mocha Tiramisu Latte

Add 1 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder to your espresso.
Drizzle chocolate syrup between layers.
Garnish with dark chocolate shavings for drama.

“Dessert meets decadence in every sip.” – Review from The Coffee Guide Magazine (May 2025)

Alcohol-Infused Version (Adults Only)

  • Add 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or Tia Maria)

  • Or a splash of dark rum or amaretto

  • Serve in a coupe glass with a dusting of cocoa and grated nutmeg

Perfect for brunches, dinner parties, or cocktail hours—a true showstopper!

See more: Whipped Matcha vs. Dalgona Coffee: Which TikTok Drink Reigns Supreme?

Health & Nutrition: Is It Good for You?

Calories, Sugar, and Substitutes

VersionEstimated CaloriesSugar
Classic (with cream + sugar)~220–280 kcal~12–18g
Vegan with oat milk~180 kcal~8–10g (natural)
Keto/Low-carb version~150 kcal~2–3g (if using stevia)

Note: Use unsweetened milk and sugar-free syrups to control sugar intake. Swap cream with yogurt foam or light milk foam for a healthier twist.

How to Make It Low-Calorie or Keto-Friendly

  • Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia

  • Use almond milk (low carb) instead of oat or dairy

  • Skip toppings like syrup, biscuits, or cocoa dusting

Lyoncafe Wellness Series recommends this as a low-guilt treat when made mindfully—especially for those on intermittent fasting or low-carb diets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes—but make sure it’s high-quality instant espresso powder, not general instant coffee. Use 2 tsp mixed with 2 oz hot water for best results.

What’s the difference between this and a regular iced latte?

A regular iced latte is simply espresso + cold milk over ice.
The Tiramisu Iced Latte includes a whipped cream topping, flavor layering, and often tiramisu-inspired ingredients like mascarpone, cocoa, or vanilla syrup.

Can I make it ahead of time and store it?

You can prepare the espresso and cream layer in advance. But for best taste and texture, assemble just before serving. Foam will deflate over time.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love the Tiramisu Iced Latte

Whether you’re a coffee newbie, a long-time latte drinker, or a foodie chasing the latest trends, the Tiramisu Iced Latte offers something rare: a drink that feels like dessert, but acts like caffeine. It’s:

  • Visually stunning

  • Deliciously indulgent

  • Easy to make at home

  • Trendy, shareable, and surprisingly affordable

At Lyoncafe, this drink became part of our “Culture Cup” series—a curated menu of globally inspired drinks. Since its debut, it has boosted customer engagement by 38% and was featured in Vietnam Coffee Expo.

Kara Chavez

I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.

I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!

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