Find out why the Iced Spanish Lattes is the drink everyone’s talking about this summer. Creamy, refreshing, and easy to make, this coffee trend is exploding on TikTok and in cafes worldwide. Learn the secrets to making it at home now!
Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Iced Spanish Lattes This Summer
There’s something irresistible about a drink that’s both rich and refreshing, simple yet indulgent. This summer, that drink is the Iced Spanish Latte—a creamy, sweet coffee that’s blowing up on TikTok, dominating café menus, and quietly becoming the go-to pick for iced coffee lovers around the world.
“It’s like café con leche, but cooler, sweeter, and with the power of Instagram behind it.” – Minh Truong, Founder of Lyoncafe
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just looking for a new summer pick-me-up, this is the iced coffee trend you need to know about.
What Is an Iced Spanish Latte?
At first glance, it might look like your regular iced latte. But the Iced Spanish Latte comes with a subtle twist that sets it apart—it’s made with both espresso and sweetened milk, often using a mix of regular milk and condensed milk or sugar syrup, giving it a rich, almost dessert-like flavor.
See more: Tiramisu Iced Latte: The Viral Coffee You Must Try
Origins and Cultural Twist
The drink traces its roots to Spain’s traditional café con leche, which simply means “coffee with milk.” But the modern Spanish Latte gained popularity in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, especially in cafes in the UAE, the Philippines, and Vietnam, where sweetened condensed milk is a staple in many local drinks.
Cultural Insight: In Vietnam, cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) has been around for generations. The Spanish Latte is like its international cousin—more modern, but with the same charm.
How It Differs from a Regular Iced Latte
| Feature | Iced Latte | Iced Spanish Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Base | Espresso | Espresso |
| Milk | Cold milk | Cold milk + sweetened milk or syrup |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, often bitter | Creamy, sweet, and bold |
| Popular Add-ons | Flavored syrup | Condensed milk, brown sugar syrup, vanilla |
| Presentation | Simple layers | Aesthetic layers, often with cocoa/cinnamon |
It’s this combination of familiar comfort and elevated sweetness that makes the Iced Spanish Latte so addictive—especially when served cold during sweltering days.
Why It’s the Coffee Trend of the Summer
If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram in the past few months, chances are you’ve scrolled past a video of someone swirling creamy milk into golden espresso, topping it with cinnamon or ice, and captioning it #SpanishLatte. This trend didn’t happen by accident—it’s backed by taste, style, and cultural influence.
Viral Explosion on TikTok and Instagram
Over 35 million views under #spanishlatte on TikTok (as of July 2025)
Countless aesthetic videos from influencers pouring condensed milk over ice
Behind-the-scenes café content showcasing Spanish Lattes as “menu hits”
It checks every box for a shareable drink:
Visually stunning
Surprisingly easy to make
Customizable to taste
Universally appealing
“I tried this once at home and haven’t gone back to Starbucks since.” – @coffeechronicles, TikTok user with 1.2M followers
Aesthetic + Taste: The Perfect Combo
People don’t just want caffeine—they want experience. Spanish lattes offer a layered visual effect, especially in transparent cups: the deep espresso at the base, milky sweetness in the middle, and foam or cinnamon dusting on top. That “coffee gradient” look has become synonymous with café culture on social platforms.
Lyoncafe Tip: Serve it in a clear glass with a large ice cube and sprinkle cinnamon powder for a high-end café vibe.
Café Popularity and Global Reach
The Iced Spanish Latte has quietly infiltrated menus at:
Boutique cafés in New York and Los Angeles
Specialty coffee chains in Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok
Independent coffee houses across Vietnam and the Middle East
And of course—Lyoncafe, where it has been one of our top 3 summer sellers for two years straight
According to Lyoncafe internal sales data from 2024:
38% of all iced drinks sold between May–August were Spanish Lattes
78% of customers rated it as their “most Instagrammable” drink
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make It at Home
One of the best things about the Iced Spanish Latte is how simple and affordable it is to make—using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And unlike some viral drinks, this one doesn’t require fancy equipment.
Traditional Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Fresh espresso (1–2 shots) | Strong flavor base |
| Milk (whole or oat) | Adds creaminess and smooth texture |
| Sweetened condensed milk or syrup | Adds signature sweetness & body |
| Ice | Essential for chilled, refreshing flavor |
| Optional: cinnamon, vanilla extract | Adds aroma and depth |
Lyoncafe Tip: Use a 1:1 ratio of espresso and milk, then add sweetness to taste. If you prefer stronger coffee, go for a double shot.
Substitutions for Vegan, Sugar-Free, or Low-Calorie Versions
Use oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy
Replace condensed milk with coconut condensed milk (vegan) or stevia-sweetened syrup
Use ice cubes made from coffee to avoid a watered-down taste
Bonus: Our Lyoncafe customers who ordered the vegan version reported a 92% satisfaction rate in our Summer 2024 survey.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Perfect Iced Spanish Latte
Let’s walk through how to make your own Spanish Latte at home—café quality in under 5 minutes!
Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee or Espresso
You can use:
1–2 shots from an espresso machine
½ cup from a moka pot
Or 2 tsp instant espresso mixed with ¼ cup hot water
Let it cool for 1–2 minutes before pouring over ice.
“Good espresso is like the soul of a Spanish Latte—bold, intense, unforgettable.” – Minh Truong, Lyoncafe
Step 2: Mix Your Sweetened Milk
In a small pitcher or cup, combine:
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1–2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract or cinnamon powder
Stir or shake well until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Over Ice and Garnish
Fill your glass with ice
Pour in the sweetened milk mixture
Gently add the espresso on top for a layered effect
Dust with cinnamon or cocoa for a café look
Pro styling: Serve in a clear cup, add a reusable straw, and top with a light milk foam for the “Instagram aesthetic.”
Pro Tips from Lyoncafe for Maximum Flavor & Texture
After serving over 50,000 cups of Iced Spanish Latte in our cafés across Vietnam, here’s what we’ve learned.
Balancing Sweetness and Strength
Too sweet? Add a splash of cold brew to balance
Too strong? Add crushed ice and swirl to mellow
Use filtered water for your ice to avoid mineral interference
Choosing the Right Milk
Whole milk gives the richest texture
Oat milk adds natural sweetness and good foam
Soy milk is less ideal—it may curdle with espresso if not handled properly
Barista insight: Froth your milk (even for iced drinks) to create a silky mouthfeel, similar to café versions.
Popular Variations You’ll Want to Try
Don’t be afraid to experiment! At Lyoncafe, we always encourage creativity. Here are some of our most-loved twists:
Coconut Milk Spanish Latte (Tropical Version)
Use chilled coconut milk + coconut cream
Add a pinch of sea salt for contrast
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes
Spanish Mocha Iced Latte
Add 1 tsp cocoa powder to your sweetened milk
Top with chocolate drizzle and a dash of cinnamon
Tastes like a mocha tiramisu in a glass
Vegan Vanilla Iced Spanish Latte
Use vanilla oat milk + maple syrup
Add espresso over top
Optional: dust with nutmeg or cardamom
Fun Fact: The “Coconut Spanish Latte” was voted Drink of the Year 2024 by Lyoncafe customers!
Is It Healthy? A Quick Look at Calories and Nutrition
Like most café-style drinks, the Iced Spanish Latte can be as light or indulgent as you want.
Nutritional Breakdown (Estimates per serving)
| Version | Calories | Sugar | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (with whole milk + condensed milk) | ~220–280 | 18–22g | ~80–100mg |
| Vegan with oat milk | ~180–220 | 10–14g | ~80mg |
| Low-cal with almond milk + stevia | ~90–120 | 2–4g | ~80mg |
Healthier Tip: Use coffee ice cubes, unsweetened milk, and skip condensed milk if needed.
FAQs: Everything You Wanted to Know About Iced Spanish Lattes
Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Espresso?
Yes, use 2 tsp of strong instant espresso mixed with ¼ cup hot water. Adjust the amount of milk and sweetener to match intensity.
How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
Store the milk mixture separately. Freshly brewed espresso should be used immediately. The sweetened milk base can last up to 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Can I Make It with Plant-Based Milk?
Absolutely! Oat milk is the top choice for creaminess. Coconut adds tropical depth. Almond is light and refreshing, perfect for hot days.
Final Thoughts: Should You Jump on the Spanish Latte Craze?
The answer is simple: Yes—absolutely.
The Iced Spanish Latte delivers everything people crave in a summer drink:
It’s creamy and cold
Has a balanced kick of caffeine
Looks amazing on Instagram
Takes less than 5 minutes to make
Can be customized to your dietary needs
“Coffee should feel good—not just taste good.” – Lyoncafe Manifesto
So the next time you’re standing in front of your coffee machine, skip the usual iced latte and go for something smoother, bolder, sweeter, and undeniably more viral.
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!