✔ Updated · step photos, homemade vanilla syrup and an iced version
A Starbucks vanilla latte is just espresso, vanilla syrup and steamed milk with a little foam, and it's easy to make at home. My copycat version takes 5 minutes, hot or iced, no fancy machine required.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Stir the vanilla syrup into the espresso before the milk goes in. It mixes evenly instead of sinking to the bottom of the mug.
Why You'll Love This Vanilla Latte
- Café-style at home, with the same simple build: espresso, vanilla syrup and milk.
- Your sweetness, your milk, so it's easy to make lighter or dairy-free.
- Hot or iced, with both versions below.
Hot vs. Iced Vanilla Latte
| Hot (recipe card) | Iced | |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 2 shots | 2 shots |
| Vanilla syrup | 2 tablespoons, stirred into the espresso | 2 tablespoons, stirred into the espresso |
| Milk | 1 1/4 cups, heated to 150°F and frothed | 3/4 cup cold milk over a full glass of ice |
| Build | Espresso first, then milk and foam | Ice and milk first, espresso poured on top |
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- How sweet? A 16-ounce café vanilla latte is usually made with about 4 pumps of syrup, which is roughly 2 tablespoons. I use 1 1/2 tablespoons for an everyday cup.
- Don't boil the milk. Around 150°F is the sweet spot: hot, sweet and frothy. Past about 170°F, milk tastes flat and slightly cooked, and the foam collapses.
- No espresso machine? Use 1/2 cup of very strong coffee from a moka pot, AeroPress or French press, or 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder in 1/2 cup hot water.
- No frother? Shake hot milk in a sealed jar (half full, lid tight, towel over it) for 30 seconds, or whisk it hard in the saucepan.
- Store-bought shortcut. A good bottled vanilla syrup works perfectly; my copycat Starbucks vanilla syrup is the homemade upgrade.
Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Latte
1
servings5
minutes5
minutes250
kcal10
minutesA copycat Starbucks vanilla latte: two shots of espresso stirred with 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, then topped with hot steamed or frothed milk and a thin layer of foam. Includes a quick homemade vanilla syrup and an iced version.
Ingredients
- For the Vanilla Syrup (makes about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Latte (16 ounces)
2 ounces espresso (2 shots), freshly brewed
2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
1 1/4 cups 2% milk (or whole or oat milk)
Directions
- Make the Vanilla Syrup
- Simmer the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat, stir in the vanilla and let it cool. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Make the Latte
- Brew 2 shots of espresso into a 16-ounce mug and stir in the vanilla syrup.
- Heat the milk to about 150°F, steaming hot but not boiling, using a steam wand, the microwave or a small saucepan. Froth it with a handheld frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar until it has a layer of fine foam.
- Pour the hot milk into the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon a thin layer of foam on top. Serve straight away.
Recipe Video
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More Starbucks Latte Copycats
Love vanilla? Try a layered copycat Starbucks caramel macchiato or a cinnamon dolce latte. Not sure which drink you want? Here's macchiato vs. latte explained, and the whole collection lives in my Starbucks copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Starbucks vanilla latte?
It's espresso, vanilla syrup and steamed milk with a light layer of foam. A 16-ounce size usually has 2 shots of espresso and about 4 pumps of vanilla syrup, made with 2% milk unless you choose another. This copycat uses 2 ounces espresso, 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup and 1 1/4 cups milk.
Can I make a vanilla latte similar to Starbucks with store-bought creamer?
You can get close. Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of vanilla or French vanilla coffee creamer into strong coffee or espresso and top with hot frothed milk. It's sweeter and creamier than a true latte, so use less syrup or skip it.
What is the difference between a vanilla latte and a French vanilla latte?
A vanilla latte uses plain vanilla syrup. French vanilla usually means a richer, custard-like vanilla flavor, often from a French vanilla syrup or creamer. To make one at home, just swap in French vanilla syrup.
How do you make an iced vanilla latte?
Stir 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup into 2 shots of espresso, fill a 16-ounce glass with ice, pour in 3/4 cup cold milk, then pour the espresso over the top. No heating or frothing needed.
How many calories are in a homemade vanilla latte?
With 2% milk and 2 tablespoons of syrup, a 16-ounce homemade vanilla latte is about 250 calories. Use skim milk and sugar-free syrup to bring it closer to 100, or whole milk for a richer cup at about 300.
