While both are delicious in their own right, iced cappuccinos and iced lattes have unique characteristics and differences that set them apart.
If you’re not sure of the difference between the two, you’re not alone, as the two drinks are very similar!
An iced latte contains brewed espresso with cold milk and ice. In contrast, an iced cappuccino contains brewed espresso with milk, ice, and froth.
Therefore, the main difference between the two drinks is the extra froth in the iced cappuccino.
With the rise in popularity of iced coffee beverages, you’ll likely want to know more about the unique characteristics of these two drinks as well as how best to prepare them to get the perfect iced coffee.
If that sounds like you, read on to find out more about these delicious beverages!
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The characteristics of an iced latte
- The characteristics of an iced cappuccino
- A comparison between iced lattes and iced cappuccinos
- How to choose the right coffee beans for your iced coffee
- Brewing methods and equipment you will need in order to make your iced coffee.
Let’s get into it!
Understanding Iced Lattes
To get started, let’s take a look at the specific characteristics of iced lattes including the preparation of iced lattes, their flavor profile, as well as different variations of the drink.
Composition and Preparation
Iced lattes are a fairly simple and classic drink, composed of freshly brewed espresso alongside cold milk and ice.
To prepare iced lattes, the espresso is first brewed. You can also add sugar to the espresso at this stage if you desire a sweeter beverage. Next, pour the espresso over a glass filled with ice, then pour over the chilled milk and stir.
Flavor Profile and Texture
Iced lattes have a creamy and smooth texture, with the addition of ice creating a more refreshing feel than a hot latte.
The flavor of iced lattes is rich and complex, with a harmonious balance between the strong bitterness of the coffee against the creaminess of the milk.
Popular Variations and Customizations
If you’re after something more elevated than your standard latte, there are also several ways that you can customize the drink.
One popular, healthy, and delicious variation is a matcha latte!
In this case, instead of using espresso, matcha powder is whisked and dissolved in a small amount of water and added to the milk and ice – creating a gorgeous, green-hued iced drink.
In addition, iced lattes can be flavored using a variety of syrups or additions such as caramel sauce, vanilla syrup, cream, or cinnamon syrup. With so many different options, you can customize your latte to your personal tastes!
One great thing about iced lattes is that you can also use any milk you wish, whether that’s cow’s milk or plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or nut milk.
Exploring Iced Cappuccino
Next, let’s take a look at what makes iced cappuccinos unique by delving into their composition, preparation, and other distinctive features.
Composition and Preparation
Iced cappuccinos contain brewed espresso, cold milk, ice, and a layer of froth. To make a cappuccino, the espresso is first brewed and added to the ice with a splash of milk. To top off the drink, add a thick layer of cold foam made using a milk frother.
The cold foam in an iced cappuccino is a slight variation from the steamed milk usually found in a hot cappuccino but provides a similar effect to a foamy topping.
Flavor Profile and Texture
Due to the extra froth in the iced cappuccino, this drink will produce a stronger espresso flavor profile than an iced latte with a silky smooth finish.
Innovative Variations and Additions
If you want to spice up your iced cappuccino, you have a few options!
You can always increase the coffee flavor of your drink by doubling the shots of espresso you use. You can also add syrups and other additions such as cinnamon, or even an ice cream scoop topping if you’re feeling indulgent!
Comparing Iced Latte and Iced Cappuccino
Now that we’ve got a handle on the main features of the two drinks, let’s do a direct comparison and look at the main differences and similarities between the two beverages.
Ingredient Comparison
The main difference between the two drinks is the addition of foam in the iced cappuccino. As a result, the iced cappuccino contains less cold milk – making for a stronger beverage.
Preparation Techniques
In contrasting preparation methods, these do not differ greatly between the two drinks.
However, when preparing the iced cappuccino only a small amount of chilled milk is added, with the rest being replaced by foam. This means if you are preparing an iced cappuccino, make sure you have a milk frother on hand!
Flavor and Texture Distinctions
In comparing the flavor profiles of the two drinks, the iced cappuccino has a stronger coffee taste while the latte is creamer and smoother.
If you’re a foam lover then the iced cappuccino will be your preferred drink, with the iced latte providing a smoother texture.
Also Read: Exploring the Difference Between Caramel Macchiato and Caramel Latte
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
An important component in making these iced coffees is ensuring that you have selected the best coffee beans for the job.
Let’s take a look at the different coffee bean varieties available to you and how to pick the best one for both iced lattes and iced cappuccinos:
Coffee Bean Varieties
There are four main types of coffee beans available; these are arabica, robusta, liberica, and excelsa.
Arabica beans originate from Ethiopia and have a smooth flavor with low levels of bitterness, while robusta beans grow in Africa and Indonesia, with a stronger, more bitter taste.
Liberica beans are African beans that have a bold smoky, woody flavor, while Excelsa beans have a lighter roast, growing in Southeast Asia.
Best Choices for Each Beverage
The best coffee beans to use for iced lattes are beans that won’t become overpowered by the creaminess of the milk, such as South American or Southeast Asian coffee beans that contain more spice or intense flavors.
In contrast, the best coffee beans for iced cappuccinos have more subtle flavors, such as Central American and African coffee beans.
Brewing Methods and Equipment
If you are preparing your own iced coffee, the first step is to begin the brewing process. There are a variety of different brewing methods and equipment available for making the perfect iced latte and iced cappuccino.
Brewing Techniques
There are several options you have to brew your espresso. These include using an espresso machine, a drip machine, a pour-over method, the cold brew method, or a French press.
Using an espresso machine will result in the most superior espresso, though a drip coffee maker is another more affordable option.
Using the pour-over method where the coffee is brewed and drained through a paper filter will also produce a coffee with rich flavors and a smooth finish, while the French press will create a coffee that is fuller-bodied and pairs well with milkier drinks such as lattes.
Lastly, the cold brew method involves placing the coffee in water for 8-12 hours before filtering, and results in a lighter coffee that’s perfect for an iced cappuccino where you don’t want an overpowering espresso!
Essential Equipment
The equipment you need will depend on your chosen method of brewing, though you will require a coffee grinder to grind your beans. If making a cappuccino, you will also need to ensure you have the equipment to froth your milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between an iced latte and an iced cappuccino is that the iced cappuccino has a layer of froth on the top, making it a stronger beverage due to the addition of less milk to dilute the coffee.
Yes, you can use regular coffee beans to make both an iced latte and an iced cappuccino, as they both contain a shot of ordinarily brewed espresso. However, certain beans may be preferable for each drink.
You can customize your iced drink at home through the addition of sweeteners such as sugar or honey, or through the addition of syrups or sauces. Iced matcha lattes are also a popular alternative to iced lattes.
There is not much of a difference in the caffeine content between the two iced drinks, as they both usually contain one shot of espresso to prepare. However, you are able to customize the caffeine content of your drink by adding two shots of espresso instead of one.
There is not much of a difference in the caffeine content between the two iced drinks, as they both usually contain one shot of espresso to prepare. However, you are able to customize the caffeine content of your drink by adding two shots of espresso instead of one.
Iced lattes and iced cappuccinos are generally the same level of sweetness when prepared with their original ingredients. The level of sweetness of the drink will depend on the additions that you make, such as sugar or syrups.
