Starbucks Iced Espresso Recipe

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you love the refreshing jolt of a Starbucks iced espresso. But what if you could enjoy that same smooth taste in your own kitchen? With a few simple steps, you can craft a delicious, chilled coffee treat without leaving home.

What is a Starbucks iced espresso

A Starbucks iced espresso is essentially espresso shots poured over ice, often balanced with a splash of milk or a dash of sweetener. The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity, and it’s known for its bold, full-bodied flavor. Unlike a traditional iced coffee, which is brewed more gently, an iced espresso relies on super-concentrated shots.

How to make a Starbucks iced espresso

Ingredients

• 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso (or 2 tablespoons of instant espresso dissolved in hot water)
• 1 cup of ice
• 1/2 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
• Sweetener (optional, such as simple syrup, sugar, or a flavored syrup)
• Whipped cream or foam on top (optional)

Directions

1. Brew. Prepare your espresso shots using your preferred method. If you don’t have an espresso machine, dissolve instant espresso in a small amount of hot water.
2. Cool it down. Let the espresso rest slightly so the ice won’t melt immediately.
3. Assemble. Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour the espresso on top.
4. Add milk and sweetener. Stir in milk and sweetener to taste.
5. Top it off. A swirl of whipped cream or lightly frothed milk can add extra creaminess.

Nutrition facts

Exact nutrition depends on your milk and sweetener choices, but a standard grande iced espresso with 2% milk is approximately:

• 80 calories
• 5 grams of protein
• 6 grams of sugar
• Less than 5 grams of fat

If you prefer fewer calories, switch to skim or unsweetened almond milk. You can also use sugar-free sweeteners to keep sugar content low.

Final thoughts about Starbucks iced espresso

Mastering a Starbucks iced espresso at home is simpler than you’d think. Once you get your espresso strength dialed in and find your ideal milk-to-syrup ratio, you’ll have the power to tweak flavor combos every time. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or a no-frills coffee lover, you can skip the line and customize your drink exactly the way you want it.

Frequently asked questions (faqs)

1. Can I use cold brew coffee instead of espresso?
   It’s possible, but cold brew has a smoother flavor profile and won’t deliver that signature espresso punch. You’ll still get a tasty iced coffee, just a little milder than true espresso.

2. What type of milk works best in this recipe?
   Any milk you enjoy is fine. For a creamier result, try half-and-half or whole dairy milk. Dairy-free options like almond or oat milk also froth nicely if you want a lighter twist.

3. How do I froth milk without an espresso machine?
   A handheld milk frother, French press, or even a mason jar (shake warm milk with the lid firmly on) can help you whip up foam in a pinch.

4. Can I store leftover espresso shots?
   You can store shots in your fridge for a few hours, but fresh espresso always has the best flavor. If you do save it, expect a slightly milder taste when you finally stir it into your next iced espresso.

Starbucks Iced Espresso Recipe

Recipe by Alpine Mountain Coffee

5.0 from 3 votes

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

80

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 ounces shots of freshly brewed espresso (or 2 tablespoons of instant espresso dissolved in hot water)

• 1 cup ice

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)

• Sweetener (optional, such as simple syrup, sugar, or a flavored syrup)

• Whipped cream or foam on top (optional)

Directions

• Brew. Prepare your espresso shots using your preferred method. If you don’t have an espresso machine, dissolve instant espresso in a small amount of hot water.
• Cool it down. Let the espresso rest slightly so the ice won’t melt immediately.
• Assemble. Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour the espresso on top.
• Add milk and sweetener. Stir in milk and sweetener to taste.
• Top it off. A swirl of whipped cream or lightly frothed milk can add extra creaminess.