Vanilla Iced Tea Latte: an Easy Recipe for Warm Afternoons

To make a vanilla iced tea latte, brew a strong cup of vanilla black tea, sweeten it while it's still warm, pour it over ice, and top it with cold milk. It's so simple it just hits perfect.

Our House Blend (Creamy Vanilla English Breakfast) is made for this. It already carries a smooth vanilla note, so you get a creamy, cafe-style drink at home without buying a single syrup.

This is the kind of late morning or early afternoon treat that feels a little indulgent and takes about five minutes. Here's how we make ours.

What you'll need (makes 1 latte)

• 1.5 tsp House Blend loose leaf tea (Creamy Vanilla English Breakfast)
• 6 oz hot water
• 2 to 3 oz milk of your choice (whole milk, oat, and almond all work well)
• A drizzle of honey, to taste (totally optional)
• A tall glass of ice

How to make it

1. Steep the tea strong. Use 1.5 teaspoons of House Blend in 6 ounces of just-boiled water and let it sit for 4 minutes. Brewing it on the strong side keeps the flavor from washing out once it meets the ice and milk.
2. Sweeten if you like. This isn't a required step. House Blend is smooth and a little sweet on its own, so a lot of folks drink it as is. If you want a touch more, stir a bit of honey or vanilla syrup into the warm tea while it's still hot, it can bring out more vanilla notes.
3. Let it cool. Give the tea a few minutes to come down in temperature, or pop it in the fridge if you've got the time.
4. Build your glass. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the tea over the top.
5. Add the milk last. Pour your cold milk in and watch it swirl through the tea. Give it a quick stir, and you're done.

If you've got shortbread on hand, have a piece with it. The buttery cookie and the vanilla play off each other nicely.

Make it ahead with cold brew

If you'd rather plan ahead, cold brew is a great way to go. Add 2 teaspoons of House Blend to 8 ounces of cold water, cover it, and leave it in the fridge overnight (8 to 12 hours). Strain the leaves in the morning, then build your latte with ice and milk. Cold brewing draws the vanilla out gently and keeps things smooth, with no bitterness to fuss over.  (Don't put the milk in early - it muddles the flavor a bit.)

Ways to make it your own

Want it caffeine-free? Swap House Blend for our Vanilla Creme Herbal Tea and follow the same steps. It's a nice one for the evening.

Love a toasted note? Use our Housewarming Creme Brulee Black Tea instead. It has a deeper, caramelized vanilla that's really good over ice.

Like a little spice? Use Vanilla Latte Cardamom Creme Black Tea, which turns it into something cozier.

Want the cafe look? Top it with cold foam or frothed milk for that little cap of creaminess on top.

Going dairy-free? Oat milk is our favorite for this one. It froths nicely and keeps the latte creamy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a vanilla iced tea latte without sugar?

Yes. House Blend has a natural vanilla sweetness, so the latte tastes plenty creamy without any sweetener at all. Try it as is first, then add a drizzle of honey only if you want it sweeter.

What milk works best in an iced tea latte?

Any of them works, so use what you like.

Can I make it caffeine-free?

Yes. Use our Vanilla Creme Herbal in place of the black tea and the recipe stays exactly the same. It's a good choice for an afternoon or evening latte.

How do I make a vanilla iced tea latte ahead of time?

Cold brew is the easiest make-ahead method. Steep 2 teaspoons of House Blend in 8 ounces of cold water overnight in the fridge, then strain and build your latte whenever you're ready.

Can I make this hot instead of iced?

Absolutely. Brew the tea the same way, warm your milk, and pour it in. Same flavor, served cozy.

Ready to make one?

House Blend is the heart of this recipe, and it's just as good hot in the morning as it is iced in the afternoon. Grab a bag and make one this week. It's an easy habit to get into once the weather warms up.