Before we go into the differences between an iced cappuccino and an iced latte, let’s clarify the distinction between iced coffee and an iced latte.
While iced coffee is made from the brewed coffee that is then allowed to cool, iced lattes are made from espresso shots.
Lattes are typically ¼ expresso shots and ¾ milk, sometimes added with cream or milk foam. The rich milk foam is the real distinction between the two variants we are looking at today.
What is the difference between an iced latte and an iced cappuccino? They are similar as they are both espresso drinks with ice, milk, and sweetener (optional).
The only difference is that while we combine espresso with cold milk, pour it over ice, and frothed milk for Iced Latte, and for iced Cappuccino, we top the cup with a thick layer of milk foam.
A cappuccino is similar in composition but has more foam than steamed milk. This distinction is important because many people do not know the difference. Sometimes, people don’t want the thick foam and order a Cappuccino.
A latte is a shot of espresso with steamed milk topped with silky foam. But there’s more milk than foam.
For their iced version, Cappuccino has more frothed milk and less milk overall, and the iced latte has more milk and less foam. Also, an iced latte has more flavor options than an iced cappuccino.
They are pretty similar. So, you can forgive those that make mistakes when mixing the two.
But we’ll try to distinguish them as carefully as we can and conclude which we think is better for you between Iced Cappuccino Vs. Iced Latte.
We’ll do this by looking at a brief overview, exploring their history, considering how to make them, examining the differences (we just did), and any other information we feel you may need.
Let’s begin with the stronger variant—the Iced Cappuccino.
Iced Cappuccino
What is an iced cappuccino? Simple. It’s Cappuccino that is served with ice, providing cool refreshment, especially during the summer.
So, what’s a Cappuccino?
If you’re new to drinking coffee and exploring the variants, one name you must have seen often is the Cappuccino. Also, because it has probably the most appealing look of all the coffee types, it is the most popular variant you’ll see in coffee magazines.
A cappuccino is mainly an espresso brew made with a shot of espresso, a portion of steamed milk, and a layer of frothed milk at the top and added to a cup of ice.
The Iced Cappuccino is distinguished by having more frothed milk and less milk. Once there’s an espresso machine, you are a step away from making Cappuccino.
An iced cappuccino features a shot of espresso, a portion of milk, and a higher ratio of frothed milk. Iced Cappuccino has a frothy texture, and that is because it has more foam than milk.
It produces a delightful taste, and the iced version is known to taste sweeter than the warm cup. The warm Cappuccino doesn’t necessarily get lots of foamy goodness;
However, baristas can get creative with several art designs on its foamed milk surface; the iced version takes the gloves off with several toppings like whipped cream and syrup.
Unlike Lattes, which have different flavors and variations, you always know how your Cappuccino will taste. It is straightforward expresso, milk, foamed milk, sugar, and cream.
History
From the way the name sounds, you know Cappuccinos have an Italian connection. Yes, it does, but its origin isn’t Italy.
Cappuccino comes from the coffee beverage “Kapuziner,” which originated in Viennese coffee shops in the 1700s and was referred to as Viennese Coffee. It contained coffee, whipped cream, sugar, and spices.
With the advent of the espresso machine, Cappuccinos have evolved, and the Italians popularized them.
How to make it
Making Iced Cappuccino starts with adding one or two espresso shots to a cup of ice. Then you add a layer of steamed milk followed by a thick and airy foam layer.
Iced latte
Now, let’s go over to the Latte side of life. Iced latte, predictably, is the iced version of a regular latte. So what is a latte drink?
Latte is a coffee beverage with espresso, milk, and frothed milk. Unlike Cappuccinos which contain more frother milk, lattes have more steamed milk, which is the basis for the very colorful art known as latte art that has made the drink a trendy beverage.
But you don’t drink latte because of the art, do you? You drink it because it is remarkable, especially when combined with ice.
The iced version is the drink: espresso shot, milk, and frothed milk, which is then combined with ice and served in a transparent plastic container or glass.
When served, this produces a very colorful appeal, and because lattes have unique flavors, they can be effectively used to create different types of drinks.
Although cappuccinos may (they rarely do) have some form of syrup, they are more restricted in their preparation. Lattes, meanwhile, have more freedom.
Because lattes contain less frothed milk, it has a milder taste than a cappuccino and is even often referred to as a milkshake. That’s why lattes can have different flavored syrups to add to the appeal.
Examples of syrups often added to lattes include Caramel, strawberry, chocolate, orange, vanilla, cheesecake, and blueberry.
Iced lattes are such sweet drinks that the first taste you get when ordering a cup won’t be that of coffee but sugar and syrup. Ultimately, you taste the coffee, but you get a hint of it, as the milk does its best to mask its effect.
Don’t be fooled, though. The coffee is actively present, and this is noticeable in its caffeine content which is as high as what you get from any strong cup of black coffee.
However, because of its many flavors and varieties, many Coffee enthusiasts claim lattes aren’t coffee drinks but milkshakes with a hint of coffee! But who cares?
History
The latte was a later invention than the Cappuccino. It was created by an Italian barista who wanted something more exciting and creamy for customers who wanted coffee but on a lighter note.
It was a response to those who felt the Cappuccino was too strong. So, Lino Meiorin, in California, in the 50s, started combining 1/3 espresso with 2/3 steamed milk.
Later variations saw additions of layers of foam and even flavors.
How to make it
An iced latte is made by adding one or two shots of espresso to the cup of ice; you then add a generous portion of steamed milk, trying to achieve a higher ratio of milk.
You then top the layer with foam and add cream and any syrup flavor.
What is the Difference?
As we’ve said, Iced Cappuccino and Iced Latte are similar in their elemental composition.
Iced Cappuccino is less restricted in the number of flavors you can get, while with an iced latte, you can get different flavors.
The main difference between the two is that an Iced cappuccino has more foam and less milk, while an iced latte has more milk and less foam.
In terms of calories, an iced latte has more calories than an iced cappuccino.
This also means that iced Cappuccino is a stronger drink because of its higher ratio of espresso to milk.
Which One is Better for Me?
Espresso has an overwhelming taste. A lot of people don’t like that. Some coffee drinkers want caffeine but don’t like the strong coffee effect.
Some want a combination of coffee and creamy sweetness. Some want to retain as much of the espresso as possible. If you want an espresso without its strong taste, then a latte should do for you. It also has multiple flavors you can play with and has high caffeine content.
Each latte variant is different, but lattes are known to contain more calories than Cappuccinos. However, you should also consider the calories of both drinks. A Cappuccino will do if you don’t want to dilute the espresso but still want a relatively decent amount of milk.
But why drink coffee if you want to mask the flavor? The Cappuccino, with a stronger coffee flavor, would be a better choice.
The ultimate choice, however, is yours.
Conclusion
Iced Cappuccino vs. Iced Latte has shown us that there is very little difference between them, especially when you look at their basic composition: a shot of espresso, milk, frothed milk, and sugar.
However, Cappuccinos are more traditional and lean toward retaining as much espresso flavor as possible.
Coffee lovers who prefer the strength of caffeine but don’t want to lose creamy sweetness can use cappuccinos and lattes to get the best of both worlds.
Iced lattes are more radical in the number of flavors and variations you can get. This comes with a downside, though: extra calories.
Resources:
Last Updated on August 31, 2022 by Ashok Parmar
