Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee

The Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines strong brewed coffee or espresso with a sweet cinnamon-flavored syrup. Served over ice and often topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it's a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweeter, more dessert-like coffee experience. The warm spice of cinnamon perfectly balances the rich coffee and creamy finish, making it a perfectly balanced treat.
Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as an iced coffee drink. It falls into the category of sweetened, flavored coffee beverages that are served cold. It's often considered a dessert coffee due to its sweetness and creamy topping.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic coffee drink cold over plenty of ice in a tall glass or a mason jar. The typical serving is a substantial drink, perfect for sipping.
Serving size
350-480 ml / 12-16 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Tall Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink does not have a deep, historical backstory but was popularized by the global coffee chain Starbucks in the early 2000s. It was created to offer a comforting, bakery-inspired flavor profile, like a liquid cinnamon roll. Its immense popularity has inspired countless coffee lovers to recreate the recipe at home.
Origin
United States, early 21st century.

Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee

The name "Cinnamon Dolce" translates from Italian and Spanish to "sweet cinnamon." While it's a specific drink name, it's often used interchangeably with "Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte," especially in homemade versions which feature a generous amount of milk. The core identity of the drink is a sweet, cinnamon-flavored iced coffee.
Original name
Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee
Alternative names
  • Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
  • Iced Cinnamon Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a comforting aroma of coffee and cinnamon, with a predominantly sweet and creamy flavor profile balanced by the coffee's slight bitterness. Its smooth, refreshing texture makes it a perfect treat any time of the year.
Flavor
Sweet, Cinnamon, Coffee, Creamy, Spiced, Brown sugar
Aroma
Coffee, Cinnamon, Sweet, Vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering cinnamon spice, Sweet, Smooth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, Opaque, Topped with white cream
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by sweetness and creaminess, with a pleasant cinnamon spice and a balancing bitterness from the coffee. As a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drink, its intensity comes purely from its core ingredients.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core of this drink is a homemade cinnamon dolce syrup made from brown sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks. This is then combined with chilled strong coffee or espresso, milk, and served over ice.
  • Brown sugar1 cup (for syrup)
    Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
  • Water1 cup (for syrup)
    Used to create the base of the syrup.
  • Cinnamon sticks2 sticks (for syrup)
    Provides a deep, authentic cinnamon flavor to the syrup.
  • Vanilla extract1 teaspoon (for syrup)
    Adds warmth and complexity to the syrup.
  • Strong brewed coffee240 ml / 8 oz
    Chilled. Can be substituted with 2 shots of espresso.
  • Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Whole milk, 2%, or a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk can be used.
  • Whipped creamTo top(optional)
    For garnish.
  • Ground cinnamonA sprinkle(optional)
    For garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Basic kitchen equipment is all that's needed. A small saucepan is required to cook the syrup, and the final drink is simply built and stirred in its serving glass.
  • Small saucepan for making the syrup.
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
  • Stirring spoon or bar spoon for combining.

Instructions

The process involves first preparing a simple cinnamon and brown sugar syrup on the stovetop and letting it cool. The drink is then easily assembled by layering ice, syrup, chilled coffee, and milk in a tall glass before stirring and garnishing.
1. First, make the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup. Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully discard the cinnamon sticks and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely before use.
4. To assemble the drink, fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour 2-4 tablespoons of the cooled cinnamon syrup over the ice, adjusting to your desired sweetness.
6. Add 240 ml (8 oz) of chilled strong coffee or 2 shots of espresso to the glass.
7. Top with 120 ml (4 oz) of your choice of milk.
8. Stir well to combine all the layers.
9. If desired, garnish with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
10. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is a decadent swirl of whipped cream, which adds texture and richness, finished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to enhance the aroma and flavor.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top of the finished drink.
  • Ground Cinnamon: A light dusting over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy. It can be easily adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by using plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) and a non-dairy whipped topping. It is naturally free from eggs, gluten, soy, and nuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric drink, with high levels of carbohydrates and sugar coming from the syrup, milk, and optional whipped cream. Nutritional values can be lowered by using less syrup or sugar-free alternatives.
Calories
Averagely 200-300 kcal / 837-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 30-45 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 28-40 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is versatile enough for a sweet start to the day or as a revitalizing afternoon treat. It also serves as a wonderful liquid dessert after a meal or a non-alcoholic option for a weekend brunch.
  • Morning treat
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Dessert alternative
  • Casual brunch

Pairing suggestions

This sweet coffee beverage pairs exceptionally well with pastries and baked goods. Its cinnamon notes complement treats like cinnamon rolls and coffee cake, while its sweetness is a great match for the simple crunch of biscotti or shortbread.
  • Cinnamon rolls
  • Biscotti
  • Coffee cake
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Butter croissants

The Sweet Spice of Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee

The Cinnamon Dolce Iced Coffee is a sweet, refreshing, and indulgent non-alcoholic coffee drink popularized by coffee shops worldwide. It combines the bold flavor of coffee with a custom-made cinnamon and brown sugar syrup, creating a taste reminiscent of a liquid cinnamon roll. Served over ice with milk and an optional whipped cream topping, it is an easy-to-make treat that brings the coffee shop experience into your home.

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