Iced Butterscotch Latte

This delightful drink combines freshly brewed espresso with cold milk and sweet butterscotch sauce, all served over a generous amount of ice for a refreshing and indulgent treat. The deep caramel and brown sugar notes of butterscotch perfectly complement the coffee's inherent bitterness, creating a well-balanced and satisfying beverage. It's a popular coffee shop favorite that is surprisingly easy to recreate in the comfort of your own home.
Iced Butterscotch Latte

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as an iced coffee drink. It falls into the broader category of lattes, which are espresso-based drinks with a large proportion of milk, served cold over ice for a refreshing experience.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic beverage served cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice. The size is typical for a standard coffee shop iced latte.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the classic latte has Italian origins, the explosion of flavored lattes is a hallmark of modern American coffee culture that began in the late 20th century. As coffee shops expanded, so did their menus, incorporating a wide array of sweet syrups. Butterscotch, a classic confection of brown sugar and butter, was a natural fit, offering a comforting, nostalgic taste that provides a sweet counterpoint to strong espresso.
Origin
The concept of the flavored iced latte is largely attributed to the modern coffee culture movement in the United States, which gained significant momentum in the 1990s and 2000s.

Iced Butterscotch Latte

The name "Iced Butterscotch Latte" is straightforward and descriptive, accurately reflecting its ingredients and serving style. Alternative names like "Butterscotch Iced Latte" simply rearrange the words but refer to the same delicious beverage.
Original name
Iced Butterscotch Latte
Alternative names
  • Butterscotch Iced Latte
  • Cold Butterscotch Latte

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a beautiful layered appearance, with a dominant aroma of sweet butterscotch and coffee. The flavor is rich and creamy, balancing the sweetness of the sauce with the bitterness of espresso, resulting in a smooth and refreshing texture.
Flavor
sweet, creamy, buttery, caramel, coffee
Aroma
butterscotch, coffee, brown sugar, sweet
Taste balance
sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
sweet, creamy, lingering coffee
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
light brown, opaque, layered before stirring
Texture
smooth, creamy, liquid
Seasonality
refreshing, year-round, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is led by high sweetness and creaminess, which are balanced by a moderate bitterness from the coffee. It is a completely non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need espresso, milk of your choice, and butterscotch sauce as the core ingredients. Ice is essential, while whipped cream and an extra drizzle of sauce are optional but recommended for a decadent touch.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    A freshly brewed double shot, cooled slightly.
  • Milk180 ml / 6 oz
    Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but any milk or plant-based alternative (oat, almond, soy) works well.
  • Butterscotch Sauce30 ml / 1 oz (2 tablespoons)
    Adjust quantity to desired sweetness. Ensure it's vegan if required.
  • Ice CubesEnough to fill the glass
  • Whipped CreamTo taste(optional)
    For topping the drink.
  • Butterscotch DrizzleTo taste(optional)
    For garnishing over whipped cream.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment needed is a method to brew espresso and a tall serving glass. No special mixing tools like shakers are required.
  • Espresso machine or other coffee brewer to make espresso.
  • Tall glass for building and serving the drink.
  • Long spoon or stirrer for mixing.

Instructions

This drink is easily assembled by layering butterscotch sauce, ice, milk, and espresso in a tall glass. A final stir combines the flavors before serving, with an optional garnish for flair.
1. Begin by brewing a double shot of espresso. Set it aside to cool for a minute or two.
2. Pour the butterscotch sauce into the bottom of a tall serving glass (such as a Highball glass).
3. Fill the glass completely with ice cubes.
4. Pour the cold milk over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters full.
5. Slowly pour the slightly cooled espresso over the milk. This will create an attractive layered effect.
6. Stir the drink well with a long spoon before drinking to ensure the butterscotch sauce is fully incorporated.
7. Optionally, top with a swirl of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of butterscotch sauce before serving with a straw.

Garnishing

For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish the latte with a swirl of whipped cream and a final drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top of the finished drink.
  • Butterscotch Drizzle: A light drizzle over the whipped cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy. However, it can easily be adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by substituting plant-based milk and using a vegan butterscotch sauce.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively high-calorie beverage with a significant amount of sugar, primarily from the butterscotch sauce and milk. Nutritional values can vary based on the type of milk and sauce used.
Calories
Averagely 250-350 kcal / 1046-1464 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
30-40 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
25-35 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Iced Butterscotch Latte is versatile enough for any time of day. It serves as a sweet start to the morning, a perfect afternoon energy boost, or simply a delicious treat to cool down on a warm day.
  • Morning coffee
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Casual treat
  • Summer refreshment

Pairing suggestions

This sweet latte pairs wonderfully with simple, buttery baked goods that won't compete with its flavor. Consider classic shortbread, crunchy biscotti for dipping, or a flaky plain croissant to complement its creamy texture.
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Biscotti
  • Plain croissants
  • Scones with clotted cream

Indulge in the Sweet Comfort of an Iced Butterscotch Latte

The Iced Butterscotch Latte is a delightfully sweet and creamy coffee beverage, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. It masterfully combines the rich, buttery notes of butterscotch with robust espresso and cold milk for a perfectly balanced and refreshing treat. Exceptionally easy to make at home, it serves as a fantastic alternative to a coffee shop visit, ideal for a warm afternoon or a special morning indulgence. It's a comforting classic flavor presented in a cool, modern form.

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