Tiramisu Iced Latte

The Tiramisu Iced Latte is a luxurious, multi-layered beverage designed to replicate its namesake dessert. It combines the robust bitterness of espresso with the creamy sweetness of a mascarpone-vanilla foam and chilled milk. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, each sip offers a harmonious blend of coffee, cream, and chocolate, creating a truly indulgent experience without any alcohol.
Tiramisu Iced Latte

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as both a coffee drink and a mocktail, placing it in a modern category of non-alcoholic creations. Its rich, sweet profile also firmly categorizes it as a dessert drink, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

Serving

Served cold in a tall glass to showcase its beautiful layers, this is a substantial, entirely alcohol-free beverage best enjoyed sipped through a straw.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink is a modern creation born from contemporary café culture's love for dessert-inspired beverages. It doesn't have a traditional backstory but rather represents the innovative trend of translating classic pastries and desserts into drinkable forms. Its popularity grew through social media, where its appealing layered look and decadent flavor profile made it an instant hit.
Origin
The Tiramisu Iced Latte is a product of the 21st-century global coffee shop scene, likely emerging in the United States or Europe around the 2010s. It reflects a culinary trend of deconstructing classic dishes and reinterpreting them in new, accessible formats.

Tiramisu Iced Latte

The name "Tiramisu Iced Latte" directly references the famous Italian dessert it emulates. Alternative names like "Deconstructed Tiramisu Latte" highlight its layered, component-based nature, which mirrors the dessert's structure in a liquid form.
Original name
Tiramisu Iced Latte
Alternative names
  • Deconstructed Tiramisu Latte
  • Iced Tiramisu Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a velvety, rich texture with a dominant sweet and creamy flavor profile, balanced by the bitterness of coffee and cocoa. Its visually appealing layers and comforting aroma make it an all-season indulgent treat.
Flavor
Sweet, creamy, rich coffee, cocoa, vanilla, slight cheese-like tang
Aroma
Freshly brewed coffee, sweet cream, vanilla, chocolate
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering, creamy, coffee sweetness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, dark brown base, milky white middle, creamy off-white top, dusted with brown cocoa powder
Texture
Smooth, creamy, rich, velvety
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season treat

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely creamy and sweet, with a moderate bitterness from the coffee and cocoa to provide balance. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage with a very rich profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are espresso, milk, and a sweet mascarpone cream made with vanilla and simple syrup. Ice is essential for the cold temperature, and cocoa powder provides the signature Tiramisu finish.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    Freshly brewed double shot, chilled slightly.
  • Milk150 ml / 5 oz
    Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but oat or almond milk are great dairy-free options.
  • Mascarpone Cheese2 tablespoons
    Can be substituted with full-fat cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative.
  • Vanilla Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use a good quality syrup for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Adjust to taste. Maple syrup can also be used as a substitute.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder1 teaspoon
    For dusting on top as a garnish.
  • Ice CubesEnough to fill the glass
    Standard cubed ice works perfectly.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need an espresso machine to brew the coffee and a small bowl with a whisk or frother to prepare the creamy mascarpone topping.
  • Espresso machine or other coffee brewer
  • Small bowl and a whisk or milk frother
  • Tall glass for serving

Instructions

The process involves three simple stages: preparing the sweet mascarpone cream, brewing the coffee, and then carefully layering the milk, espresso, and cream in an ice-filled glass before garnishing.
1. Prepare the mascarpone cream: In a small bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, vanilla syrup, and simple syrup until smooth and creamy. A handheld milk frother works well for this.
2. Brew the espresso: Prepare a double shot of espresso and let it cool for a minute.
3. Assemble the drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the milk over the ice.
4. Layer the ingredients: Slowly pour the slightly cooled espresso over the milk to create a distinct layer. Then, gently spoon the prepared mascarpone cream on top.
5. Garnish and serve: Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

A simple but essential garnish of cocoa powder is dusted over the top, mimicking the look of a classic Tiramisu dessert.
  • A generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top foam.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy. However, it can easily be made dairy-free and vegan by substituting mascarpone with vegan cream cheese and using plant-based milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is an indulgent beverage with a high calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar content, primarily from the cream and syrups, making it more of a dessert than a simple coffee drink.
Calories
Averagely 280-350 kcal / 1170-1465 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 30-40 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 25-35 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or as a satisfying liquid dessert after a meal. It also makes a wonderfully indulgent addition to a special weekend brunch menu.
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Dessert Alternative
  • Weekend Brunch

Pairing suggestions

This rich latte pairs best with simple, crunchy baked goods that won't compete with its flavor. Italian biscotti are a classic choice, as are simple shortbread cookies or a flaky croissant.
  • Biscotti
  • Shortbread cookies
  • A plain croissant

Tiramisu Iced Latte: Your Favorite Dessert in a Glass

The Tiramisu Iced Latte is the ultimate treat for coffee and dessert lovers alike. It masterfully transforms the sophisticated flavors of Italy's famous dessert into a refreshing, sippable format. With its distinct layers of bold espresso, cool milk, and a velvety mascarpone cream topping, it's a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This non-alcoholic beverage offers a moment of pure indulgence, perfect for a special occasion or whenever you crave a sweet escape.