Is an iced cappuccino a cappuccino?

Yes and no. An iced cappuccino entails a shot of espresso poured over ice with cold or steamed milk and a generous layer of frothed milk cold foam. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, making for a smaller-sized coffee of 6 oz. While an iced cappuccino and a regular hot cappuccino have the same base ingredients of espresso and milk, an iced cappuccino has more ice, less steamed milk, and a larger drink yield overall.

Can you make a cappuccino with instant coffee?

Yes, you can make an iced cappuccino with instant coffee. Instead of using 1 shot of espresso as in this recipe, mix 1 tbsp of instant coffee with an equal amount of boiled water and proceed in the same way. For a decaf option, use decaf instant coffee. We recommend trying 1 tbsp first and then working up if you don’t find it to be strong enough. However, the steps for making a traditional cappuccino are just a bit different.

What’s the difference between iced latte and iced cappuccino?

The difference between an iced latte and an iced cappuccino is the form and amount of milk. An iced latte uses cold or steamed milk poured over a shot of espresso and some ice. You typically add the sweetener and enhance the texture with a thin layer of frothed milk. An iced cappuccino has less steamed or cold milk yet more foam, so the ratios of espresso and steamed and foamed milk are more even. This affects intensity and flavor.

Homemade Iced Cappuccino Recipe: Easy At-Home Coffee Treat

Make this easy iced cappuccino recipe next time a heat wave strikes.

I love an iced cappuccino. As a fan of a stronger coffee flavor, I much prefer it to a milkier iced latte. If you feel the same way, you’re going to love this recipe for a homemade iced cappuccino.

You can serve it over ice cubes, like they do at Starbucks, or blended into a creamy slush, like they do at Tim Hortons. I’ll provide directions for both below. In either case, you’re in for a sweet and refreshing cold coffee treat guaranteed to improve any summer day.

How To Make An Iced Cappuccino At Home

This simple iced cappuccino recipe is perfect to have in your back pocket for a hot day that demands a cool beverage. The ingredients are so basic, you probably always have them on hand.

Are you more in the mood for a hot coffee? Check out my regular hot cappuccino recipe instead.

Iced Cappuccino Ingredients

Double shot of espresso (2 ounces)
6 ounces whole milk
Ice cubes
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
A pinch of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)

AT A GLANCE

BREW TIME:

5-10 minutes

YIELD:

One drink (12 ounces)

Step-By-Step Iced Cappuccino Recipe

An iced cappuccino is a relatively strong coffee beverage, with lots of punchy espresso flavor. That’s why I love it so much! But if you like your iced coffee a little sweeter, milder, and milkier, you might prefer my iced latte recipe.

Now, let’s make the iced cappuccino together, step by step.

Step 1. Brew Your Espresso

Using an espresso machine, pull a double shot of espresso. I typically use 20 grams of a medium-dark roast to yield 2 ounces (60 mL) of espresso.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute 2 ounces of strong brewed coffee, particularly if you’re planning to blend the drink. A Moka pot, French press, Aeropress, Nespresso machine, or even instant coffee are all good options.

Iced-cappuccino-pouring-boiled-water-to-aeropress

Iced-cappuccino-pressing-coffee-in-aeropress

Pro tip: If you want a sweetened cappuccino, dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar into the espresso while it is still warm. And if you really love sweet coffee drinks, check out my Starbucks copycat iced caramel macchiato recipe.

Step 2. Froth The Milk

You can skip this step if you’re planning to blend the drink.

Use a frother, either manual or automatic, to froth the 6 ounces of cold milk. Make sure you choose a cold foam setting. You don’t want hot milk in your iced capp.

If you don’t have a frother, you can use a French press or do something as simple as whisking your milk or shaking it up in a Mason jar. The goal is simply to aerate the milk such that it is light and frothy.

Iced-cappuccino-adding-milk-to-french-press-froth

Iced-cappuccino-making-milk-foth-in-a-french-press

Pro tip: You can easily make this a vegan drink by substituting plant-based milk (1). Or make it a mocha by using chocolate milk.

Step 3. Combine Everything

For an unblended drink, add a handful of ice cubes to a chilled glass, pour over the double shot of espresso (which should have cooled by now), and top with the cold foamy milk.

For a blended drink, add the espresso, cold milk, and ice to a blender and blend in short pulses until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. Add more ice if it looks too thin or more milk if it’s too thick.

Iced-cappuccino-adding-the-milk-froth-to-espresso

Pro tip: Replace the ice cubes with frozen coffee cubes – made by freezing regular brewed coffee or cold brew in an ice cube tray – if you want a strong coffee flavor that won’t dilute as the ice melts.

Step 4. Add Toppings And Enjoy

You can enjoy your iced cappuccino as is, but I like to top mine with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. A sprinkle of cinnamon is another classic choice.

Final Thoughts

Skip the coffee shop line-ups – and expensive mark-ups – and try this delicious iced cappuccino at home. The ingredients are simple, the technique is easy, and the results are amazing. This refreshing drink is about to make your next hot and sunny day the best one yet!

FAQs

Dunkin makes an iced cappuccino by combining espresso and milk, pouring it over ice, and topping it with additional cold milk foam (2). Unlike the famous Tim Hortons iced capps, it is not a blended drink.

Yes, you can make an iced cappuccino with instant coffee. Make 2 ounces of strong coffee by adding ½ teaspoon of instant coffee granules to 2 ounces of hot water.

The easiest way to make an iced cappuccino at home is with a French press because it can be used both to brew coffee and froth milk. Alternatively, use any type of coffee maker to brew two ounces of strong coffee, and aerate your milk by whipping it vigorously or shaking it in a mason jar.

References

Nielsen IQ. (2024, November 5). Beyond Plant-Based: Trends Reshaping Alternative Milk. Retrieved from https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/education/2024/alternative-milk-trends/
Dunkin. (2025). Iced Cappuccino. Retrieved from https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/menu/espresso-and-coffee/product-iced-cappuccino-id1000207

Homemade Iced Cappuccino Recipe: Easy At-Home Coffee Treat