There’s nothing more refreshing than an iced English tea latte on a hot summer day. Cool, creamy, and perfectly soothing, this coffee shop–style drink is surprisingly easy to make at home—with just two simple ingredients. Best of all, you’ll save money, skip the plastic cup, and enjoy it from a real glass whenever the craving hits.
Why run out to a café and spend a few dollars on an iced drink when you can make the same luscious beverage in your own kitchen? This homemade iced English tea latte delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and total convenience.
Only Two Ingredients
Because it’s a latte, milk is essential. The second ingredient? Tea bags. That’s it—milk and tea are all you truly need.
Sweetener is completely optional. I find that milk adds enough natural sweetness on its own, but if you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add honey, sugar, or your favorite sweetener. Even then, you’re still only at three ingredients.
What Makes This Tea Latte Special?
Unlike regular tea, the tea bags are steeped directly in hot milk instead of water. This method creates a richer, creamier drink with a deeper flavor. Once chilled and poured over ice, the result is a smooth, café-quality iced tea latte that feels indulgent yet simple.
How It’s Made
Start by gently heating the milk on the stove just until steaming—don’t let it boil. Place two tea bags in a heat-safe measuring cup, then pour the hot milk over them. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes.
Steeping in milk takes longer than steeping in water, but the extra time is worth it. You’ll end up with a beautifully rich color and bold tea flavor.
Once steeped, gently squeeze and discard the tea bags. Let the tea cool slightly, then cover it loosely with a cloth to prevent a skin from forming. After about 30 minutes, refrigerate until fully chilled. Serve over ice and enjoy!
What Milk and Tea Should You Use?
- Milk: Whole dairy milk gives the richest, creamiest result, but you can use whatever you prefer. Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work well. Keep in mind that most non-dairy milks (except coconut) tend to be thinner.
- Tea: Black tea is the classic choice for an English tea latte. Use tea bags rather than loose tea for best results. While other teas may work, herbal teas haven’t been fully tested with milk—experiment if you’re feeling adventurous!
Make a Bottle Ahead
This recipe makes a single serving, but it’s easy to multiply. Double or triple the ingredients, steep the tea in a larger measuring cup, then transfer the chilled tea latte to a bottle or sealed jar. Store it in the fridge so you always have a refreshing drink ready to pour over ice.
Perfect for entertaining—or for treating yourself all week long.
Iced English Tea Latte Recipe
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Steep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole milk (or milk of your choice)
- 2 black tea bags
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Place the tea bags in a heat-safe measuring cup.
- Heat the milk over low heat, stirring often, until steaming. Do not boil.
- Pour the hot milk over the tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Gently squeeze and remove the tea bags.
- Add sweetener, if using, and stir to dissolve.
- Loosely cover with a cloth and let cool for about 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate until cold.
- Pour over ice and serve.
To Make a Bottle:
Once fully chilled, transfer the tea latte to a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Skip the coffee shop and enjoy this refreshing iced English tea latte at home. It’s easy, affordable, and every bit as delicious—maybe even better when sipped from a real glass.