Iced Latte vs Spanish Latte

What is the difference between an iced latte and a Spanish latte? Recently, various types of coffee have become famous and gained immense popularity, being offered in many places, including cafes and street vendors. They are prepared with multiple flavors such as caramel, milk, hazelnut, pistachio, and more.

Among these types, the most notable are iced latte and Spanish latte. Today, in this article, let us explore the difference between iced latte and Spanish latte and their main distinctions.

The Origin of Iced Latte and Spanish Latte

The Spanish latte, also known as café con leche, is a popular coffee-based drink enjoyed by many as part of their daily routine. On the other hand, the latte is an Italian-origin coffee drink primarily made of espresso and steamed milk, known for its smooth, creamy texture.

Both are admired in the coffee world for their unique characteristics and flavors.There are some differences between them, which we will highlight below.

The Difference Between Iced Latte and Spanish Latte

The main differences between the Spanish latte and the regular latte lie in the types of milk used, the ratio of milk to coffee, and the sweetness of the drink overall. While both beverages share a coffee base, their unique blend of milk and preparation techniques adds distinctive flavors and textures, giving each drink a special appeal.

Below is a detailed explanation of these differences between types of coffee and how they impact the taste of each. Learn more with us.

Type of Milk and Ratio

The type of milk and its ratio are among the most important differences that distinguish Spanish latte from iced latte. An iced latte is prepared with one part espresso and two parts steamed milk, whereas a Spanish latte is made with one part espresso, one part milk, and an equal amount of condensed milk, resulting in a creamier and sweeter drink compared to a regular latte.

Sweetness

Sweetness is one of the clear differences between iced latte and Spanish latte. The use of condensed milk in preparing a Spanish latte adds distinctive sweetness to the drink, while a regular latte is enhanced with sugar to improve the flavor. However, the Spanish latte has a more pronounced sweetness due to the combination of milk and sweetened condensed milk.

Preparation Method

The preparation method is another significant difference between Spanish latte and iced latte. Both drinks involve the use of espresso or strong coffee, but their preparation processes differ slightly.

Regular latte requires steamed milk and a light layer of milk foam, while Spanish latte involves heating the milk (often pasteurized rather than boiled) and stirring it regularly to prevent burning.

How to Prepare Iced Latte

The iced latte, or classic cafe latte, consists of espresso and steamed milk with a small amount of foamy milk on top. To prepare, brew a shot of espresso using filtered water, then steam the milk to create a creamy texture and a small layer of foam.

Pour the espresso into a serving cup with ice, then pour the milk over it and serve. The latte can be flavored by adding syrup, such as vanilla, or topped with whipped cream.

Nutritional Value of Iced Latte

One cup of iced latte contains approximately 115 calories, 4 grams of fat including 2 grams of saturated fat, about 17 grams of carbohydrates including 16 grams of sugar, and also contains 3 grams of protein.

How to Prepare Spanish Latte

Spanish latte is a delicious version of regular latte that contains sweetened condensed milk, which gives it a sweeter and creamier flavor.

To prepare Spanish latte, brew a double shot of espresso or strong coffee, then heat the milk and froth it slightly without using steam like classic lattes.

Pour the coffee into a serving cup, add about two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, then pour the warm milk and serve the drink immediately.

Nutritional Value of Spanish Latte

One cup of Spanish latte contains approximately 160 calories, 6 grams of fat (including 3 grams of saturated fat). It also contains about 22 grams of carbohydrates (including 21 grams of sugar) as well as 6 grams of protein.

In this article, we explored the differences between latte and Spanish latte drinks, as well as the preparation methods and nutritional value of each.