RecipeLatteItalian CuisineBarista5 Min Prep

Iced Latte

There's nothing quite like a perfectly crafted Iced Latte on a scorching summer day.

At Cafe Mimico, nestled in the heart of Etobicoke, we've spent years perfecting our signature version.

It's not just about throwing some espresso and milk over ice; it's about the *experience*.

The rich aroma, the velvety texture, the slight sweetness that dances on your tongue… that's what we aim for.

Forget those cloyingly sweet, mass-produced iced coffees—we're talking about an elevated experience.

This isn't just a recipe; it's our love letter to coffee.

We start with meticulously sourced beans, roasted in-house to coax out those nuanced chocolate and caramel notes.

We then pull a precise shot of espresso, aiming for that tiger-striped crema. The milk? Oh, it's gotta be *just* right.

Steamed to a creamy, almost molten consistency, even though we're pouring it over ice.

It's the contrast that makes it sing!

And if you *really* want to take it to the next level, skip the store-bought simple syrup and whip up our quick vanilla bean infusion.

Trust us, it's worth the extra five minutes.

What we're offering you here is a masterclass, a journey into the heart of what makes an Iced Latte truly extraordinary.

So, pull up a chair, grab your favorite mug, and let's dive in.

We guarantee, you'll never look at an Iced Latte the same way again.

Every sip will transport you to that sun-drenched patio in Mimico, with the gentle breeze and the sound of happy chatter filling the air.

That's the Mimico magic, and we're sharing it with you.

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

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Ingredients

4 items
1Servings

Total Time

25m

1

Vanilla Bean Syrup

10 min
Ingredients
  • 100 ml Water
  • 100 g Granulated sugar
  • 0.5 piece Vanilla bean
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean pod, and scraped vanilla seeds.

  2. 2

    Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the syrup slightly thickens. Don't overcook!

  3. 3

    Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vanilla bean pod. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Vanilla Bean Syrup

If you're skipping the shortcut (and we hope you aren't!), get your Vanilla Bean Syrup ready using the sub-recipe below. The aroma alone will make your day better.

02

Grind and Brew the Espresso

Grind 18g of your favorite espresso beans to a fine consistency. Aim for an extractionextractionThe process of dissolving delicious flavors from coffee grounds into water. ratio of 1:2 (18g in, 36g out) in about 25-30 seconds. We're looking for a rich, syrupy shot with a beautiful tiger-striped cremacremaThe golden-brown foam that settles on top of a shot of espresso.. Trust your senses; the aroma should be intoxicating!

Pro Tip

"A pre-heated portafilter will help maintain a consistent temperature and improve extraction."

03

Steam the Milk

Pour 180ml of cold whole milk into your milk pitcher. PurgePurgeReleasing a burst of steam to clear the wand of any condensation or residue. the steam wand and position it just below the surface of the milk to introduce air. Aim for a velvety microfoammicrofoamFinely textured milk foam with microscopic bubbles, ideal for latte art and smooth mouthfeel., not a bubbly froth. Once the milk has increased in volume by about 50%, lower the wand further to create a whirlpool and integrate the foam. The ideal temperature is around 60-65°C (140-150°F). The milk should be thick, glossy, and pourable, like melted ice cream.

Pro Tip

"Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl the milk to remove any large bubbles."

04

Assemble the Iced Latte

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in the vanilla bean syrup. Gently pour the espresso over the ice, allowing it to cascade down and mingle with the syrup. Finally, slowly pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon if you prefer a layered look. Or pour the milk and foam for a more homogenous mix.

05

Enjoy!

Take a moment to appreciate the aroma, the layers, and the beautiful contrast of colors. Stir gently and take a sip. Ahhhthat's the taste of summer!

Try These Variations

Caramel Iced Latte

Add a swirl of homemade caramel sauce for a decadent treat. Salty caramel is our personal favorite.

  • Add 2 tbsp of homemade caramel sauce to the bottom of the glass before adding ice.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the finished latte.

Mocha Iced Latte

Embrace your inner chocoholic with this rich and satisfying variation.

  • Add 1 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder to the espresso shot before brewing.
  • Optional: Top with chocolate shavings.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Use freshly roasted beans for the best flavor. The difference is night and day!

2Experiment with different types of milk to find your perfect match. Oat milk creates a particularly creamy texture.

3Pre-chill your glass for an even colder and more refreshing experience. A frosty glass makes all the difference.

Pitfalls

1Over-extracting the espresso. This will result in a bitter and unpleasant taste. Aim for a proper extraction time and ratio.

2Using too much ice. This will dilute the latte and weaken the flavor. Start with less and add more as needed.

Equipment Needed

Espresso machineMilk pitcherCoffee grinderScaleTall glassJigger or measuring spoons

Origin Story

The Iced Latte, as we know it, is a relatively recent invention, but its roots lie in the classic Italian Caffè Latte. The addition of ice transformed it into the perfect summer beverage.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'latte' is Italian for 'milk'? It's a simple drink with a simple name!

Perfect Pairings

  • Almond croissant
  • Chocolate biscotti
  • Fresh fruit tart

Inspired by Mimico

This recipe captures the essence of Cafe Mimico in Etobicoke. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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