This Tres Leches Iced Latte is the ultimate pick-me-up for coffee lovers who like their caffeine with a little extra flair. Inspired by the classic tres leches cake, this drink combines three creamy milks with bold espresso for a smooth, sweet, and seriously satisfying sip. It’s rich, refreshing, and the perfect excuse to skip the coffee shop and make something special at home!

Tres Leches Iced Latte by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

If you love a creamy iced latte but want something a little extra, this recipe is for you. Tres leches (Spanish for “three milks”) is a beloved dessert known for its ultra-moist texture and rich, milky sweetness. This drink takes that same concept and transforms it into an iced coffee that’s both bold and silky smooth. Perfect for a slow morning, brunch with friends, an afternoon treat, or when you need a little boost to keep going

Why you’ll love this Tres Leches Iced Latte

Super Creamy:
Thanks to the three types of milk, this latte is extra smooth and rich without feeling heavy.
Perfectly Sweet:
No need for added sugar—sweetened condensed milk does all the work!
Easy to Make at Home:
Skip the overpriced coffee shop drinks and whip up this delicious latte in minutes.

Up close of a Tres Leches Iced Coffee with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel drizzled on top.

The Only Kind of Tres Leches You Need in Your Life

I know, I know—tres leches is usually a cake. But who decided cake should have all the fun? This iced latte takes that same creamy, dreamy goodness and turns it into something you can sip on all day. It’s got the richness of a dessert, the kick of a good espresso, and the kind of flavor that makes you wonder why you ever paid $7 for a fancy coffee. So, grab a glass and get ready to enjoy a tres leches experience—without the need for a fork.

Ingredients Needed for Tres Leches Iced Latte

Instant espresso powder or espresso shots: If you have an espresso machine, fresh espresso shots give this drink a bold, rich flavor. No machine? No problem! Instant espresso powder mixed with hot water works just as well for a strong coffee base.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is where the magic happens. It adds all the sweetness you need and gives the latte that signature tres leches flavor.
Evaporated milk: Lighter than cream but still rich, evaporated milk helps round out the smoothness of the drink.
Heavy cream: A little extra indulgence never hurt anyone! This makes the drink extra luscious.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances all those warm, sweet flavors.
Ice cubes: Essential for keeping your latte refreshingly cold and balanced, so it doesn’t turn into a lukewarm milk coffee situation.
Whipped cream (optional): If you want to go all out, a fluffy cloud of whipped cream makes this drink even better.
Caramel drizzle (optional): Adds a little extra sweetness and a fancy café-style touch.
Cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle on top gives a hint of warmth and ties everything together.

How to make Tres Leches Iced Latte

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Coffee being poured into a glass with ice.

Brew espresso or strong coffee and let it cool slightly. Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour the cooled espresso over the top.

The two milks and heavy cream being poured into a glass jug.

In a small pitcher or cup, mix the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

The milk mixture being poured into the glass with the coffee.

Slowly pour the milk mixture over the coffee.

Whipped cream and caramel being drizzled on top of the Tres Leches Iced Latte.

Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Variations

Mocha Tres Leches Latte: To make this a chocolatey treat, add a spoonful of cocoa powder or a splash of chocolate syrup.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the dairy kinds of milk for sweetened condensed coconut milk, almond milk, and coconut cream.
Spiced Tres Leches Latte: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the milk mixture for a warm, cozy flavor.
Extra Espresso Kick: If you like your coffee on the stronger side, use three shots of espresso instead of two.
Blended Tres Leches Latte: Blend everything with ice for a frozen version that tastes like a tres leches milkshake.

Serving Suggestions

Brunch-Ready Beverage: This tres leches iced latte is the perfect addition to a relaxed brunch spread. Serve it alongside fluffy Pancakes, buttery croissants, or a savory breakfast casserole for a little something sweet to balance out the meal.
Afternoon Coffee Break: Need a midday boost? This latte is sweet, creamy, and refreshing—just the thing to perk you up when that afternoon slump hits. Pair it with a handful of Nuts, or a Granola bar, for a satisfying snack.
Perfect for Warm Weather: Hot coffee isn’t always the move, especially when it’s blazing outside. This iced latte is smooth and cooling, making it a great way to get your caffeine fix without breaking a sweat.
Coffee Date at Home: Skip the coffee shop lines and whip up this drink for a cozy coffee date at home. Serve with Cinnamon Rolls, shortbread cookies, or even a slice of coffee cake for the full experience.
A Little Extra Fancy: Feeling indulgent? Rim the glass with caramel or sprinkle a little brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the whipped cream. It adds a café-style touch that makes it feel extra special without any extra effort.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Tres Leches Iced Latte?

If you need to make this ahead of time, mix the milks and espresso together and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice and stir before serving.

Can I freeze Tres Leches Iced Latte?

Want an iced latte that never gets watered down? Freeze the espresso into ice cubes and use them instead of regular ice!

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Up close of a Tres Leches Iced Coffee with whipped cream, cinnamon and caramel drizzled on top and running down the side of the glass.

Tips & Tricks

Use Freshly Brewed Espresso: The stronger the coffee, the better the balance of flavors in this latte.
Chill Your Glass: If you want your latte to stay cold longer, pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making it.
Stir Well Before Drinking: The condensed milk is thick, so give everything a good stir to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
Make It Sweeter or Less Sweet: Adjust the condensed milk amount based on your sweetness preference.
Upgrade with Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray so your drink never gets diluted!

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FAQ

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, but evaporated milk gives it a more authentic tres leches flavor. Regular milk will make it a little lighter.
What if I don’t have an espresso machine?
Instant espresso powder is a great alternative! Just mix 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder with 1 cup of hot water for a strong, flavorful base. You can also use a concentrated cold brew or a French press for a similar effect.
Can I make this hot instead of iced?
Absolutely! Skip the ice and warm up the milk mixture before pouring in the espresso.
Is this drink very sweet?
It’s on the sweeter side, thanks to the condensed milk. If you prefer a less sweet latte, use a little less condensed milk or add more coffee.
Can I use flavored syrups?
Yes! Caramel or vanilla syrup would complement the flavors perfectly.
What’s the best coffee to use?
A dark roast or espresso blend works best to balance the sweetness of the milks.
Can I make a bigger batch?
Sure! Just scale up the ingredients and store the mixture in the fridge for a day or two.
Does this taste like tres leches cake?
It has the same sweet, creamy vibe but with the boldness of coffee instead of cake.
Can I add alcohol to this?
You sure can! A splash of Kahlúa or Baileys would be delicious.
Will the whipped cream melt into the coffee?
Eventually, yes, and that’s part of the magic! It adds an extra layer of richness as it blends in.