I never expected orange and coffee to pair so wonderfully, but I’m glad I gave this combination a try! This Iced Orange Sweet Cream Latte has become a staple for me during these hot summer days.
The bright, zesty flavor of orange pairs beautifully with the rich bitterness of espresso, while the sweet cream layer adds a smooth, velvety finish.
This drink is refreshing, indulgent, and perfect for warm mornings or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The best part is that you can make it right at home in just a few simple steps.
In this post, you’ll learn how to create an easy homemade orange simple syrup and how to use it to build a layered iced latte that rivals anything you’d order at a coffee shop. Once you try it, you may never want to go back to plain iced coffee again.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This orange simple syrup iced latte is a small luxury you can enjoy anytime. The citrus syrup adds just enough sweetness to brighten the coffee without overpowering it, and the frothed sweet cream gives every sip a decadent feel.
When you make this latte at home, you can control exactly how sweet, creamy, or strong it is. It’s a great way to treat yourself without the coffee shop price tag. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand, so you can whip one up whenever the mood strikes.
🍊 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this drink at home, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients.
For the orange simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 orange, sliced (or use orange zest for an even stronger citrus aroma)
For the latte:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 3/4 cup milk of your choice (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.)
- Ice
For the sweet frothed cream:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons orange simple syrup
If you want to garnish your drink, you can also add a bit of fresh orange zest or a thin orange slice to the top.
🔪 How to Make the Orange Simple Syrup
Making orange simple syrup at home is quick and easy, and it will make your iced latte taste extra fresh and flavorful.
Start by adding the water and sugar to a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, add your orange slices or zest to the pan.
Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the orange will infuse the syrup with its bright, citrusy flavor.
After simmering, remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Strain out the orange slices or zest, and pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle.
You can store the orange simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s a great addition not only to lattes but also to iced tea, cocktails, or sparkling water.
🥄 How to Build the Iced Latte
Once your orange simple syrup is ready, it’s time to put together the iced latte. The process is easy, and the results are both beautiful and delicious.
Begin by filling a tall glass with ice. Next, pour in your espresso or strong coffee. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the orange simple syrup, depending on how sweet you like your coffee, and give it a gentle stir.
Then, pour in the milk of your choice. You’ll start to see beautiful swirls of coffee and milk mixing together.
Combine the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of orange simple syrup in a small jar or frother to make the frothed sweet cream.
Froth the mixture until it becomes light and airy. If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the cream and syrup together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or whisk them until foamy.
Slowly pour the sweet cream over your iced latte and watch as it cascades down through the coffee and milk layers. The result is a creamy, citrus-scented coffee that looks as good as it tastes.
For a finishing touch, zest a bit of fresh orange directly over the frothed sweet cream. The fresh zest releases aromatic oils that add extra brightness and a burst of citrus flavor. It also looks beautiful sprinkled on top, making your drink feel even more special.
💡 Tips for the Best Orange Iced Latte
When making this latte, using fresh, juicy oranges will give you the most vibrant flavor. Navel oranges, cara cara oranges, or even mandarins work well.
If you prefer a smoother, less acidic coffee base, you can use cold brew concentrate instead of espresso. This will give your latte a slightly different flavor profile but will still taste wonderful with the orange syrup.
Always taste as you go. Start with a smaller amount of syrup and add more if you want extra sweetness. The beauty of making this at home is that you can customize it exactly to your taste.
When frothing your cream, aim for a texture that’s light but still pourable. If it becomes too stiff, it may sit on top of the drink rather than blending in smoothly.
✨ Fun Variations to Try
If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, there are plenty of ways to change up this recipe.
For a chocolate-orange twist, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a small spoonful of cocoa powder to the coffee before adding the milk. The combination of chocolate and orange is a classic for a reason, and it tastes just as good in a latte.
For an herbal touch, try simmering a sprig of rosemary or mint along with the orange slices when making your syrup. This adds an extra layer of flavor that’s subtle but delicious.
If you like a stronger citrus punch, add a bit of lemon or lime zest to the syrup along with the orange. The extra brightness can be especially refreshing on a hot day.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This orange simple syrup iced latte is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light breakfast foods or snacks. Serve it alongside a buttery croissant, a slice of lemon loaf, or even a simple yogurt and fruit bowl.
If you’re entertaining, this latte makes a fun addition to a brunch or coffee bar. You can set out the orange syrup and sweet cream and let guests build their own drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?
Yes! Simply skip the ice and warm the milk before adding it to your espresso. You can still top it with the frothed sweet cream for a cozy version of this citrus latte.
Does bottled orange juice work for the syrup?
It’s better to use fresh orange slices or zest. Bottled juice won’t give the syrup the same bright, fragrant flavor and may make it cloudy.
How long does the orange simple syrup last?
The syrup will keep for about two weeks in the fridge if stored in a sealed jar or bottle.
Orange Simple Syrup Iced Latte with Frothed Sweet Cream (Better Than Coffee Shop!)
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add orange slices or zest. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Cool slightly, strain, and store syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Fill a glass with ice. Add espresso or coffee.
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons orange simple syrup. Pour in milk.
- In a small jar or frother, combine heavy cream and 2 tablespoons orange simple syrup. Froth until light and airy.
- Slowly pour frothed cream over the latte.
- Top with fresh orange zest before serving. (optional)
📌 Save This Recipe
Be sure to save this recipe to your Pinterest board or bookmark it so you can come back to it whenever you’re craving a bright, refreshing coffee.
This Orange Simple Syrup Iced Latte with Frothed Sweet Cream is a fun way to add something special to your daily coffee. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! If you try it, let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear how you liked it or if you made any fun twists on the recipe.
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