What Does an Iced Cappuccino Have in It?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

While the traditional hot cappuccino has a specific ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, a modern iced cappuccino uses cold frothed milk to achieve its classic layers. So, what does an iced cappuccino have in it to create its unique, refreshing character?

Quick Summary

An iced cappuccino primarily consists of chilled espresso and cold frothed milk, served over ice. It features a distinct layer of foamed milk on top, differentiating it from an iced latte which has less foam and a creamier texture.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: An iced cappuccino contains espresso, cold frothed milk, and ice.
Preparation Method: The espresso is brewed and then chilled before being combined with cold-frothed milk, unlike a hot cappuccino which uses steamed milk.
Milk Foam: Cold milk is frothed with a special frother, blender, or wand to create a thick, airy foam that layers on top of the drink.
Iced vs. Latte: An iced cappuccino has significantly more foam and a bolder coffee flavor than an iced latte, which is mostly cold liquid milk.
Variations: Sweeteners, syrups, and toppings can be added for flavor customization, and a blended version is often called a frozen cappuccino.
DIY at Home: Making one at home is a simple process involving chilling espresso, frothing cold milk, and layering the components in a glass with ice.
Ideal Milk: For the best cold foam, skim or 2% milk is recommended, though some plant-based milks can also be frothed.

The Core Components of an Iced Cappuccino

Unlike its hot counterpart, which uses steam to create foam, an iced cappuccino relies on cold frothing methods. The foundational components are simple but must be combined correctly to achieve the signature layers and robust flavor.

Chilled Espresso

The base of any iced cappuccino is espresso. For a double shot, you'll need approximately 18-20 grams of finely ground coffee. Brewing the espresso first and allowing it to cool is a critical step, as adding hot liquid directly to ice can dilute the flavor. Some recipes suggest pre-freezing espresso into cubes to intensify the coffee flavor and prevent a watery drink.

Cold Frothed Milk

The most distinctive element of an iced cappuccino is the thick, cold milk foam. This is achieved by frothing cold milk using a hand-held frother, a blender, or a specialized machine with a cold setting. Baristas often use skim or 2% milk because it froths up better than whole milk when cold. For a dairy-free alternative, oat milk and almond milk are popular choices, though they may produce a less dense foam.

Ice

To create the refreshing chilled drink, a glass is filled with ice cubes, and the cooled espresso is poured over them. The frothed cold milk is then layered on top to complete the classic, multi-layered appearance.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Beyond the core ingredients, an iced cappuccino can be customized with various additions to suit individual tastes.

Sweeteners: Syrups such as vanilla or caramel, or simple sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup, can be added for extra flavor.
Garnish: A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon adds a final touch of flavor and aesthetic appeal.
Frozen Version: Some recipes create a blended version, known as a frozen cappuccino or 'ice cap,' which uses a blender to create a slushy, foamy consistency.

The Key Distinction: Iced Cappuccino vs. Iced Latte

While both drinks are built on a foundation of espresso and cold milk over ice, their preparation and resulting texture are fundamentally different. The table below highlights the key contrasts.


Feature	Iced Cappuccino	Iced Latte
Milk Component	Primarily features a thick layer of cold milk foam, with less liquid milk.	Consists of mostly cold liquid milk, with very little to no foam.
Preparation	Espresso poured over ice, topped with a separate layer of cold frothed milk.	Espresso and cold milk are often mixed, creating a more uniform texture.
Flavor Profile	Stronger, bolder espresso flavor due to a higher coffee-to-milk ratio.	Milder and creamier, with a higher milk-to-coffee ratio.
Texture	Distinct layers of espresso, cold milk, and airy foam for a more textured mouthfeel.	Smooth and uniform, with less froth and a milkier consistency.
Ratio	Closer to an equal ratio of chilled espresso and cold frothed milk.	Higher milk content, with espresso accounting for a smaller portion.

Crafting the Perfect Iced Cappuccino at Home

Making your own iced cappuccino is straightforward and allows for complete customization. The steps below provide a simple guide for a delicious, café-style drink.

Brew and Chill the Espresso: Brew a double shot of espresso using your preferred method. Pour it into a container to cool, or speed up the process by placing it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.
Froth the Milk: Pour cold milk into a frothing pitcher. Use a handheld or automatic cold frother until the milk has a thick, airy consistency and has doubled in volume.
Assemble the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Add any desired sweeteners directly into the glass.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the chilled espresso over the ice. Then, gently spoon the cold frothed milk on top of the espresso.
Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder and serve immediately with a straw.

Conclusion

An iced cappuccino is a refreshing and flavorful drink defined by its distinct combination of chilled espresso and a thick layer of cold, frothed milk. Understanding the simple, high-quality ingredients allows you to appreciate its unique texture and bold flavor profile, especially when compared to its creamier counterpart, the iced latte. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added syrups and garnishes, this is a delightful and easily customizable beverage perfect for any time of year.

Learn More About Coffee Drinks

For more detailed recipes and coffee-making techniques, check out the resources at The Hungry Bites, a website that provides extensive guides on coffee preparation, including the Greek-style Freddo Cappuccino.

Frequently Asked Questions

An iced cappuccino features a thick, cold foam layer on top, creating distinct textures and a stronger coffee taste. An iced latte has very little foam, resulting in a creamier, milder beverage with more liquid milk.

The foam is created by frothing cold milk using a handheld frother, a blender, or a specific cold-foam setting on a coffee machine. This process incorporates air into the cold milk to produce a stable, thick foam.

While skim or 2% milk is ideal for producing a rich, thick foam when cold, alternatives like oat milk or almond milk can also work. Results may vary, with some plant-based milks creating a less dense foam.

A classic iced cappuccino is not blended; it features layered ingredients with chilled espresso, milk, and foam over ice. A blended, slushy version is typically referred to as a 'frozen cappuccino'.

To prevent dilution, use espresso that has been pre-chilled or use espresso ice cubes. This ensures the ice doesn't melt instantly upon contact with hot liquid, preserving the drink's strong flavor.

Sweeteners are optional and can be added to taste. They can be stirred into the chilled espresso before adding the milk, or flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel can be used.

The iced cappuccino has roots in various cold coffee traditions. A notable variation is the Greek 'Freddo Cappuccino,' made by frothing cold espresso and cold milk.