Getting the perfect iced latte often seems like a task that can only be accomplished by buying it from franchised coffee shops like Starbucks or Dunkin‘. However, not many people can afford to spend $7 on a drink every day. So, I set out to find a solution to make a great-tasting iced latte at home.

After doing some research, I realized that an espresso machine was the key to a great latte, as that’s what many cafes use. I checked out prices, though the cheapest espresso machine I found was $150. Plus, I don’t have much room in my house to accommodate one. So, I did more research, and discovered Nescafé Instant Espresso. I wasn’t sure if it would work, though. I was worried it might make my latte taste watery. But I figured it was worth a shot, so I bought it for $8.00 at Stop and Shop.

Next, I needed to figure out how to make a caramel iced latte that would match my favorite cafe caramel iced latte. I also decided to get Monin Caramel Syrup since I had seen it used in a cafe I visited, and it seemed essential for the perfect flavor.

Here’s the recipe I settled on:

• 2 teaspoons of Nescafé Instant Espresso (this equals about 2 shots of espresso)
• 1/2 cup of water
• Ice filled all the way to the top of the cup
• 1 and ½ pumps of Monin Caramel Syrup
• Milk to fill the rest of the cup (to your preferred level)

After making it, it was taste-testing time. I was definitely surprised! The caramel iced latte I made tasted pretty good. The espresso didn’t make it watery at all, and the caramel syrup added just the right amount of sweetness. 

For the price and the space-saving factor, I was excited with how it turned out. It’s an affordable, convenient way to enjoy a great iced latte at home. Overall I have to give the Nescafe instant espresso a 9.8/10.