Copycat Iced Dunkalatte

Dunkalattes come and go at Dunkin’, but now you can easily make one anytime you want, even customized just how you like it! The secret ingredient in this copycat iced Dunkalatte recipe from Community Cook Jolene Martinelli’s blog Jolene’s Recipe Journal is the homemade coffee syrup.

Lattes are one of the best-loved types of coffee drinks, made simply with espresso and steamed milk (and cold milk for iced lattes). An iced Dunkalatte changes this up by combining espresso and ice with coffee milk.

What is coffee milk in an iced Dunkalatte?

The hands of every Rhode Island reader just went up! They know because coffee milk is the official drink of the Ocean State. Coffee milk is a blend of cold milk and thick, sweet coffee syrup, and it is most often made with the Rhode Island brand of store-bought coffee syrup called Autocrat.

Coffee milk is so ubiquitous in the state that cartons of it were once available in schools for kids to have with lunch! It is not unlike chocolate milk but has a soft, light coffee flavor like that of coffee ice cream.

Dunkin’ first introduced their coffee milk Dunkalatte in 2024 with an ad campaign starring Kristen Wiig (and a strange puppet called the Magical Coffee Milk Cow). Although the creamy coffee milk drink proved popular, it makes only brief appearances on Dunkin’s menu. (For example, this year’s version is hazelnut and banana-flavored.)

No worries if you’re not in Rhode Island to grab some Autocrat syrup—our delicious copycat Dunkin’ recipe is made with homemade coffee syrup. It simmers in just minutes on the stove and lasts in the fridge for two weeks.

Ingredients for a Copycat Iced Dunkalatte

• Ground coffee: To make coffee syrup for the Dunkalatte, start with a quality ground coffee. Use your favorite or rely on one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite coffee brands. If you have them, grinding whole coffee beans just before brewing will yield the best flavor.
• Granulated sugar: When simmered with brewed coffee, this type of sugar gives coffee syrup its sweetness and slightly thickened texture. It’s the same process used to make simple syrup for cocktails.
• Whole milk: We like whole milk for this Dunkalatte because it gives the drink richness and body. If you’d rather, 2% milk can be used instead, but avoid 1% or skim milk.
• Espresso: Brewed, cold espresso is the caffeine kick in your copycat iced Dunkalatte. If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, you could even go to a local coffee shop and ask for a single or double shot of espresso to go. If you consider yourself an espresso aficionado, think about making the splurge on one of these best automatic espresso machines so you can make homemade coffee drinks whenever you like.
• Ice: The amount of ice to add to your Dunkalatte is up to you! Larger-sized cubes are ideal as they’re slower to melt.

Directions

Step 1: Make the coffee syrup

Brew the ground coffee with 2 cups of water. Pour the brewed coffee into a small saucepan and stir in the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer until the mixture reduces by half, about 30 minutes.

Transfer the coffee syrup to a jar and allow it to cool. Store the syrup in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the drink.

Step 2: Make the copycat iced Dunkalatte

Stir together 2 to 3 tablespoons of coffee syrup with the milk in a tall glass. Add in some ice and cooled espresso, then stir the drink well to combine everything. Serve the drink immediately.

Copycat Iced Dunkalatte Variations

• Use a nondairy milk: Make a dairy-free copycat Dunkalatte by substituting a nondairy milk, such as oat milk, coconut milk or cashew milk.
• Make a copycat Nutty Banana Cloud Dunkalatte: Re-create the flavor of Dunkin’s newest Dunkalatte flavor by adding a few shots of hazelnut and banana Torani syrups (or another flavored syrup brand) to the drink.
• Try other flavors too: There are so many flavored coffee syrups available, you have endless possibilities for your copycat Dunkalatte. We recommend trying pistachio, salted caramel, Irish cream or white chocolate.
• Add cold foam: Use a hand-held frother to turn the cream and milk into a cold foam that you can spoon onto the drink. Or, look for store-bought cold foams at the grocery store from brands like Coffee Mate and Dunkin’.
• Top with whipped cream: For an even more indulgent copycat Dunkalatte, add a swirl of spray whipped cream to the top. Or, make homemade whipped cream. When you make it at home, it’s easy to add extra flavors using extracts or flavored syrups. It would be fun to make coffee whipped cream for a Dunkalatte!

How to Store Copycat Iced Dunkalatte

Any leftover copycat Dunkalatte can be stored in a covered jar or cup in the refrigerator. If making it in advance, mix the coffee syrup, milk and espresso, but wait to add the ice until you’re ready to enjoy it.

How long does an iced Dunkalatte last?

For the best flavor and quality, enjoy your blended iced Dunkalatte within five days of mixing it. Any leftover coffee syrup can be stored in a separate jar in the refrigerator; it will last for up to two weeks.

Copycat Iced Dunkalatte Tips

How can you make a copycat Dunkalatte without an espresso machine?

If you don’t have an authentic espresso machine, one way you can still make espresso for your copycat Dunkalatte is with a Moka pot. This small metal pot is used on the stovetop with ground coffee and water. Moka pots are reasonably priced and come in a range of sizes, from single to multiple servings.

Other small coffee-brewing devices you can use at home to get a dark, bitter brewed coffee that’s close to true espresso include the French press or a pour-over coffee maker. When using these appliances, choose a strong, dark variety of coffee, such as French roast or Italian roast.

How do you make a hot Dunkalatte?

Chase a chilly day away with a hot version of this copycat iced Dunkalatte by skipping the ice. To make it, blend the coffee syrup and milk together, then warm up the mixture in a pan on the stove or in a large mug in the microwave. Once it’s hot, stir in hot espresso. Enjoy it as it is, or add a dollop of whipped cream.