Emma's Legendary Coffee Recipe
EMMA'S LEGENDARY COFFEE RECIPE is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by emma chamberlain on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 1 hr 34 min
Cost: $9.24 total, $9.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 g Coffee Beans (Counter Culture Big Trouble or any caramel‑nutty medium roast)
- 300 ml Water (Fresh, filtered; brought to a boil)
- 250 ml Vanilla Almond Milk (New Barn vanilla almond milk, original unsweetened)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (Preferably large cubes to melt slowly)
- 1 piece Reusable Straw (Stainless steel or silicone, for sipping)
Instructions
Gather Equipment & Set Up
Tie your hair back, clear a workspace, and lay out the French press, grinder, kettle, spatula, timer, mason jar, ice tray, and straw.
Time: PT2M
Grind Coffee Beans
Measure 30 g of coffee beans and pulse‑grind them to a medium‑coarse consistency.
Time: PT1M
Boil Water
Fill the electric kettle with 300 ml of water and bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Add Grounds to French Press
Place the freshly ground coffee into the bottom of the French press.
Time: PT1M
Bloom the Coffee
Pour the hot water over the grounds, stir quickly with the spatula, then let sit for 30 seconds.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: 90-95°C
Steep
Set a timer for 4 minutes and let the coffee steep.
Time: PT4M
Press & Chill
Press the plunger down slowly, pour the brewed coffee into a clean mason jar, seal the lid, and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to cool.
Time: PT2M
Add Ice
Remove the chilled coffee from the fridge, add 1 cup of ice cubes to the mason jar.
Time: PT1M
Mix with Almond Milk
Pour 250 ml of vanilla almond milk into the jar, fill to the top, and shake vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is swirly and well‑combined.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Insert the reusable straw, give the drink one final stir, and enjoy your iced almond milk latte.
Time: PT0.5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑free, Gluten‑free
Allergens: Tree nuts (almond)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Coffee Beans: Other medium roast beans, Pre‑ground coffee (use 2 tbsp)
- Instead of Water: Filtered bottled water
- Instead of Vanilla Almond Milk: Other vanilla almond milks, Unsweetened oat milk
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Crushed ice
- Instead of Reusable Straw: Disposable straw (avoid for sustainability), No straw – sip directly
Equipment Needed
- French Press
- Coffee Grinder
- Electric Kettle
- Spatula
- Timer
- Mason Jar with Lid
- Reusable Straw (optional)
- Ice Cube Tray (optional)
- Shaker or Large Jar (for mixing) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Grind coffee beans to the correct consistency.
- Bloom the coffee for 30 seconds before steeping.
- Steep for exactly 4 minutes to avoid bitterness.
- Cool the brewed coffee in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before adding ice.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a scale for coffee beans to maintain consistency.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of oat milk alongside almond milk.
- If you prefer a sweeter latte, stir in a teaspoon of maple syrup before shaking.
Troubleshooting
Coffee tastes bitter.
Check that the grind is not too fine and that steep time does not exceed 4 minutes.
Drink is watery after adding ice.
Ensure the coffee is fully chilled before adding ice; otherwise the ice melts too quickly.
Grounds settle at the bottom and make the drink gritty.
Shake the jar vigorously after adding almond milk to fully suspend any remaining particles.
Storage
Refrigerator: Brewed coffee can be stored in a sealed mason jar for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; ice will affect texture.
Room temperature: Do not leave the coffee at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew the coffee a day ahead and keep it chilled; add ice and almond milk just before serving.
- Pre‑measure coffee grounds and store in an airtight container for quick prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of iced almond milk lattes in American coffee culture?
Iced coffee became popular in the United States during the summer months of the 20th century, and the rise of dairy‑free milks like almond milk in the 2010s added a vegan twist. The almond milk latte blends the classic espresso‑style drink with plant‑based trends, reflecting modern health‑conscious and sustainability values.
How does the iced almond milk latte fit into the broader American coffee beverage tradition?
It follows the same base principles as a traditional iced latte—espresso‑style coffee mixed with milk and ice—but swaps dairy for almond milk, catering to vegan and lactose‑intolerant consumers while keeping the familiar flavor profile of a latte.
What are the traditional regional variations of cold coffee drinks in the United States?
Regional cold coffee drinks include the New England iced coffee (often sweetened with milk), the Southern iced coffee with chicory, and the West Coast’s cold brew with oat or almond milk. Emma Chamberlain’s version aligns with the West Coast’s plant‑based preference.
What occasions or celebrations is an iced almond milk latte traditionally associated with in American culture?
Iced lattes are a staple at summer brunches, coffee shop meet‑ups, and casual gatherings. They’re also popular during festivals that emphasize sustainability, such as Earth Day events, because of the plant‑based milk.
What other American coffee drinks pair well with an iced almond milk latte?
Pair it with a light pastry like a blueberry muffin, a fruit‑filled scone, or a vegan banana bread. For a full brunch, serve alongside avocado toast or a fresh fruit salad.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Emma Chamberlain’s iced almond milk latte?
Common errors include over‑grinding the beans, steeping longer than 4 minutes, and adding ice before the coffee has fully cooled, which leads to a watery drink. Follow the timing steps precisely for the best flavor.
Why does this recipe use a French press instead of a drip coffee maker?
A French press allows full immersion of the grounds, extracting richer caramel‑nutty notes that Emma highlights. Drip machines can produce a thinner profile and don’t give the same control over steep time.
Can I make the iced almond milk latte ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Brew the coffee, chill it in a sealed mason jar, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add ice and almond milk just before serving to maintain texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when shaking the latte with almond milk?
The mixture should become a smooth, swirly amber color with tiny bubbles. The coffee should be fully suspended, not settled at the bottom, indicating proper emulsification.
How do I know when the coffee is done brewing in the French press?
After the 4‑minute steep, press the plunger slowly. If the coffee is clear and free of large sediment, it’s ready. Over‑pressing can push fines through the filter, making the drink gritty.
What does the YouTube channel Emma Chamberlain specialize in?
The YouTube channel Emma Chamberlain focuses on lifestyle vlogs, relatable daily routines, and occasional food and drink experiments that reflect her personal tastes and humor.
How does Emma Chamberlain’s approach to coffee differ from other coffee‑focused YouTube channels?
Emma’s coffee videos are informal, personality‑driven, and often feature quirky, personal twists—like her specific almond‑milk latte—rather than strict barista techniques, making them feel accessible to a broad audience.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
