There’s something absolutely magical about concocting the perfect iced coffee at home—it’s like creating a chilled masterpiece that’s just for you. Let’s dive into this effortless brew that transforms your everyday caffeine fix into a café-worthy delight!
There’s nothing better than starting the day with a glass of delicious homemade iced coffee. I take the same approach to make my iced coffee as I do with brewing coffee in general—strong and flavorful.
I use a stainless steel coffee dripper, and I pour the hot water over the grounds as evenly as possible. Then I let the coffee drip down into a glass full of ice.
Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe Ingredients
- Strong Brewed Coffee: Provides a rich, bold flavor; offers antioxidants and caffeine boost.
- Milk: Adds creaminess; provides calcium and protein; choose non-dairy for lactose-free option.
- Simple Syrup or Sugar: Sweetens the coffee; adjust for desired sweetness level.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with a hint of warmth and sweetness; optional for added taste complexity.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the coffee for a refreshing drink; no nutritional impact.
- Whipped Cream: Optional decadent topping; adds richness with additional calories.
- Chocolate Shavings or Cinnamon: Optional garnish for flavor and decorative touch.
Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup of milk (whole, skim, or any preferred non-dairy milk)
- 2 tablespoons of simple syrup or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
How to Make this Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe
1. Make a potent cup of coffee by whatever method you favor. Let it come down to room temperature, or speed up the cooling process in your refrigerator, if you prefer.
2. When the coffee has cooled, fill a glass with cubed ice.
3. Add the cooled coffee to the glass filled with ice, stopping when the glass is about three-quarters full.
4. Pour 1/2 cup milk of choice into the glass. This can be whole, skim, or any type of non-dairy milk.
5. Combine 2 tablespoons of simple syrup or sugar to sweeten, adjusting to taste.
6. If desired, add for an extra layer of flavor: vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon.
7. Mix the ingredients well until they are all combined.
8. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for richness, if desired.
9. If chosen, garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkling of cinnamon for a flourish.
10. Savor your delightful do-it-yourself iced coffee right away, with a straw!
Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Coffee maker or other preferred brewing device
2. Refrigerator (optional, for cooling)
3. Glass for serving
4. Ice cube tray or access to pre-made ice cubes
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spoon or straw for mixing
7. Whisk or spoon (if making homemade whipped cream)
8. Grater or microplane (if making chocolate shavings)
FAQ
- Can I use cold brew coffee instead of brewed coffee?Cold brew coffee is a wonderful choice for a smoother flavor. Just ensure that it is plenty strong and very cold before you use it.
- What types of milk work best?Any milk you prefer can be used, including whole, skim, almond, soy, or oat milk. Each will impart a subtly different flavor and texture.
- How can I make it sugar-free?Instead of sugar or simple syrup, use a taste-appropriate sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Is the vanilla extract necessary?No, the vanilla extract is not a must. It introduces a whisper of sweetness and many-layered taste, but the iced coffee is still going to be delicious without it.
- How do I make simple syrup?To prepare simple syrup, combine equal amounts of water and sugar in a pot; heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Cool the syrup before using.
- What’s the best way to cool the coffee quickly?Place the brewed coffee in a shallow dish and put it in the refrigerator, or add ice cubes and then refrigerate, to cool the coffee rapidly.
- How can I keep my iced coffee from getting watered down?Utilize coffee ice cubes by freezing surplus coffee in an ice cube tray to ensure that your beverage remains full of flavor.
Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Milk: Swap out for almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk if you’re looking for a you non-dairy choice.
Simple syrup or sugar: For sweetening, use honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Vanilla extract: Substitute almond extract, hazelnut extract, or a syrup of your choice for a different twist.
Coconut whipped cream or cashew cream are great non-dairy alternatives to regular whipped cream.
Chocolate or cinnamon shavings: Try nutmeg, cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an enhanced flavor experience.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-Chill the Glass: For an extra refreshing iced coffee, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before adding the ice and coffee.
2. Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze some coffee ahead of time in an ice cube tray. Use these coffee cubes instead of regular ice to keep your drink cold without diluting the flavor as they melt.
3. Froth the Milk: Froth your milk before adding it to the coffee for a creamy texture. You can use a small whisk or milk frother to achieve this.
4. Homemade Simple Syrup: Make your own simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. This ensures a smooth mix without the gritty texture that can occur when sugar is added directly.
5. Enhance Flavor With Spices: Experiment by adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom along with the vanilla extract to give a warm and aromatic twist to your iced coffee.
Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe
My favorite Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Coffee maker or other preferred brewing device
2. Refrigerator (optional, for cooling)
3. Glass for serving
4. Ice cube tray or access to pre-made ice cubes
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spoon or straw for mixing
7. Whisk or spoon (if making homemade whipped cream)
8. Grater or microplane (if making chocolate shavings)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup of milk (whole, skim, or any preferred non-dairy milk)
- 2 tablespoons of simple syrup or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Make a potent cup of coffee by whatever method you favor. Let it come down to room temperature, or speed up the cooling process in your refrigerator, if you prefer.
2. When the coffee has cooled, fill a glass with cubed ice.
3. Add the cooled coffee to the glass filled with ice, stopping when the glass is about three-quarters full.
4. Pour 1/2 cup milk of choice into the glass. This can be whole, skim, or any type of non-dairy milk.
5. Combine 2 tablespoons of simple syrup or sugar to sweeten, adjusting to taste.
6. If desired, add for an extra layer of flavor: vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon.
7. Mix the ingredients well until they are all combined.
8. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for richness, if desired.
9. If chosen, garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkling of cinnamon for a flourish.
10. Savor your delightful do-it-yourself iced coffee right away, with a straw!
