There’s nothing quite like a refreshing iced coffee on a warm day, but heading to your favorite café isn’t always convenient (or budget-friendly!). The good news?
If you’re craving a refreshing pick-me-up, learn how to make the best iced coffee from home using simple ingredients and a few easy steps!
Whether you like it strong and bold, sweet and creamy, or somewhere in between, this iced coffee guide will help you brew a delicious, café-quality iced coffee every time.
Whether you love it smooth and sweet or strong and bold, we’ll show you how to customize it to your taste.
What is the best way to make iced coffee at home?
Making iced coffee at home can be simple and delicious! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the best flavor:
Best Roast for Iced Coffee
The foundation of a great iced coffee is, of course, the coffee itself. When making iced coffee at home, it’s important to select the right beans.
For the best results, try brewing your iced coffee with freshly ground beans from a medium to dark roast to achieve a strong flavor that doesn’t get diluted over ice!
A medium to dark roast works best as it brings out a deep, rich flavor that holds up well against the cold. If you prefer a lighter brew, go for a medium roast with subtle fruity or floral notes.
How to Brew Your Coffee
There are a couple of popular methods for making iced coffee, but the two main options are the cold brew method or brewing hot coffee and cooling it down. Here’s how to make each:
- To make your own Cold Brew combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water. Let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Strain using a fine mesh strainer or coffee paper filter.
- Hot Brew (Quick Method) – Brew a pot of coffee at double strength (use half the water you normally would). Let the coffee cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
Once your coffee is brewed and flavored to your liking, it’s time to ice it down! For best results, use large ice cubes or make coffee ice cubes ahead of time (by freezing leftover coffee in an ice cube trays) to avoid diluting your drink.
Cold brew coffee tends to be the preferred method since it is less acidic and smoother than hot-brewed coffee, resulting in a refreshing iced coffee that’s easy to drink.
What should I add to my iced coffee to make it taste better?
One of the joys of making the most delicious iced coffee at home is that you can customize it just the way you like! If you prefer a sweetened iced coffee, you can add sugar while the coffee is still warm so it dissolves easily. You can also use flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut for an extra treat.
Check out these exciting things to add to iced coffee for a refreshing twist on your favorite drink!
If you prefer a creamier texture, add the milk of your choice.
Pour your coffee over ice, stir, and enjoy! Add a finishing touch like whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent treat.
Experiment with different iced coffee flavor combinations to find your perfect iced coffee flavor!
If you’re loving the refreshing taste of homemade iced coffee, you’ll definitely want to check out our Iced Coffee Recipes for more delicious variations to try! Plus, don’t miss our guide on Accessories to Make Your Own Iced Coffee, it’s packed with handy tools and tips that can elevate your coffee game. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting out, these resources will help you craft the perfect cup right at home!
Yes, instant coffee can work in a pinch! Just dissolve the coffee granules in a small amount of hot water, then chill before serving over ice.
Best Iced Coffee Recipe
Want to chill out with a refreshing iced coffee? Discover our easy tips and tricks for making the best iced coffee right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, syrup)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew a cup of strong coffee using your preferred brewing method.
- Allow the coffee to cool completely.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cold coffee over the ice cubes, filling the glass about 3/4 full.
- Add the desired amount of milk to the glass, adjusting it to your taste preferences.
- Stir in your preferred sweetener until it dissolves.
- Give the iced coffee a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or milk ratio as desired.
- Serve over lots of ice in a mason jar or tall glass.