A good iced coffee recipe is all you need to turn a warm afternoon into a moment of pure satisfaction. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon refresher, learning how to make iced coffee at home puts you in control of flavour, strength and sweetness. This simple iced coffee recipe requires no barista training or expensive equipment, just a few basic ingredients and a tall glass. You can create coffee shop quality drinks in your own kitchen with minimal effort and maximum reward.
What You'll Need
Before you make your iced coffee, gather these essentials. You will need a tall glass (around 350ml works well), a long spoon for stirring, and a tablespoon, small jug, or measuring cup. For ingredients, you need coffee, ice cubes, milk, and sweeteners or syrups if they are your preference.
Step-by-Step: Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your espresso base. Instant coffee offers the easiest starting point for beginners because it dissolves in water without brewing equipment. To use instant coffee, mix two teaspoons with a small amount of boiling water until dissolved.
Step 2: Let it cool. Let your brewed coffee reach room temperature or chill it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before pouring over ice.
Step 3: Fill your glass with ice. Use large ice cubes as they melt more slowly and keep your drink stronger for longer.
Step 4: Pour coffee over ice.
Step 5: Pour in your choice of milk and any sweeteners.
Step 6: Stir using a long spoon and serve.
How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee stands apart from standard coffee recipes because it uses sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk and sugar.
Start by adding one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a large glass then make your iced coffee as usual.
Pour the hot coffee into the glass containing the condensed milk and stir. Pour this mixture over your glass of ice and give it a final stir.
Boost Your Skills to Make Iced Coffee at Home Perfectly Every Time!
A quality iced coffee recipe starts with strong coffee, proper cooling, and the right balance of milk and sweetness. Our nationally recognised barista courses can take you beyond home brewing and into the craft of coffee itself.
FAQs
What's The Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Coffee?
Iced coffee is brewed with hot water, then cooled and poured over ice. Cold brew is made by steeping coarse ground coffee in room temperature or cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This difference means cold brew has lower acidity and a smoother, sweeter taste.
How Long Does Cold Brew Concentrate Last?
Cold brew concentrate stays fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks. After that, it starts to taste stale and flat. Dilute it with water or milk only when you are ready to drink it, not before storing.
Can I Use Decaf Coffee?
Yes, decaf works the same way as regular coffee for any iced coffee recipe. The flavour may be slightly milder depending on the brand, so you might want to brew it a little stronger to compensate.
