Iced coffee is the perfect solution when I need a refreshing, cool drink that still packs the rich flavor of coffee. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable to suit my preferences, and a great way to enjoy coffee without needing any special equipment. Whether I’m looking for a quick pick-me-up or a chilled treat, this iced coffee recipe is always my go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Iced coffee is my favorite way to enjoy coffee on a warm day. It’s fast, simple, and super refreshing. I can easily adjust the sweetness and creaminess to my liking. Plus, I can make it with leftover coffee, which is a bonus! The best part is that it’s versatile enough for me to experiment with different flavors, so I never get bored of it.
Ingredients
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1 cup ice (or coffee frozen into cubes)
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1 cup coffee, at room temperature or chilled
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2 tablespoons cream, milk, or half & half
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1 to 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar (or simple syrup- see Recipe Notes below)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Fill a glass with ice cubes.
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Pour in the chilled or room-temperature coffee.
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Add the cream and sugar (or simple syrup) to the glass.
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Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
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Sip and enjoy your iced coffee!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 1 serving of iced coffee and takes just 5 minutes to prepare. If I use frozen coffee cubes, it’s even faster to make!
Variations
Sometimes, I like to switch things up with different variations:
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Vanilla Iced Coffee: A dash of vanilla extract adds a lovely, subtle flavor.
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Mocha Iced Coffee: For a sweet twist, I’ll stir in some chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
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Cinnamon Iced Coffee: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives the drink a warm spice.
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Flavored Syrups: I can use caramel, hazelnut, or other syrups to switch up the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Iced coffee is best enjoyed right away, but if I have leftovers, I can store them in the fridge. To keep it cold without diluting, I freeze extra coffee into ice cubes beforehand. I don’t recommend reheating iced coffee, as it loses that refreshing chilled quality. For the best results, drink it fresh!
FAQs
How can I make my iced coffee less watery?
To avoid watering down my iced coffee, I freeze coffee into cubes ahead of time. This way, the ice doesn’t dilute the flavor as it melts.
Can I use hot coffee for iced coffee?
I prefer chilled or room-temperature coffee, but I can use hot coffee as long as I let it cool down before adding it to the ice.
What’s the best way to sweeten iced coffee?
I like to use simple syrup, but granulated sugar works well too. Honey or flavored syrups can also be a great alternative.
Can I make iced coffee without cream?
Absolutely! Iced coffee can be just as delicious with or without cream. I can use milk, almond milk, or oat milk, or keep it black for a lighter version.
Can I make iced coffee ahead of time?
While iced coffee is best fresh, I can make a large batch of chilled coffee in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just remember to keep the ice separate until I’m ready to enjoy it.
Conclusion
Iced coffee is the perfect way to enjoy coffee when I want something cool and refreshing. With just a few simple ingredients, I can make it however I like—whether creamy, sweet, or flavored. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. I love how versatile this recipe is, and I’m sure it will become my go-to iced beverage!
Print
Iced Coffee
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Iced coffee is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that packs the rich flavor of coffee, perfect for warm days. It’s customizable to suit your preferences and can be made with leftover coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup ice (or coffee frozen into cubes)
1 cup coffee, at room temperature or chilled
2 tablespoons cream, milk, or half & half
1 to 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar (or simple syrup)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the chilled or room-temperature coffee.
- Add the cream and sugar (or simple syrup) to the glass.
- Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
- Sip and enjoy your iced coffee!
Notes
- If you want a less watery iced coffee, freeze leftover coffee into cubes to prevent dilution.
- For different flavors, try adding vanilla extract, chocolate syrup, or cinnamon.
- Iced coffee is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
