Supplies Needed
Having the right tools for making a cold coffee drink is essential for getting the best results. You should always ensure that you have the following supplies on hand: whole coffee beans, coffee grinder, a large mug, an immersion blender (or a normal blender if you prefer), an electric tea kettle (or a pot of boiling water if that’s all you have on hand), half-and-half, flavored syrups, simple syrup (if needed), crushed ice, and a strainer.
Grind the Beans
To prepare a freshly brewed iced coffee, start by grinding up your beans. A medium grind will usually work best. You can also opt for a coarser grind if you plan on using a French press. Once the beans are ground, pour them into your mug and add a tablespoon of your flavored syrup, if desired.
Brew the Coffee
Once the beans are ground and in the mug, carefully add boiling water from your tea kettle until the mug is half full. To make sure the cold coffee drink has a great flavor, use freshly boiled water. Stir the mix for about a minute and then let it steep for about four minutes.
Blending
Once the coffee has steeped, add half-and-half and any additional flavors you like. Then, using an immersion blender or a normal kitchen blender, blend the mixture until it is frothy. If needed, add additional simple syrup to sweeten to your preference. Once you’re finished blending, pour the mixture over crushed ice in a tall glass.
Finishing
When you’ve filled the glass with ice and poured the mixture over it, use a strainer to strain out any remaining grounds. Let the drink sit for a few minutes so the flavors can mix. Once you’re happy with the taste, top with a bit more half-and-half or a shot of your favorite flavored syrup.
Variations
Making a cold coffee drink at home is also a great way to experiment with different flavors. You can create your own unique combinations by mixing and matching different syrups, flavors and ingredients. Try adding a few shots of espresso for a more intense flavor or use decaffeinated beans for a milder taste. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract, nutmeg and cinnamon to give your cold coffee drink an extra depth of flavor.
Making Cold Brew Coffee
Unlike regular brewed iced coffee, making cold brew coffee is a bit of a slower process. Start by adding a two cups of ground coffee beans to a large pitcher and fill it with cold water. Stir the mixture and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for around 16 hours, then strain the mixture using a strainer or cheese cloth. When you’re finished straining, add the cold brew to a pitcher and stir in half-and-half, flavored syrups and crushed ice (optional).
Using Condensed Milk
Another great way to make a cold coffee drink at home is to use condensed milk. The advantage of using condensed milk is that it already has a sweet and creamy taste which eliminates the need for you to add additional sweeteners or syrups. To make a cold beverage with condensed milk,heat a cup of milk in a saucepan until it comes to a simmer and then remove it from the heat. Add in 2 tablespoons of condensed milk and stir it into the hot milk and let it cool. Once it has cooled down, add it to a blender with crushed ice and blend until it is smooth.
Using Pre Brewed Coffee
Using pre-brewed coffee can also be a great way to make a cold coffee drink at home. All you’ll need to do is heat up a cup of pre-brewed coffee and pour it over a few cubes of ice. You can then add in a few drops of your favorite flavored syrup, half-and-half, and other additional flavors to your preference. For an extra boost of flavor, you can add a shot of espresso.
Adding Healthier Alternatives
For a healthier version of a cold coffee drink, you can opt for almond milk or coconut milk instead of half-and-half or condensed milk. You can also add in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a healthier and creamier flavor. If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, try adding in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.
Using a French Press
Using a French press is a great way to make a cold coffee drink at home. Start by grinding up your beans into a coarse grind and pouring them into the French press. Add cold water to the press and cover it with the lid. Let the mixture steep for around 4-6 hours, and then carefully press the plunger to force the coffee grounds to the bottom of the press. Once you’ve pressed the coffee grounds to the bottom, carefully pour the coffee over a few cubes of ice. Then, add in your desired flavors and enjoy.
