How to Make a Homemade Iced Coffee Drink
Iced coffee is a delicious way to cool off and enjoy a refreshing drink during warmer months. Thankfully, you don’t have to head to the store to get a bottled iced coffee or visit a cafe for a specialty cold brew. It’s surprisingly easy to make a homemade iced coffee at home.
Brewing great iced coffee first starts with choosing the type of coffee beans. Different roasts of beans such as light, medium, or dark roast will each provide a unique flavor. Dark roasts tend to have a richer and smokier flavor profile in comparison to a lighter roast. Experiment with a few different varieties to determine which flavor profile you enjoy best.
It’s important to choose a brew ratio that best fits your preference. Generally, with iced coffee, the ideal ratio is 24 grams of ground coffee to 375 mL of water. You can adjust the ratio to be more or less concentrated if you choose.
Once you’ve settled on a coffee bean and brew ratio, it’s time to bring out the brewing equipment. For iced coffee, you will need coarsely ground beans, hot water, a French press, and a pitcher. Optionally, add cream, sugar, and syrup to create a personalized iced coffee drink.
To begin, measure out your ground coffee beans and place them into the French press. Then heat the desired amount of water to gently below boiling, around 90°C. Pour the hot water over the grounds and lightly mix them to ensure even saturation. Let steep for 4 to 5 minutes, then press down the plunger to compress the grounds.
Once the brew has been pressed, pour the desired amount of concentrate into the pitcher. Then, top off with half as much cold water and plenty of ice. If desired, add cream, sugar, and syrup to taste. Carefully stir to evenly dissolve the sugar.
Iced coffee is best served immediately after brewing. However, you can store the brewed concentrate in the fridge for up to one week. Whenever you’re ready for a cold brew, just fill a glass with ice, pour in the concentrate and add water for a freshly brewed iced coffee treat.
Using Blended Iced Coffee
If you’d prefer a thicker, creamier iced coffee, try blending your concentrate instead of pouring it over ice. Blend the concentrate with milk and a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt to create a delicious frozen iced coffee. Adding a bit of cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, or other flavorings will also enhance the flavor.
If you like the rich taste of cold brew but find it too strong, try cutting the concentrate with milk or water. This will reduce the intensity while still providing a pleasant jolt of caffeine.
For a caffeine-free version, simply substitute steeped, cooled tea for the coffee concentrate. You can even infuse hot tea with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices to create a unique mix.
You can also make an impressive iced coffee by layering a mix of different brewing techniques. For example, begin by pouring cold brew concentrate then add hot brewed coffee and some espresso, or a dash of instant coffee. Sweeten with a simple syrup and, if desired, add layers of cream or milk.
Using Alternative Coffee and Dairy
Most coffee bases and milks can be used to make iced coffees. Espressos, Turkish or Greek coffee and cold brews are common choices for instant or cold iced coffees. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use plant-based milks such as oat, almond, and coconut. You can also substitute regular cow’s milk with non-dairy creamers.
For a flavor and nutrient boost, try adding a teaspoon of honey, coconut oil, or even avocado for a naturally healthy addition. If you’d like to cut the sugar content, try adding other sugar substitutes like monk fruit syrup or stevia. Some recipes even recommend adding Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of protein powder.
Alternative Serving Ideas
Homemade iced coffee isn’t limited to mugs and tumblers. Get creative with your presentation and serve your iced coffee in a wine glass or champagne flute. Add a dash of soy sauce or coconut shavings to the drink before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
For a cooler presentation, add a few frozen coffee beans on top, or freeze the brewed concentrate beforehand. Either pour the concentrate over ice, or combine the ice and concentrate in a blender to create a cool, slushy iced coffee.
Making the Most of Iced Coffee
Once you’ve brewed your perfect iced coffee, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor variations. Consider adding in a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice for a unique twist. Or, for a cool minty treat, add in a few leaves of fresh mint or drops of peppermint extract. The opportunities are endless!
Iced coffee can also be a great way to impress guests for the summer. Try an alcohol-infused iced coffee by adding in a dash of your favorite whiskey or liqueur. Or, combine freshly brewed espresso and condensed milk for a classic Thai iced coffee.
With a few simple ingredients, anyone can make a homemade iced coffee version. Whether you’re drinking it with family and friends or alone, it’s a great way to cool off while indulging in a tasty mocktail.
Brewing Tips
When using a French press to make iced coffee, make sure to let the steep time go all the way to 5 minutes. This will ensure that the coffee is brewed properly before removing the plunger to remove the grounds.
Be careful not to over fill the press when adding in the ground coffee beans. Too many grounds can create a bitter and sour taste from over extraction. When measuring, always keep the ratio between 20 to 25 grams of ground coffee per 375 milliliters of water.
For cold coffees, use cold filtered water if possible, as this will ensure the best flavor. Also, consider using pure filtered tap water as tap water may contain impurities that affect flavor.
Lastly, make sure to clean your brewing equipment after each use. This is key for a good-tasting cup of coffee and eliminates harmful bacteria and scale buildup.
Using Other Brewing Methods
Iced coffee is not just the sole domain of French press brewing. You can use other brewing methods to make iced coffee drinks as well. Drip brews, espresso machines, and cold brews are all excellent tools for iced coffee.
When using an espresso machine, brew two shots of espresso and add one or two tablespoons of water. Here, you can add creamer, milk, or even whiskey for an alcoholic iced coffee. Serve over ice, and you’ll have a great espresso-based iced drink.
For cold brews, the process is longer. Typically, the beans need to steep in cold water overnight. For a rich, bold cold brew, grind your beans slightly finer, and measure out an optimal ratio of coffee and water. Let your cold brew sit in a sealed container in the fridge and strain it through a fine mesh filter before serving.
Try all of the different brewing methods and find the one that works best for you. With a variety of tools and techniques, you can get creative and whip up homemade iced coffee drinks in no time!
