Discover the Ultimate Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe: Easy, Rich, and Refreshing

Photo byAngie Bright

Iced coffee has become a favorite for coffee lovers around the world, offering the perfect way to enjoy that rich, bold coffee flavor even on the hottest of days. Whether you’re looking to save money on café drinks or simply prefer the comfort of brewing your own, making iced coffee at home is both easy and incredibly rewarding. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a smooth, flavorful brew that’s ready to serve over ice whenever your caffeine craving strikes.

The key to a great iced coffee is starting with a cold brew concentrate. Cold brew is different from hot-brewed coffee because it’s steeped in cold water over a long period, allowing the coffee’s flavors to develop without the bitterness that can come from hot brewing. The result is a rich, smooth coffee that pairs perfectly with a splash of creamy milk and a touch of sweetness.

Cold Brew Iced Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground coffee (a rich, bold roast is best)
• 8 quarts cold water
• Half-and-half (or your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk)
• Sweetened condensed milk (about 3 tablespoons per serving, for sweetness)
• Whole milk, sugar, flavored syrups (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large container, mix the ground coffee with the cold water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated. Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, though you can leave it for up to 24 hours for a stronger brew.
2. After the steeping period, place a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large pitcher or container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the strainer, letting the liquid filter through while catching the coffee grounds. Once all the liquid has drained, discard the grounds.
3. Place the strained coffee concentrate in the fridge to chill. It can be stored for up to two weeks, making it convenient to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
4. When you’re ready to enjoy your iced coffee, fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the cold brew concentrate until the glass is about two-thirds full. Add a splash of half-and-half for creaminess, and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk for that signature sweetness.
5. Taste and adjust the amount of half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk to your liking. You can also experiment with whole milk, plant-based milks, or even flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel for an extra twist.

The Perfect Iced Coffee Experience

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize your iced coffee exactly the way you like it – stronger or lighter, creamier or less sweet. The cold brew concentrate can also be stored in the fridge, so you can easily whip up a glass whenever the craving hits.

Whether it’s a hot summer day or you simply prefer cold coffee year-round, this iced coffee recipe delivers smooth, bold flavors with just the right amount of creaminess and sweetness. By making it at home, you can control the quality and ingredients, making every sip more satisfying. Give it a try and discover just how refreshing homemade iced coffee can be!

Here are some great sources for iced coffee and cold brew recipes:

1. Serious Eats provides a detailed guide on how to make cold brew coffee at home, focusing on creating a smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate. Their method involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, which results in a rich, full-bodied coffee that's perfect for customizing with milk or syrups​(Serious Eats)​(Serious Eats).
2. The Pioneer Woman also offers a simple cold brew iced coffee recipe, highlighting the importance of using a rich roast and sweetened condensed milk to enhance the flavor. This recipe is tailored for those who love a creamy and sweet iced coffee​(Serious Eats).
3. Bon Appétit provides another excellent resource for cold brew coffee lovers, focusing on using high-quality coffee and proper brewing techniques to achieve the best flavor​(Serious Eats).

These guides offer different approaches, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences for coffee strength and sweetness.