Perfect Iced Coffee Recipe: Cool, Creamy, and Refreshing!

Photo byAngie Bright

When the weather heats up, nothing satisfies like a chilled glass of iced coffee. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your caffeine fix with a refreshing twist. This simple iced coffee recipe gives you that café-quality taste right at home, without the wait or the price tag. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can make your own delicious iced coffee, customized exactly to your liking.

The Secret to Great Iced Coffee

The key to a good iced coffee is starting with a smooth, well-brewed base. Whether you use a fresh cold brew or leftover coffee from your morning pot, the result is a rich and bold flavor. Adding a touch of vanilla simple syrup and a creamy splash of half and half makes it delightfully sweet and smooth. Serve it over ice, and you've got the perfect way to beat the heat!

Recipe: Classic Iced Coffee

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cold coffee or cold brew
• 1 tbsp vanilla simple syrup (store-bought or homemade)*
• 1 cup ice
• 2-4 tbsp half and half or your favorite creamer

Instructions:

1. Start with Cold Coffee:
   In a tall glass (8-12 oz), pour in the cold coffee. You can use home-brewed coffee that’s been chilled or opt for a pre-made cold brew from the store.
2. Sweeten It Up:
   Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla simple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter drink.
3. Add Ice:
   Fill the glass with ice, adding as much or as little as you like. The ice cools the coffee further, creating that perfect, refreshing chill.
4. Creamy Finish:
   Pour in 2 to 4 tablespoons of half and half or your favorite creamer. Stir until the coffee takes on that beautiful, swirled appearance.
5. Sip and Enjoy:
   Your iced coffee is ready to enjoy! Customize with extra flavors like caramel or hazelnut syrup for a new twist each time.

Make Your Own Vanilla Simple Syrup

If you want to take your iced coffee up a notch, making your own vanilla simple syrup is easy. In a small pot, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s a perfect way to sweeten your iced coffee and other beverages!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This iced coffee recipe is all about simplicity and flexibility. It’s the kind of drink that you can whip up in just minutes, and it’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or a refreshing afternoon break, this iced coffee has you covered. Plus, with the option to adjust sweetness and creaminess, you get the perfect balance of flavor in every sip.

For more coffee inspiration and tips, head over to Moose Pattie’s Facebook page. Happy brewing!