Craving the unbeatable flavor of the perfect iced coffee but wishing it didn't come with a hefty price tag? Learn how to make the Best Iced Coffee At Home in your kitchen - better and cheaper than your local coffee shop - in just a few minutes. It's so easy; you'll wonder why you haven't been doing this all along.
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I didn't always love coffee. But fast forward to now, and I can't get through my morning without it. And do you know what's even better than that first cup of hot coffee? That's right, iced coffee!
Sure, coffee shop coffees are great, but they can dig a hole in your pocket quickly, with the price averaging $5 a pop. The good news is that you can replicate that premium café experience at home at a fraction of the cost! And because it's homemade, it tastes better, too! I genuinely think this is the best DIY iced coffee recipe ever! But don't take my word for it - check the comments below the recipe card and see for yourself.
If you like this recipe, check out How To Make A Delicious Latte At Home!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a perfect cold drink for coffee lovers.
- No artificial flavors.
- Homemade iced coffee is much cheaper than buying it at a cafe.
- You can make coffee the night before to make your mornings a breeze!
- Full control over coffee strength. If you like your coffee strong, you can use dark roast coffee. If you prefer a lighter flavor, use a lighter roast of coffee.
- Add more or less sweetener to taste, or use a sugar substitute.
- If you are a coffee drinker, it's the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot summer day.
Recipe Ingredients
This easy iced coffee recipe is made with only a few ingredients you probably already have at home.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
- Vanilla simple syrup: This is made with water, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract and only takes a few minutes to whip up.
- Cold coffee: Brew coffee the way you usually do and let it cool. I find it best to use high-quality coffee like Starbucks' whole coffee beans. I use a coffee grinder to ground the whole beans for the best flavor, but any coffee will do the trick. I recommend using medium-to-dark roasted beans.
- Half-and-half (18% fat). This makes the coffee nice and creamy.
- Ice cubes. You want enough to fill your glass ⅔ full.
How To Make The Best Iced Coffee At Home
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1: Make vanilla simple syrup. Place the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together until heated and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Set aside and let the syrup cool completely (Images 1 + 2).
Tip: Store the simple syrup in a mason jar and keep it in the fridge so you can easily use it whenever a craving strikes. It is also great to use in cocktails or mocktails.
- Step 2: Brew coffee. Use a countertop coffee maker, espresso machine, French press, Moka pot, Keurig, pour-over, AeroPress, or an iced coffee maker - anything works. Brew it stronger than normal and pour over ice cubes to cool it down quickly. You can also let brewed coffee cool at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Assemble. Fill a tall glass ⅔ full with ice cubes. Pour cooled coffee into the glass along with ⅛ cup of vanilla simple syrup. (You can add more later if you would like it sweeter). Next, add ¼ cup of half-and-half or cold milk. Use a spoon or your favorite straw to stir the ingredients. Drink up and enjoy homemade iced coffee whenever you like! (Images 3 + 4)
Brewing Methods for Iced Coffee
- Cold brew method: To prepare, grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency. Combine the coffee grounds and cold water in a jar or pitcher. Cover and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Once steeping is over, strain the coffee concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. For serving, dilute the concentrate with water or milk and add ice.
- Hot brew method: For this method, brew your coffee using your preferred brewing method - a drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine. While the coffee is still hot, pour it over a glass of ice. Brew the coffee with a higher coffee-to-water ratio for a stronger flavor. Many coffee pots now have a setting to make iced coffee - which works well!
- Iced pour-over method: Boil water and let it cool slightly before brewing. Place a paper filter in a pour-over dripper and rinse it with hot water. Add ground coffee to the filter and pour hot water over the grounds, allowing them to bloom. Continue pouring hot water slowly, circularly, wetting all the coffee grounds evenly. Once you've brewed enough coffee, fill a glass with ice and slowly pour the hot coffee over the ice.
Substitutions
- Coffee: Strong coffee will give you a bold coffee flavor. You can also use Cold Brew Coffee, coffee concentrate, decaf coffee, or a shot (or two) of espresso.
- Vanilla simple syrup: Sweeten with maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup. Substitute the sugar in the simple syrup with brown sugar, cane sugar, agave syrup, or your favorite sugar alternative, such as Stevia, for fewer calories.
- Half-and-half: Use heavy cream for a rich coffee, or use whole milk or low-fat milk for a lighter version. Use non-dairy milk like oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut cream to make it vegan.
- Ice cubes: Instead of regular ice cubes, use coffee ice cubes from leftover coffee poured into an ice cube tray.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or sea salt for extra flavor.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder for a mocha flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or Nutella for mocha iced coffee.
- Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce for caramel iced coffee.
- If you like your coffee strong, pour a double espresso over ice.
- Top with whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Add a scoop of Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream for a refreshing summertime treat.
Related Recipes: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, and Peppermint Mocha.
What is the best way to make iced coffee at home?
The best way to make iced coffee at home is to combine strong-brewed coffee over ice with homemade vanilla simple syrup and cream.
Can I make iced coffee with regular coffee?
Yes, you can make iced coffee with regular coffee. Make your regular coffee a bit stronger than usual to counteract dilution from the ice cubes. You can even use instant coffee if you like! This is the easiest way to make DIY coffee at home.
Expert Tips
- Taste the iced coffee; add more vanilla simple syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Pour leftover coffee into ice cube trays and freeze it. The coffee ice cubes will keep your drink cold without diluting it.
- Make the coffee earlier in the day or the night before and place it in the fridge so it is ready to use when you want to make the perfect iced coffee.
- Use a higher ratio of coffee to water when preparing your cup of joe.
Storage
- Store simple syrup in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Store any leftover iced coffee in the fridge in a sealed container or jar for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
I love to sit back and enjoy my homemade iced coffee with Healthy Oatmeal Apple Muffins, Banana Walnut Pecan Loaf (Starbucks), or Glazed Zucchini Bread.
It's also delicious with a Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Muffin, Bakery Style Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins, or Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use instant coffee for a quick and easy homemade iced coffee.
Absolutely, just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you want.
Iced coffee is brewed hot and cooled down, while cold brew is brewed with cold water over an extended period.
Some of the best coffee beans for making iced coffee include Costa Rican, Ethiopian, and Colombian beans. I like to use Starbucks dark-roasted coffee beans, an Arabica blend. However, I suggest using your favorite brand of coffee.
To avoid a watered-down iced coffee, use coffee ice cubes, brew stronger coffee, or add a shot of espresso.
Here's what readers have to say about this recipe:
Reader Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Mmmmmmm so good. Can’t wait to make it again tomorrow morning and every morning for my entire life. I can’t imagine this life without this recipe! So easy to make and absolutely delish 😋" - Tamara
"This is literally amazing!!! It’s so simple and easy…but yet it’s SO GOOD!! I’m in love with this recipe!! Thank you so much!!" - Lilly
"Ma'am, I just wanted to say yu saved my life wit this one, seriously, it came out SOOOO GOOD and its all thanks to you <3 Tysm!!" - Alex
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Recipe
How To Make The Best Iced Coffee At Home
Ingredients
For the vanilla simple syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Assemble the iced coffee with:
- 1 to 1½ cups ice cubes or coffee ice cubes
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature or chilled coffee
- ⅛ to ¼ cup vanilla simple syrup
- ¼ cup half-and-half or any dairy or non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla simple syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the granulated sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Pour into a jar and cool completely.
- Assemble your iced coffee: Take a large glass and fill it ⅔ of the way with ice cubes. Add 1 cup of chilled coffee to the glass, ⅛-¼ cup of simple vanilla syrup, and ¼ cup of half-and-half. Stir well to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
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Recipe Notes:
- Start with a smaller amount of vanilla simple syrup. Add more if you want your iced coffee sweeter.
- Store vanilla simple syrup in a glass jar in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Pour leftover coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze it. These coffee ice cubes can chill your iced coffee without diluting it.
- Make the coffee earlier in the day or the night before and place it in the fridge so it is ready to use when you want to make the perfect iced coffee.
- Brew your coffee a little stronger than normal. The strength of the coffee will be diluted when the ice cubes melt.
- Many of the new coffee makers have a setting to make iced coffee - and it works fantastic! Coffee is brewed to the perfect strength and goes directly into a tall glass with ice cubes. Just add simple syrup and milk and voila!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
Lilly says
This is literally amazing!!! It’s so simple and easy…but yet it’s SO GOOD!! I’m in love with this recipe!! Thank you so much!!
Jeri Walker says
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lilly! I'm thrilled to hear that you love this iced coffee recipe - and I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a lovely comment! 🙂
Alex :D says
ma'am, I just wanted to say yu saved my life wit this one, seriously, it came out SOOOO GOOD and its all thanks to you <3 Tysm!!
Jeri Walker says
That's wonderful to hear! I'm so glad that you found the instructions helpful and that your iced coffee turned out so well! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive comment - it really means a lot to me! 🙂
Lexa says
I love iced coffee and this recipe is fantastic! Love the instructions for vanilla simple sirup. We’ll be making this iced coffee more often from now on.
Kayla DiMaggio says
This was such an easy recipe to follow! Thanks so much for sharing, it was delicious!
Jeannie says
I haven't had iced coffee for a while now, thanks for this. Excited to try the recipe 🙂
Amy says
Love this!! Such a better option to sitting in line waiting for a drink!
Gina says
Love this step by step and especially the homemade vanilla syrup. Iced coffee at home has never tasted better!
Jeri says
Thanks, Gina! I'm glad you like it!
Michelle says
Yum! This was so good! I love coffee drinks, but not the sugar. Made the simple syrup w/ Allulose and used Oatmilk in place of the half and half. Now I can feel good about indulging in my once guilty pleasure! Thanks for sharing!
Jeri says
You're welcome, Michelle! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe and thanks for trying it. 🙂 I too like to make mine with oat milk!
Danielle Wolter says
What an awesome idea! As we roll into summer, I'm definitely going to be drinking these at home.
Jeri says
They are delicious Danielle, and so easy!
Jac says
Prepared the vanilla iced coffee for my daughter who just loves these drinks at the minute. She loved it and said it was tastier than the one we buy at the store. Thanks!
Jeri says
I'm so glad your daughter liked it, Jac!
Gavin Sutherland says
So good - I had to stop myself from drinking too many of them at the weekend..........