How to Make Perfect Iced Coffee at Home

Cream being poured over coffee and ice cubes in a tall glass to make the perfect iced coffee at home.

5 from 302 votes

How to Make Perfect Iced Coffee at Home

This easy iced coffee recipe is better than your favorite coffee shop and ready in minutes. Made with strong brewed coffee, homemade vanilla syrup, and a splash of cream, it's smooth, refreshing, and totally customizable. Save money and skip the drive-thru. This is the best iced coffee recipe to make at home.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: serving

Calories: 195kcal

Author: Jeri Walker

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 (enough to fill ⅔ of your glass)
1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (or cold brew or espresso)
⅛ to ¼ cup vanilla simple syrup (to taste)
¼ cup half-and-half (or milk of choice)

Instructions

Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool completely. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Brew the coffee: Brew your favorite medium or dark roast coffee using your preferred method (drip, French press, espresso, or Keurig over ice). Let it cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge.
Assemble your drink: Fill a tall glass ⅔ full with ice cubes. Pour in 1 cup of cooled coffee, then add vanilla syrup to taste. Add the half-and-half and stir well.
Taste and adjust: Add more syrup or cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Start with the smaller amount of vanilla simple syrup. Add more if you want your iced coffee sweeter.
Use coffee ice cubes to prevent your drink from watering down.
Brew your coffee extra strong to account for dilution from ice.
Make the coffee the night before and chill it for the easiest morning ever.
Many of the new coffee makers have a setting to make iced coffee - and it works great! 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!

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