Classic Iced Coffee Recipe

This Classic Iced Coffee Recipe is your perfect solution for beating the heat with a delicious and invigorating beverage. It’s a straightforward guide to crafting café-quality iced coffee right in your own kitchen, proving that great taste doesn't always require a trip to the coffee shop.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Course: Beverage, Drink

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee cooled (medium to dark roast recommended)
½ cup milk (whole milk, 2%, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well)
2-3 tablespoons sweetener (granulated sugar, simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey, adjust to taste)
Ice cubes

Optional Garnishes

Whipped cream
chocolate syrup
caramel sauce
cinnamon
vanilla bean

Method

Brew one cup of your favorite coffee. For the best results in an iced coffee, a stronger brew is recommended, as the ice will dilute the flavor. Use your preferred brewing method – a drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over will all work beautifully. Let the coffee cool completely. You can speed this up by brewing it ahead of time and refrigerating it in an airtight container.
1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee
Once the coffee has cooled, pour it into a tall glass. Add your chosen sweetener directly to the cooled coffee. Stir thoroughly until the sweetener is fully dissolved. If you are using granulated sugar, ensure it dissolves completely to avoid a gritty texture. Simple syrup is excellent for iced drinks as it integrates seamlessly. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference at this stage.
1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee, 2-3 tablespoons sweetener
Pour in the milk of your choice. The amount of milk can be adjusted to achieve your desired level of creaminess and café-au-lait style. You can also opt for less milk for a more intense coffee flavor.
½ cup milk
Generously fill your glass with ice cubes. The more ice, the colder and more refreshing your drink will be.
Ice cubes
Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Now is the time to add any optional garnishes you desire! A dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate your Classic Iced Coffee to a signature creation.
Whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, cinnamon, vanilla bean
Sip your delicious, homemade Classic Iced Coffee immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of cool, refreshing coffee. It’s best served right away to prevent the ice from melting too much and diluting the flavor.

Notes

Brewed coffee can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can pre-sweeten your cooled coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze prepared iced coffee with milk and ice.