The Best Iced Coffee Recipe for Refreshing Summer Sips

Cold brew coffee converts ordinary summer afternoons into refreshing moments of pure delight.

Brewing this silky smooth beverage requires careful technique and understanding of temperature dynamics.

Professional baristas know that perfectly crafted iced coffee demands precision and passionate attention to detail.

Temperature plays a critical role in extracting rich, complex flavors without introducing bitter undertones.

Quality ingredients make an extraordinary difference between mediocre and magnificent beverages.

Every sip represents a delicate balance between robust coffee essence and cooling refreshment.

Mastering this recipe means unlocking a world of caffeinated pleasure that elevates your drinking experience.

Your Go-To Brew When You Want It Just Right

• Brew Like a Pro: This cold brew method lets you create cafe-quality iced coffee right in your kitchen without complicated equipment or barista skills.
• Smooth Slow Extraction: The lengthy 12-24 hour steeping process creates an incredibly smooth, less acidic coffee that's gentler on your stomach compared to traditional hot brewing methods.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexible sweetening options, allowing you to control the intensity of flavor by adjusting half-and-half and sweetened condensed milk to match your personal taste preferences.

Everything That Builds a Balanced Iced Coffee

• Ground Coffee: Rich, smooth flavor foundation with a robust coffee profile; choose a medium to dark roast for best results.
• Water: Clean, filtered water ensures pure coffee extraction without unwanted flavors.

• Half-and-Half, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy texture and balanced sweetness; half-and-half adds richness while condensed milk provides indulgent sweetness.
• Sugar (Optional): Alternative sweetener for those preferring plain sugar over condensed milk.

• Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling and creating classic iced coffee presentation; use filtered water for clear, clean-looking ice.

How to Make a Smooth, Not Watery Cup

Step 1: Brew Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

• Gather coffee grounds
• Select large container
• Mix coffee grounds with cold water
• Stir ingredients thoroughly
• Cover container
• Let mixture sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours

Step 2: Strain Coffee Mixture

• Prepare fine mesh strainer
• Line strainer with cheesecloth
• Position strainer over clean pitcher
• Slowly pour coffee mixture through strainer
• Allow liquid to completely drain
• Discard coffee grounds

Step 3: Chill Coffee Concentrate

• Transfer strained coffee liquid to refrigerator
• Allow coffee to cool completely
• Store coffee concentrate for future use

Step 4: Create Refreshing Iced Coffee

• Coffee concentrate
• Ice cubes
• Half-and-half
• Sweetened condensed milk

Fill glass with ice cubes

Pour coffee concentrate until glass is two-thirds full

Add half-and-half

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk

Gently stir until ingredients blend smoothly

Taste and adjust sweetness as preferred

Tips for Keeping It Chilled Without Weakness

• Brew Boldly: Use coarsely ground coffee for optimal extraction and smoother taste.
• Steep Strategically: Keep the coffee mixture at consistent room temperature during the entire 12-24 hour brewing process.
• Strain Carefully: Avoid pressing or squeezing the coffee grounds, which can introduce bitter flavors into your cold brew.
• Chill Completely: Store the coffee concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• Customize Creatively: Experiment with different milk alternatives or flavored syrups to personalize your iced coffee experience.

Store Your Brew Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Transfer remaining coffee liquid to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Keep Cold: Always store coffee concentrate in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor degradation.
• Shake Before Use: Gently shake or stir the coffee liquid before serving to redistribute any settled particles and ensure consistent flavor.

Best Foods to Sip Alongside This Favorite

• Brew with Breakfast Delights: Pair this smooth cold brew with buttery croissants or flaky morning pastries. The rich coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced breakfast experience.
• Dessert Companion Magic: Serve alongside dark chocolate brownies or creamy tiramisu. The cold brew's robust flavor complements the sweet dessert notes, enhancing each bite's intensity.
• Afternoon Snack Harmony: Match with salted caramel cookies or nutty biscotti. The coffee's deep profile provides a perfect counterpoint to the crunchy, sweet treats.
• Summer Chill Combo: Enjoy with fresh berry tarts or light lemon pound cake. The refreshing cold brew cleanses the palate between bites, making each dessert taste more vibrant.

Add-Ins That Keep Iced Coffee Exciting

• Cold Brew Mocha Madness: Enhance the coffee liquid by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder during the steeping process for a rich chocolate undertone that transforms your iced coffee into a decadent treat.
• Vanilla Caramel Swirl: Mix in a splash of vanilla extract and drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a sweet, aromatic experience that elevates the classic cold brew.
• Coconut Cream Tropical Blend: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a refreshing, island-inspired iced coffee that transports you to a beachy paradise.
• Spiced Maple Morning: Swap sweetened condensed milk with pure maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting twist on the traditional cold brew.

Perfect Iced Coffee Recipe

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• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Smooth Colombian cold brew promises pure refreshment on sweltering summer days. Rich espresso layers blend with chilled milk, delivering a luxurious caffeine experience that will cool and energize you instantly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Coffee Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground coffee (good, rich roast)

Coffee Liquid Base:

• 8 quarts (7.6 liters) cold water

Optional Sweeteners and Milks:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk per serving
• Healthy splash half-and-half per serving
• Skim milk (optional)
• 2% milk (optional)
• Whole milk (optional)
• Sugar (optional)
• Artificial sweeteners (optional)
• Syrups (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine ground coffee and water in a spacious vessel, ensuring thorough mixing. Seal the container and let the mixture steep at ambient temperature for a minimum of 12 hours, allowing flavors to develop fully.
2. Position a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a clean pitcher, creating a filtration setup. Carefully transfer the coffee mixture through the cloth-covered strainer, permitting the liquid to drain completely while capturing the grounds.
3. Refrigerate the extracted coffee liquid, chilling it thoroughly to enhance its refreshing quality.
4. Select a tall glass and fill it generously with ice cubes, creating a frosty foundation for the beverage.
5. Pour the chilled coffee liquid into the ice-filled glass, filling approximately two-thirds of the container.
6. Incorporate a generous splash of half-and-half, introducing a creamy richness to the drink.
7. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk into the mixture, stirring gently to integrate the ingredients. Alternatively, use standard sugar for sweetening.
8. Taste the iced coffee and make subtle adjustments to the half-and-half or sweetener, personalizing the beverage to your preferred flavor profile.

Notes

• Cold brewing requires patience, letting coffee grounds steep slowly creates a smoother, less acidic drink.
• Plan ahead by preparing the coffee concentrate 12-24 hours before you want to enjoy your refreshing iced coffee.
• Use high-quality, coarsely ground coffee for the best extraction and most robust flavor profile.
• Straining through cheesecloth ensures a clean, sediment-free coffee liquid that’s silky and pure.
• Customize your drink by adjusting the ratio of coffee concentrate, half-and-half, and sweetener to suit your taste preferences.
• Store the coffee concentrate in the refrigerator for up to a week, making multiple servings quick and convenient.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg