Iced coffee is the perfect summer drink. It’s cold, it’s refreshing, it’s caffeinated. It’s also the perfect homemade coffee drink. Whether you use a regular brew or prefer a strong cold brew, homemade iced coffee is quick, easy, and budget-friendly. And it’s just as good—if not better—than the expensive coffeehouse beverages that everyone loves. If you’re already a fan of iced coffee but want to step up your game or if you need some convincing in order to give up those pricey lattes, know that it’s really easy to make great iced coffee at home.
Homemade Iced Coffee
Make cold brew. If you want something stronger than the tried-and-true refrigerated regular brew, try making your own cold brew for some extra flavor (and caffeine). It’s easy and delicious.
Try a different kind of milk. Almond, coconut, and oat milks all work really well in iced coffee, complimenting the coffee flavor instead of diluting it like regular cream. As an added bonus, all of the unsweetened versions of these milks still have some natural sugars, helping you cut down on other added sweeteners—and the calories!
Sweeten with syrup. If you do like that extra dose of sweetness in your coffee, syrups are the way to go. You can either buy some (there are many sugar-free options as well) or make your own. Making simple syrup is, well, simple!
Simple syrup base:
- Combine one cup sugar and one cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let cool, then store in a glass container and seal tightly with a lid.
- Simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for about one month.
You can also add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and other flavorings to the simple syrup.
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Add some sauce. Caramel, chocolate, you name it. Pour it in your coffee, stir it up, and enjoy!
Use coffee cubes. Just pour leftover cold brew or regular brewed coffee into an ice tray, freeze, and then pop a few cubes into your next glass of iced coffee. No more watered-down coffee, just more delicious coffee flavor and more caffeine. What’s not to love?
Iced coffee is the perfect combination of cool refreshment and caffeine, all in one tall glass.
The next time you need an afternoon (or anytime) pick-me-up, skip the Starbucks line and make some iced coffee instead.
