Chill Out with this Refreshing Cold Coffee Recipe
Greetings coffee lovers!
As a barista, I have come across several coffee addicts who are looking for a refreshing drink to beat the heat. And what better way to do that than with a cold coffee drink! Today, I am sharing with you my recipe for the best iced coffee drink that is easy to make and absolutely delicious.
With this recipe, you can make your own iced coffee at home without having to step out and spend a fortune on Starbucks or other pricey coffee shops. The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
In this article, I’ll guide you through creating the perfect cold coffee drink using my recipe. You’ll learn how to customize it according to your preferences, store it, and even prepare it ahead of time.
So grab a pen and paper, or bookmark this page, and let’s get started on exploring the world of simple yet popular cold coffee drinks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a coffee lover searching for a delicious and refreshing drink for those warm summer days? Look no further than this easy homemade Cold Coffee Drink recipe! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Firstly, it’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques, so even those who are new to making coffee drinks can successfully make this cold coffee recipe. Just gather up the ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’re ready to sip on your own homemade iced coffee in no time.
Secondly, it’s highly customizable. You can add your favorite flavorings or opt for nonfat milk if you’re watching your calorie intake. The recipe also provides substitution suggestions that allow you to adjust depending on your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Thirdly, this cold coffee recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sipping it out on the deck during summertime or enjoying a cozy morning beverage on a chilly winter day, this recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Lastly, this recipe saves you money compared to buying overpriced iced coffees from big-chain cafes like Starbucks. By following this simple yet delicious recipe, you won’t have to spend money on daily trips to the café as you can make your favorite cold brew right in the comfort of your own home anytime.
In conclusion, with its simplicity, versatility and cost-effectiveness, there’s every reason why you should try making this homemade cold coffee drink!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this deliciously refreshing cold coffee drink:
- Brewed coffee: To make a cold coffee drink, first and foremost, you will need brewed coffee. You can use any type of coffee that you like, but for the best results, I recommend using 1 cup of high-quality ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water and letting it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This technique is called cold brew, and it produces a smoother, less acidic coffee than traditional brewing methods.
- Nonfat milk or half-and-half: While the brewed coffee is steeping, you can prepare your milk or creamer. Some people prefer to use nonfat milk to keep this drink on the lighter side, while others might opt for the richness of half-and-half. Use about ½ cup if using half-and-half.
- Simple syrup: To sweeten your cold coffee drink, you could use ordinary sugar, but simple syrup (made by combining equal parts sugar and warm water) dissolves more easily in cold liquids without leaving a gritty texture. You will need about ¼ cup of simple syrup if you like your drinks on the sweeter side.
- Ice cubes: No cold drink is complete without ice cubes! Add about 1 cup of ice during the blending step to keep your cold coffee thick and frosty.
- Optional add-ins: This recipe is entirely customizable, so feel free to add extras to suit your taste. Some popular add-ins include cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a mocha iced coffee, whipped cream for a luxurious treat, or a scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy finish.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ‘why’ on this cold coffee drink recipe, let’s dive into the ‘how-to’ portion. Here are the simple steps to making a refreshing and delicious cold coffee drink:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee or 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules dissolved in ¼ cup warm water
- ½ cup nonfat milk
- ¼ cup half & half or sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons simple syrup or honey, or more to taste
- Ice cubes
Directions:
- Brew your coffee* and allow it to cool or dissolve instant coffee granules in warm water.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the brewed coffee (or the instant blend), nonfat milk, half & half (or sweetened condensed milk), and simple syrup* (or honey).
- Whisk until combined thoroughly.
- Fill a large glass with ice cubes.
- Pour coffee mixture over ice cubes.
Optional Additions:
- Coffee ice cream as a creamy and decadent substitute for plain milk.
- A drizzle of chocolate syrup on top of your drink for some added sweetness.
- Two espresso shots for an extra oomph in flavor.
This method yields one cold coffee drink that is smooth, creamy and extremely satisfying. It can be modified according to your taste buds by adjusting the simple syrup and sweetened condensed milk/half-and-half ratios. Enjoy your homemade cold brew either at home or take it with you wherever you go.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking for a bit of variety in your iced coffee, or if you’re missing some of the ingredients, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
If you don’t have brewed coffee on hand, try using instant coffee instead. Simply dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee in hot water, then add it to your cold mixture.
For those who prefer a lighter taste, swap out the milk for nonfat milk or half and half. You could also add a bit of honey to sweeten the deal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a decadent mocha flavor. Or, top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel for a Starbucks-inspired drink.
For those who prefer a stronger coffee taste, consider making cold brew instead. Simply combine coffee granules with cold water and let sit overnight before straining and using in your recipe.
And if you’re looking for something truly unique, try blending your cold coffee with ice cream to make a coffee slushie. And why not experiment with different flavors of ice cream while you’re at it?
These substitutions and variations are just the beginning – the possibilities are endless when it comes to making the perfect cold coffee drink. So get creative and enjoy experimenting with this versatile recipe!
Serving and Pairing
A delicious cold coffee drink is perfect to enjoy on a hot summer day or as an afternoon pick-me-up. To serve, top the cold coffee drink with ice cubes and a scoop of coffee ice cream for an indulgent treat. For those looking for a lighter version, swap the ice cream for nonfat milk or half-and-half.
Pair this drink with sweet treats like brownies, cookies, or even chocolate-covered strawberries for a delightful combination of flavors. The sweetness of the treats will complement the bitterness of the coffee, creating a balanced taste experience.
If you’re looking for something more filling, try pairing this drink with savory snacks like cheese and crackers, nuts or charcuterie boards. These options will help balance out the sweetness of the drink while providing texture and depth to your snacking experience.
Consider serving your cold coffee drink at a brunch gathering paired with fruit salads and egg dishes to complete your brunch menu.
Ultimately, this versatile drink can pair well with almost anything depending on your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find new pairings that you love!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made this delicious cold coffee drink, you might want to make another batch to store for later. Luckily, it’s easy to make a big batch of this recipe and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
To make sure your coffee stays fresh, store it in an airtight container or jar with a lid. You can also pour the cold coffee into ice cube trays and freeze them for later use.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored cold coffee, simply pour it into a glass and top with more ice cubes or whipped cream. If the coffee seems too strong, you can dilute it with a little bit of water or milk.
Reheating this cold coffee drink is not recommended as it will change the texture and flavor of the drink. If you must reheat it, be sure to do so slowly and gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
To make sure you always have fresh cold coffee on hand, try making a big batch of cold brew concentrate and storing it in the fridge. Just mix one part concentrate with one part water or milk to serve.
With these storage tips, you can enjoy this delicious coffee drink anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect cold coffee drink, consider these tips that will take your beverage to the next level.
Firstly, it’s better to use freshly brewed coffee rather than instant coffee granules. Instant coffee contains more bitterness and fewer flavors than fresh coffee, and this is something you’d want to avoid in your cold coffee.
Using cold or room temperature water for preparing your brew coffee ensures the extraction of fewer acids and oils from the beans, providing a cleaner and sweeter taste to the final product. Besides, you can also experiment with your coffee brewing method by trying out cold brew instead of hot brew. With time and patience, this technique might become one that you prefer.
Understandably, coffee is subjective, and everyone has their preferred ratio of milk to coffee. However, the recommended proportion is one part of brewed coffee to two parts milk. You can adjust this ratio to suit your taste buds.
If you are looking for a dairy substitute, almond or coconut milk could help achieve that creamy taste without overwhelming flavor.
Lastly, don’t forget about the ice! Use frozen coffee cubes so that they do not dilute the drink. If you do not have frozen cubes available, adding regular ice would still work fine as long as it isn’t added in excessive quantities.
With these tips taken into consideration, you are sure to make a delightful cold coffee that will leave your customers craving for more.
FAQ
As a barista, I have encountered several questions about cold coffee drinks. In this FAQ section, I will provide answers to some common questions that people ask when making cold coffee drinks. So, let’s dive in and answer these questions!
How do you make a cold coffee?
For a creamy and refreshing cold coffee, start by putting some ice cubes in a blender. Next, add coffee, milk, honey, cream and a couple of spoons of ice cream. If you don’t have a blender, grab a shaker and mix milk, honey, coffee, and cream together. After mixing, shake it up! To give your cold coffee an extra creamy texture, add some fresh cream and shake it well.
What are the most popular cold coffee drinks?
As a barista, one of the most loved cold coffee drinks that my customers often request is the Iced Mocha. The Iced Mocha I make consists primarily of a blend of espresso, milk, and chocolate syrup in equal proportions. The mixture is incorporated and transformed into a delightful summer beverage. To introduce a distinctive flavor, customers can also request almond or vanilla extract instead of chocolate syrup.
What do you mix with iced coffee?
When it comes to serving iced coffee, there are a few tricks to elevate its taste. Vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar syrups all make excellent choice, as they bring out the best flavors in the coffee. For a caffeinated treat that is both sweetened and creamed, you can opt for a homemade French vanilla creamer instead of the usual half & half and simple syrup combo. If you are in the mood for something chocolaty, add chocolate syrup to your iced coffee, and voila! You have an iced mocha.
How do you make cold coffee taste better?
As a barista, I always try to find creative ways to make different types of coffee. Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years that can take your coffee game to the next level.
Firstly, one way to add some extra flavor to your coffee is by using flavored coffee beans. There are a variety of options available including chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut to name a few. You can also mix and match flavors to create your own unique blend.
Another trick is to brew your coffee with shredded coconut. This adds a subtle coconut flavor to the coffee and makes it almost taste like it’s been brewed on a tropical island.
Adding spices while brewing is another way to switch up the flavor of your coffee. Some popular options include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Just sprinkle a little bit into the coffee grounds before brewing.
If you have a sweet tooth, making homemade fruit syrup is an excellent option. Simply boil your desired fruit with sugar and water, strain, and add to your coffee for a fruity twist.
For a luxurious touch to your coffee, top it with sweet cream cold foam. This is similar to the foam used at Starbucks and adds a creamy texture to the coffee.
Sweetened condensed milk is another way to add some sweetness and creaminess to your coffee. Mix it in with some hot coffee and watch as it transforms into a velvety drink.
For a vegan alternative to sweetened condensed milk, top your coffee with coconut cream. It adds a tropical flavor along with creaminess.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a natural sweetener, honey is a great option. Add a small amount to your coffee to get the perfect balance of sweetness.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy homemade cold coffee recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a refreshing caffeine boost during those hot summer months. With simple ingredients like brewed coffee, nonfat milk and ice cubes, you can easily make the best iced coffee in the comfort of your own home. Plus, with endless options for substitutions and variations, such as adding chocolate syrup or whipped cream, you can personalize your cold coffee to your desired taste.
Not to mention, by creating your own cold brew at home you also have the power to control how much sugar and calories you consume, which is not the case when buying from large chain coffee shops. This simple yet delicious cold coffee recipe is sure to save you money while still providing maximum flavor and satisfaction.
So why settle for mediocre iced coffee when you can make it better at home? Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your barista skills. With a perfect balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavor in every sip, this iced coffee will quickly become a staple in all of your summer mornings.
Cold Coffee Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee, use Starbucks, any blend
- 3/4 cup nonfat milk
- 6 ounces coffee ice cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar-free vanilla syrup, Torani
- 4 ice cubes
Instructions
- Put all in a blender, blend till smooth, and enjoy!