Refreshing Iced French Coffee Recipe – Perfect for Hot Days
If you’re a coffee lover who wants to beat the summer heat, this iced French coffee recipe is the perfect pick-me-up. This recipe has become my go-to for iced coffee, thanks to its smooth, rich taste and delicious vanilla flavor. Perfectly refreshing and simple to make, it’s a great way to enjoy your favorite beverage while cooling down on a hot day.
Using high-quality ingredients like vanilla, sugar, heavy whipping cream, and brewed coffee, this recipe provides a decadent twist on classic iced coffee. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or hosting a get-together with friends, this drink is sure to impress everyone’s taste buds.
With its bold and balanced flavor profile, this iced French coffee recipe is the perfect way to start your day or recharge in the afternoon. It’s incredibly easy-to-make and adaptable to suit your personal preferences. So why not give it a try today?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a refreshing yet indulgent beverage to jazz up your mornings? Look no further, because this iced French coffee is the perfect pick for coffee connoisseurs and novices alike.
What sets this recipe apart from the rest is its French vanilla twist that adds an extra layer of depth and flavor to the classic iced coffee. The combination of rich brewed coffee with a hint of vanilla syrup and heavy whipping cream creates a velvety, smooth texture that will make your taste buds dance.
But what’s even better is how easy it is to make at home! With just a few ingredients, a french press, and some ice, you can have a gourmet coffee shop-worthy drink right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Not only is this more cost-effective than buying an iced coffee every morning, but you also have more control over what goes into your drink.
Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of substitutions and variations listed in this article to create your custom version of the recipe. You can switch up the type of milk or syrup used for a dairy-free or low-sugar option or add a dash of cinnamon or chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless!
One sip of this iced French vanilla coffee will leave you feeling energized, satisfied, and ready to take on the day. Trust us; you won’t be able to resist making this recipe over and over again. So why not start your day off correctly with this delicious drink?
Ingredient List
To make the perfect Iced French Coffee, you want to make sure that you have all the required ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
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Brewed coffee: You can use your favorite coffee beans or coffee grounds to make 2 cups of brewed coffee.
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Vanilla syrup: You will need 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup to sweeten your iced coffee.
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Heavy whipping cream: This ingredient is optional but adds creaminess to the coffee. Use 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream.
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Ice cubes: Use about 1 cup of ice cubes to make the drink chilled.
Optional Ingredients
If you want to switch things up and add some variation, try these alternatives:
- For a French Vanilla Iced Coffee: Add 2 teaspoons of French vanilla to your brewed coffee.
- Half & Half: Substitute the heavy whipping cream with half and half.
- Cold Brew: Replace brewed coffee with cold water and ground coffee. Steep it overnight in the fridge.
- Cinnamon French Toast Iced Coffee: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and maple syrup.
With all the ingredients on hand let’s move onto the next section for instructions on how to make the perfect Iced French Coffee!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your brewed coffee ready, we can start with the recipe. Follow these simple steps to make our delicious Iced French Coffee Recipe at home!
Step 1: Prepare your French press
Place 4 tablespoons of ground coffee in your French Press and pour in 1 cup of cold water. Stir briefly to wet all the grounds. Insert the plunger into the press, but do not press it down yet.
Step 2: Brew the coffee
Wait for 3-5 minutes before pressing the plunger down to trap the grounds at the bottom of the carafe. This should produce around 8 ounces of coffee.
Step 3: Add syrup and vanilla
Once your coffee is brewed, transfer it to a large glass container (or directly to your favorite mug). Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup and stir well.
Step 4: Add cream or milk
You can add different types of creamer or milk according to your preference. We recommend using heavy whipping cream or half and half, but you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk as alternatives.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Add lots of ice cubes into the glass container and stir well to chill the coffee. You can also add additional flavors like chocolate syrup or sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an extra flavor kick. Pour over a glass filled with ice cubes and garnish with whipped cream or drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for a fancier presentation.
Enjoy your homemade freshly brewed Iced French Vanilla Coffee!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling experimental? Here are some substitutions and variations of the iced French coffee recipe to create your own unique taste!
– Vanilla: If you don’t have vanilla syrup or extract, try using almond or hazelnut flavoring instead.
– Milk: Swap out regular whole milk for almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer, creamier taste.
– Sweetener: Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be used as alternatives to white granulated sugar.
– Cold brew: Instead of using brewed coffee, make cold brew by mixing ground coffee and cold water in a French press and letting it steep in the fridge overnight.
– Chocolate: Drizzle chocolate syrup on top of your iced French coffee for an extra sweet treat.
– Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon on top of your iced French coffee for a warm and cozy flavor.
Remember, making substitutions can alter the taste, so experiment to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve whipped up this delicious iced French coffee recipe, it’s time to dive into a world of sensational flavors. For the ultimate indulgence, serve your French vanilla iced coffee with a couple of homemade cookies or biscotti.
For those with a sweet tooth, try pairing the iced coffee recipe with some chocolate treats such as chocolate mousse or chocolate fondue. The rich and creamy flavor of the coffee complements the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, pair your iced French coffee with fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the smooth creaminess of the coffee.
For an extra kick, top off your iced coffee with a dash of cinnamon and serve alongside some toast for a tantalizing breakfast treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some maple syrup for a dash of sweetness that’ll rival any french toast breakfast.
Whether you choose to serve it on its own or paired with an accompanying dessert, this classic French vanilla iced coffee recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or turn any lazy afternoon into an indulgent treat.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re a busy person, you might want to make your Iced French Coffee ahead of time. Luckily, this recipe is easy to prep beforehand and store in the fridge for later. Keep in mind that the longer the coffee sits in the fridge, the more diluted it will become.
To make-ahead: Simply prepare your coffee as instructed and let it cool. Once it has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to add milk or creamer, wait until you are ready to serve the coffee.
When ready to serve: Simply pour the chilled coffee over ice and add any desired mix-ins. If you find that your coffee tastes too diluted, add a bit more brewed coffee or espresso to help intensify the flavor.
Storing and Reheating: If you have any leftover Iced French Coffee, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, you can either microwave it for about 30 seconds or heat it on low heat on your stovetop.
That being said, I always recommend making Iced French Coffee fresh each day for the best taste and quality. There’s nothing like starting your day with a freshly-brewed cup of coffee that will keep you energized throughout the entire day!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making iced coffee is easy, but making the perfect iced coffee requires a bit of finesse. With these tips, you can ensure that your iced French coffee recipe is absolutely delicious.
Firstly, opt for cold brew or chilled coffee instead of hot coffee. Hot coffee poured over ice will dilute the flavor and result in a watery drink. The chilled coffee will help keep your drink from tasting too bland.
Another important tip for the perfect iced French coffee recipe is to use high-quality ingredients. Don’t skimp on the beans and make sure they are freshly ground. A French press can provide a stronger and more robust flavor than other brewing methods.
Adding vanilla syrup or even cinnamon can give your iced French coffee recipe an added dimension of flavor. Additionally, using half-and-half or heavy whipping cream will create a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with your favorite syrup flavors.
If you’re short on time, make sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time so that everything is readily available when it’s time to put the recipe together. Having everything set up in advance means no rushing around trying to find essential components while cooking.
Lastly, remember to experiment with different serving options like oat milk or maple syrup, as these are excellent alternatives for individuals who prefer vegan options or want to reduce their calorie intake.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make an incredible iced French coffee that is both satisfying and refreshing.
FAQ
As a seasoned barista, I understand that following a recipe may not come easy for everyone. Therefore, in this section, I have compiled some of the frequently asked questions about this iced French coffee recipe. Read on to find solutions to common problems you might encounter while making this recipe.
What do the French call iced coffee?
If you have a hankering for some refreshingly chilled coffee, the perfect item to order from the menu would be café glacé.
How do you make French coffee?
As a barista, the perfect French press coffee requires the right amount of coffee, ground to just the right consistency, and steeped for the right amount of time. So, first things first, measure 1/2 cup of your favorite coffee beans. Next, it’s time to grind those beans. I recommend using a burr grinder and setting it to the coarsest setting to ensure the best flavor.
Now, it’s time to heat up some water. Boil the water and let it cool for about a minute to avoid burning the coffee. While the water is heating up, add the coffee grounds to the French press. Then, pour the hot water over the coffee and give it a good stir.
Let the coffee steep for a whole 4 minutes. No more, no less. Time is of the essence when it comes to flavor. Once the time is up, take the plunger and push it down slowly to separate the brewed coffee from the grounds.
Voila! You’ve got yourself a perfectly brewed cup of French press coffee. It’s warm, it’s bold, and it’s just the right amount of smooth. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
your next coffee break with a refreshing twist to your usual cup of joe with this iced French coffee recipe! With its blend of smooth, rich flavors and delicate hints of vanilla, it’s sure to perk up your taste buds and your day. Not only that but it’s also incredibly easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you like it sweet, creamy or bold, you can adjust it according to your liking.
This recipe uses simple ingredients like brewed coffee, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar- all of which you can easily find at home or in any grocery store. The french press method used in this recipe also ensures the perfect balance between rich coffee flavor and subtle sweetness. Plus, with its iced version, you won’t have to wait for your hot coffee to cool down before enjoying it in warm weather.
In addition to its delicious taste and ease of preparation, this iced French coffee recipe is also versatile enough to be paired with a range of dishes from sweet pastries to hearty breakfast sandwiches. And with its make-ahead options, it’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick fix in the afternoon.
In conclusion, indulge in a little bit of luxury without ever having to leave your home by making this iced French coffee recipe. It’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and give it a try! You won’t be disappointed!
Iced French Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon whole milk
- 4 pints heavy whipping cream
- 6 cups sugar
- 8 teaspoons vanilla
- 12 cups brewed coffee (cooled)
Instructions
- In a VERY large bowl (13” diameter), mix ingredients together. Freeze in plastic containers at least 24 hours. Take out 2-3 hours before serving to thaw. Punch should be slushy. You can defrost in microwave to help speed process.
- NOTE: I mix in a large stainless mixing bowl and only do half the recipe at a time! One-half recipe fills about one punch bowl. This recipe is easy to cut in half, or even quarter. It lasts about a month in freezer, so it is good to make ahead.