How to make McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee at home

Are you a fan of McDonald’s vanilla iced coffee? Well, now you can make it in the comfort of your own home! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be whipping up a delicious and refreshing drink in no time.

As a barista, I know just how important it is to start your day off on the right foot with a good cup of coffee. But why settle for a boring cup of joe when you can add some sweet and creamy flavor to it? Our version of McDonald’s vanilla iced coffee will give you the caffeine boost you need while satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, making it at home is more cost-effective than buying it from McDonald’s every day.

So, whether you’re looking to impress your friends at a summer barbecue or treat yourself after a long day at work, this recipe is perfect for all occasions. Trust me, once you try our homemade version of McDonald’s vanilla iced coffee, you’ll never go back to the original again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mcdonald's Vanilla Iced Coffee
Mcdonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee

Are you a fan of McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee? Then you’re in luck because with this recipe, you can now make it from the comfort of your own home! One sip of this deliciously creamy and sweet coffee is all it takes to transport you straight to your favorite McDonald’s location.

But why should you even bother making it at home? For starters, think about all the money you’ll save by not having to visit the drive-thru every time you’re craving one. Plus, by recreating this famous drink yourself, you have full control over the ingredients you use, meaning no unwanted chemicals or preservatives.

The best part? This recipe can be easily customized to fit your dietary preferences! Swap out half-and-half cream for almond milk or coconut cream to make it vegan-friendly. Use sugar-free syrup to make it low-carb and keto-friendly. The possibilities are endless!

So go on and give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!

Ingredient List

 Cool down and level up your coffee game with this Vanilla Iced Coffee recipe from McDonald's! ☕️❄️
Cool down and level up your coffee game with this Vanilla Iced Coffee recipe from McDonald’s! ☕️❄️

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee iced coffee recipe:

  • 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, chilled
  • 1/4 cup of Torani vanilla syrup
  • 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream
  • 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk
  • Ice cubes
  • Cold water (6-8 oz)

Note that the coffee used in this recipe should be brewed with 100% Arabica beans to achieve a rich and flavorful taste. The McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee is made with French Vanilla syrup, which is sweet and adds a touch of flavor to the coffee. However, you can use sugar-free vanilla or French vanilla syrup if you prefer a healthier option. The half-and-half cream provides a rich and creamy texture, while the sweetened condensed milk adds a touch of sweetness to the coffee.

The Recipe How-To

 All you need is coffee, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to make this delicious coffeehouse classic. 🙌
All you need is coffee, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to make this delicious coffeehouse classic. 🙌

Let’s dive into the recipe itself. The Mcdonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe is surprisingly easy to make with only a few simple steps. Just gather your ingredients and let’s get started.

Ingredient List

For this recipe, you will need:

  • 4 cups of cold water
  • 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee
  • 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream
  • 1/4 cup of Torani vanilla syrup
  • Ice cubes

Note that if you prefer a sugar-free option, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version, and use sugar-free French vanilla syrup instead.

The Recipe How-To

  1. In a large pitcher, mix together the brewed coffee, sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half cream, and Torani vanilla syrup.
  2. Slowly stir in the cold water until well combined.
  3. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and place in the refrigerator to chill.
  4. Serve over ice and enjoy your homemade Mcdonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee!

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to switch things up with this recipe, there are plenty of ways to make substitutions or variations. for example, you can try using French vanilla syrup instead of regular vanilla syrup or substitute some parts of the half-and-half cream with cold brew coffee.

Serving and Pairing

This recipe serves four people, but it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve larger groups. It pairs well with breakfast foods like muffins or bagels, as well as light snacks like fruit or yogurt.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One great thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to remix any separated ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Results

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients like 100% Arabica beans and Torani syrup. Additionally, make sure to brew your coffee fresh and chill it before mixing with the other ingredients. Finally, don’t forget to give the mixture a thorough stir before serving.

FAQ

Q: What does McDonald’s use for their iced coffee?
A: McDonald’s uses fresh ground 100% Arabica beans for their iced coffee, along with vanilla or caramel syrup and half-and-half cream.

Q: How do you make a McCafe vanilla iced latte?
A: Try mixing cold brew coffee with ice and flavored syrup, then adding milk or half-and-half cream.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make a delicious Mcdonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee at home, there is no need to go out and buy one from the fast-food restaurant. Whether you prefer it sweetened or sugar-free, this recipe is sure to satisfy your caffeine craving on a hot summer

Substitutions and Variations

 Iced coffee is a great way to enjoy the taste of coffee without feeling too weighed down by the heat. 😎
Iced coffee is a great way to enjoy the taste of coffee without feeling too weighed down by the heat. 😎

As a barista and coffee enthusiast, I understand that everyone has their individual taste and preference when it comes to coffee. That’s why I encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and variations in the McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe.

For those who prefer a dairy-free option, swap out the half-and-half cream for your favorite non-dairy substitute like almond milk or soy milk. You’ll be surprised at how delicious it will taste!

If you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for sugar-free vanilla syrup or French vanilla to reduce your calorie intake. You can also use organic brewed coffee made from 100% Arabica beans for those who are health-conscious.

For those who wish to indulge in a sweeter taste, consider adding extra sweetener like caramel or chocolate syrup to the recipe. This will add an additional layer of sweetness and depth to your Vanilla Iced Coffee.

If you like experimenting with different textures, try topping your iced coffee with whipped cream, cinnamon powder, or cocoa dusting. This will add a delightful twist to your coffee experience.

To make this recipe completely vegan-friendly, swap out the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or oat milk condensed milk. These variations will bring up a rich flavor that is also guilt-free.

Overall, this recipe is entirely malleable; there are so many ways that you can personalize this recipe according to your preference. Try these substitutions and variations, and let me know what you think!

Serving and Pairing

 Give your morning routine a boost and add a touch of sweetness with this Vanilla Iced Coffee. 🌅👌
Give your morning routine a boost and add a touch of sweetness with this Vanilla Iced Coffee. 🌅👌

There’s no denying that a Vanilla Iced Coffee is a good option for a hot summer day! You can serve it as breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a treat after dinner. It tastes amazing with baked goods like croissants, muffins, and scones. This sweet treat also pairs well with savory snacks such as chips, crackers and cheese. You can enjoy it by itself or with your preferred treats

If you’re entertaining guests and want to add extra flair to your Vanilla Iced Coffee, you can add ice-cream on top or whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon or caramel syrup over it!

Another great pairing option is adding maple syrup instead of vanilla syrup. The rich and toasty sweetness of this popular sugar cane product will take the coffee experience up several notches.

If you’re craving for something more substantial than snacks, you can pair your Vanilla Iced Coffee with a breakfast burrito or any sandwich from McDonald’s McCafe menu.

Overall, Vanilla Iced Coffee pairs well with anything sweet or salty, but your taste buds can guide you to determine which foods work best with your palate. Whatever your preference, enjoy the subtle flavor of the 100% Arabica beans and the smoothness of the creamy half-and-half that comes out in every sip – it’s simply delicious!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Want to feel like you're right inside a McDonald's cafe? This recipe has got your back!
Want to feel like you’re right inside a McDonald’s cafe? This recipe has got your back!

If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, then you’ll love the fact that this vanilla iced coffee recipe can be made ahead of time. All you need to do is prepare a large batch of coffee and let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Once you’re ready to serve, simply pour the cold coffee into a glass filled with ice cubes and add your preferred amount of half-and-half cream and vanilla syrup. If your vanilla syrup has sugar in it, make sure to stir well until it dissolves.

As for storing the iced coffee, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be aware that the flavor may not be as strong after a few days have passed. However, if you notice that the coffee tastes sour or off, it’s best to discard it.

If you find yourself with leftover iced coffee that you’d like to reheat, there are a couple of ways to do so. You can microwave it for about 30 seconds on high or heat it up on the stove over low heat until warm. However, bear in mind that reheating iced coffee may alter its taste and consistency slightly.

Overall, this recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you don’t have time to brew fresh coffee but still want a delicious and refreshing pick-me-up. Whether you prefer your coffee with milk or sugar-free, this vanilla iced coffee recipe from McDonald’s is sure to hit the spot!

Tips for Perfect Results

To make the perfect McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee, here are some tips that might come in handy:

1. Choose quality coffee ingredients: As the saying goes, “you only get out what you put in.” To achieve that distinct McDonald’s flavor in your iced coffee at home, you should use only high-quality coffee beans and cream. McDonald’s uses 100% Arabica beans and half-and-half cream in their vanilla iced coffee.

2. Brew your cold coffee using French Vanilla: Use French Vanilla flavored ground coffee if possible when making your own cold coffee for this recipe. By doing this, it will give more flavor to your drink.

3. Sweetened Condensed Milk instead of Sugar Syrup: To add sweetness to your Vanilla Iced Coffee, you can either use sugar syrup or sweetened condensed milk as a substitute. But for better taste, we recommend using sweetened condensed milk in this recipe since it will enhance the richness and creaminess of the drink.

4. Don’t forget to Chill: Remember that for an iced coffee recipe, you must chill your brewed coffee beforehand to avoid diluting your drink with ice cubes – which could result in a watery substitute to the original.

5. Use ice cubes made from brewed coffee: Instead of using plain water-based ice cubes, why not use ice cubes made from brewed coffee? Doing this keeps the strong brew taste throughout sipping despite the melted ice content on the drink.

6. Know when to add Ice Cubes and Half-And-Half Cream: Always add ice cubes and Half-N-Half last to retain their freshness and consistency as both may lose their properties quickly due to temperature changes.

By following these tips, you are on your way to making a perfect copycat McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee at home!

FAQ

As barista, I always receive a lot of questions from customers who want to know more about coffee. And for this McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe, there are certain questions that tend to pop up frequently. So, to make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will guide you in making the best vanilla iced coffee straight out of your own kitchen!

What does McDonald’s use in their vanilla iced coffee?

Welcome to our café! One of our star beverages is the McCafé® French Vanilla Iced Coffee – a perfectly blended iced coffee made from the finest Arabica beans. Our signature recipe includes the amazingly flavorful French vanilla syrup that blends perfectly with our premium roast coffee. We encourage you to customize this drink by choosing your preferred sweeteners and creamers for a taste that uniquely belongs to you.

What syrup does McDonald’s use in iced coffee?

Information about the kind of French vanilla syrup used by McDonald’s cannot be disclosed. However, Torani vanilla syrup is a popular brand that can be easily obtained from coffee shops and stores selling liquor and bar supplies.

Does McDonald’s have vanilla syrup for coffee?

Get ready to beat the heat with our Premium Roast Coffee on ice made from 100% Arabica beans, it’s perfect for a cool and refreshing sip. You can enjoy it with a splash of 2% milk or cream, and to add more flavour, we have a range of flavoured syrup options available such as sugar-free vanilla, vanilla and caramel. Come and try it out now!

What does McDonald’s use to sweeten their iced coffee?

For our iced coffee, we use premium Arabica coffee beans alongside cream and delicious hazelnut syrup. If you opt for a medium size, it will come with milk and sugar.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, making the McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee is easy and can be made at home by following the simple steps outlined in this recipe. By using quality ingredients such as 100% Arabica beans, sweetened condensed milk, and Torani vanilla syrup, you can create a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.

Not only is this recipe satisfying for coffee lovers, but it can be customized to suit different dietary needs such as sugar-free or dairy-free options. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same great taste of McDonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee from the comfort of your own home.

So next time you crave this French Vanilla Iced Coffee treat and don’t feel like leaving your house or getting in line at a fast food restaurant, don’t hesitate to make it yourself. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can become your own barista and impress yourself with how delicious and customizable this drink really is.

Mcdonald's Vanilla Iced Coffee

Mcdonald’s Vanilla Iced Coffee Recipe

This is the basic recipe for McDonald's iced coffee. NOTE: We use Dunkin Donuts coffee beans (available at most supermarkets in the USA now) we ground at the store and brewed in a French press. If you can't find that, I recommend that you use a fairly mellow light roast. Millstone Kona Blend or Hawaiian blend are also great. You won't need a French press, but obviously, well made coffee couldn't hurt this. If you follow the directions and use quality ingredients, you'll wonder why you're paying $2.50 or more for iced coffee anywhere else. Feel free to double or quadruple the recipe if you have guests.
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 1 22 ounce cup iced coffee
Calories 81 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brewed coffee (give or take a tablespoon depending on the kind of ice you have, so have more than a cup ready)
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half cream
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons vanilla-flavored coffee syrup (We use Torani)
  • ice (enough to fill 22 ounce cup to top)

Instructions
 

  • Brew coffee.
  • When coffee is done brewing, you may place it in the freezer for 15 minutes to cool it down a little so less ice will be melted.
  • Fill 22 ounce cup to top with ice.
  • Add syrup and half & half to cup.
  • Fill cup rest of way to top with coffee.
  • Mix carefully but thoroughly with spoon.
  • Add straw.
  • Enjoy!

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 318gCalories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 2.6gProtein: 2.1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4.3gCholesterol: 22.4mgSodium: 29.6mgSugar: 0.1g
Keyword < 15 Mins, Beverages, Easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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