We all love coffee, but on hot, humid summer days, a steaming cup of joe may not be on your mind. Scorching summer weather asks for nothing else than a deliciously creamy and refreshing coffee drink, especially one that you can make from the comfort of your own home.
In this guide, we will teach you how to make iced coffee with cream at home with just a few simple ingredients. And let us tell you - it tastes better than drinks from a coffee shop. Try out this easy iced coffee recipe today and become your own barista!
Ingredients for Homemade Iced Coffee
- Coffee - Pick your favorite Angelino’s Coffee. We recommend using full-bodied coffee like Dark Roast or Donut Shop. If you prefer decaffeinated coffee, Angelino's Decaf Sumatra Dark will be a great option for your iced coffee drink.
- Ice - It's best to use larger ice cubes as they melt slower, preventing your drink from getting too watery. If you prefer less diluted coffee, you can also try our favorite coffee cubes for the ultimate iced coffee experience!
- Cream - It adds richness to your iced coffee. Choose your favorite type of cream, such as half and half, whole milk, heavy cream, or flavored coffee creamer. Alternatively, you can use lighter options like low-fat milk or dairy-free substitutes, such as oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
- Sweetener - If you prefer sweetened iced coffee, you can add your choice of sweetener. Options include sugar, honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, or even flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate syrup.
How to Make Perfect Iced Coffee - A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's jump into the step-by-step process of making the best iced coffee at home.
1. Prepare the coffee
Start by brewing your favorite Angelino's coffee. Make sure to brew a strong and flavorful batch! Once the coffee is brewed, allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Chill the coffee
After your hot brew has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and place it in the refrigerator to chill. It's essential to use chilled coffee for the best results, as it prevents the ice from melting too quickly and diluting your drink.
3. Fill a glass with ice
Take a tall glass and fill it with a generous amount of ice or coffee cubes. Using larger ice cubes or coffee ice cubes will help keep your drink cold but not watered down.
4. Add cold coffee
Pour the chilled brewed coffee over the ice in the glass, leaving some space at the top for cream and sweetener. The amount of coffee you pour will depend on your preferred coffee-to-cream ratio and the size of your glass.
5. Add cream and sweetener
Next, pour your desired amount of cream into the glass. You can adjust the creaminess to your liking, whether you prefer a lighter coffee with just a splash of cream or a more indulgent treat with a generous amount of creamy for a truly creamy coffee. If you prefer a sweetened iced coffee, add the sweetener of your choice and stir gently to incorporate.
6. Customize your iced coffee
Now comes the fun part - customizing your iced coffee to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to take your homemade iced coffee to the next level:
- Flavored syrups - Enhance the flavor of your drink by adding syrups like chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, or any other flavor you love.
- Coffee creamers - Experiment with different flavored coffee creamers to add a hint of sweetness and creaminess.
- Spices - Add a dash of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice for a cozy and flavorful twist.
- Boozy twist - Transform your iced coffee into a cocktail by adding a splash of your favorite brandy and coffee liquor for indulgent boozy iced coffee. This is a perfect treat for special occasions or weekend brunches.
7. Stir and Enjoy
Once you've customized your iced coffee to perfection, give it a gentle stir to blend all the flavors. Grab a straw and head outside to soak up some sun!
Tips and Variations
To help you master the art of making iced coffee at home, here are some useful hacks and variations to keep in mind:
- Keep your coffee glass cold. If you want your iced coffee to stay cold for longer, try placing your glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before making your coffee drink. This extra step will help keep your coffee chilled, especially on hot summer days.
- Make coffee ice cubes. To prevent your drink from becoming diluted as the ice melts, consider making coffee ice cubes. Simply fill an ice cube tray with coffee and freeze until solid. These coffee ice cubes will add extra flavor without watering down your drink.
- Pre-sweeten your coffee. If you find that your sweetener doesn't dissolve well in chilled coffee, consider adding the sweetener to the hot coffee before chilling. This ensures the sweetener completely dissolves, resulting in a perfectly sweetened iced coffee.
- Prepare in advance. If you like to drink iced coffee in the morning before work or school, the amount of prep time may be limited. Mornings can be hectic, so if you're short on time, brew your coffee the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This way, you'll have perfectly chilled coffee ready to go in the morning.
- Opt for instant coffee. If you're in a hurry or don't have access to freshly brewed coffee, you can use instant coffee granules to make iced coffee. Simply dissolve one tablespoon of instant coffee in cold water, add creamer and sweetener to taste, and enjoy!
The Bottom Line
If you love iced coffee, you are definitely going to love this delicious coffee recipe. We sure do!
Making your own iced coffee at home is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite chilled coffee drink. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative customization, you can create a refreshing beverage that rivals any coffee shop creation. Start experimenting with different flavors and make your own perfect glass of iced coffee today!
Remember, the beauty of making good iced coffee at home is that you have the freedom to experiment and create your own unique blends. Don't be afraid to try new flavors, adjust the creaminess and sweetness to your liking, and make each glass of iced coffee truly your own. So, become your own barista and enjoy a delicious homemade iced coffee whenever you crave it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iced coffee the same as cold brew coffee?
No, iced coffee and cold brew coffee are prepared differently. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down, whereas cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. Cold brew coffee tends to have a smoother and less acidic taste compared to iced coffee.
What type of coffee should I use to make iced coffee?
You can use any coffee you prefer, but a medium to dark roast works well for iced coffee. Cold brew coffee is another excellent option for a smoother, less acidic result.
What's the best way to cool down hot brewed coffee for iced coffee?
To quickly cool down hot brewed coffee, you can pour it over ice or transfer it to a heatproof container and place it in the refrigerator for a while. Don't forget to account for the dilution from the ice.
How to make iced coffee creamy?
To make your iced coffee extra creamy, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or blending it with ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Can I make iced coffee in advance?
Yes, you can prepare a batch of iced coffee and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Just remember to adjust the sweeteners and creamers to your liking before serving each glass.
How long can I store leftover iced coffee?
Leftover iced coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. However, the flavor may change over time, so it's best when consumed fresh.
Did you try this recipe? What was your experience? @AngelinosCoffee or Facebook
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