Here's How To Make Iced Coffee in three different ways! Then, simply pour the hot coffee over ice and add your favorite flavorings.
The difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee is that iced coffee is brewed hot and then poured over ice, whereas cold brew coffee is made in cold water. Today I’m sharing how to make iced coffee using a few different methods.
In This Post
Ingredients Needed
We are sharing three easy methods for making iced coffee at home, depending on the equipment you want to use. No matter which method you choose, you’ll want to use the highest quality coffee you can for the best flavor!
- Ice: You’ll need about two cups of ice cubes for making iced coffee. We prefer nugget ice because, due to its shape, it melts and dilutes the espresso. You can break large ice cubes into smaller pieces if you don’t have a nugget ice maker.
- Coffee: Depending on the equipment you want to use, you’ll need either espresso beans, espresso K-cups, or instant coffee granules.
- Syrup: Use your favorite flavored syrup to flavor the iced coffee. There are numerous options available to purchase, or you can make homemade syrups.
- Cream: We love adding half-n-half to our iced coffee drinks, but you can add your favorite milk or non-dairy option.
How To Make Iced Coffee With An Espresso Machine
Every espresso machine is different, so your setting may vary. We have a super-automatic (meaning it grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, and makes the espresso as well) Delonghi Magnifica. We can adjust the size of the shots of espresso and choose to make one or two at a time. For the beans, we use Lavazza Super Crema medium espresso roast beans.
- Fill a tall cup with two cups of ice cubes.
- Make 2-3 shots of espresso.
- Pour the hot espresso over the ice. Some of the ice will melt immediately, and the rest will melt slowly, diluting the espresso. The half-n-half also dilutes it, but you can also add water to dilute it even more if you prefer.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of flavored syrup.
- Top with 2-4 tablespoons of half-n-half.
How To Make Iced Coffee With Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a great way to make iced coffee without an espresso machine because you control how strong the coffee is. There are so many brands of instant coffee available, from classics like Folgers and Nescafe to premiums like Starbucks and Illy. Go with whatever brand of coffee you prefer.
- Bring three ounces of water to a boil.
- Stir in 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules.
- Pour the hot coffee over ice in a tall cup.
- Add flavoring and half-n-half.
How To Make Iced Coffee With A Keurig
Keurigs vary by the machine and the age of it. For this recipe, we used a slim, single-serve Keurig without a brew-over-ice option. This is the weakest option since it makes 8 ounces of coffee. Plus, it needs to cool for a while before pouring it over the ice, or too much of the ice will melt.
- Brew one espresso K-Cup into a stainless steel or heat-safe plastic mug. Place the mug into the fridge for about 15 minutes to cool the coffee slightly.
- Put ice into a tall cup and pour the coffee over it.
- Add flavored coffee syrup and half-n-half.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make espresso or strong coffee ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you want to make iced coffee. Our favorite make-ahead option is cold brew coffee which is brewed and stored in the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftover coffee in a covered container in the fridge for three to four days, but the longer you store it, the more bitter/acidic it will taste. Or if you added milk or cream, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are different. Iced coffee is hot espresso, or hot brewed coffee poured over ice. On the other hand, cold coffee is coffee that has cooled.
See our peppermint mocha whipped coffee or pumpkin spice whipped coffee recipes.
No, the hot espresso or strong coffee is poured over ice so that it cools immediately and is diluted by the melted ice.
You can top it with whipped cream or cold foam.
More Coffee Recipes
- Here’s How To Make Cold Foam for your iced coffee!
- Keep Cold Brew Coffee in your fridge all summer long!
- This Iced Chai Latte is a combo of chai and coffee!
- Frosty Mocha Punch is made with ice cream, chocolate, and coffee!
Coffee Syrup Recipes
If you want to add flavoring to your homemade iced coffee, here are some of our favorite coffee syrup recipes.
- Vanilla Bean Syrup has pretty flecks of vanilla bean seeds in it.
- Peppermint Syrup is perfect for the holiday season!
- Banana Syrup is easy to make with only 3 ingredients!
- White Chocolate Sauce can be used to make white chocolate mochas.
How To Make Iced Coffee
Video
Ingredients
Espresso Machine
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 3 shots espresso
- 2 tablespoons flavored syrup
- ¼ cup half-n-half
Instant Coffee
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 3 ounces boiling water
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons flavored syrup
- ¼ cup half-n-half
Keurig Coffee
- 1 espresso K-Cup
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons flavored syrup
- 2 tablespoons half-n-half
Instructions
Espresso Machine
- Fill a large cup with ice cubes.
- Make two to three shots of espresso. Pour the hot espresso over the ice cubes.
- Add the flavored syrup and top with half-n-half.
Instant Coffee
- Put the ice cubes in a large cup.
- Dissolve 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of instant coffee in the boiling water. Pour the hot coffee over the ice cubes.
- Add flavored syrup and half-n-half.
Keurig
- Brew one espresso K-Cup on the 8-ounce setting into a metal or plastic tumbler.
- Place the coffee in the fridge to cool slightly for about 15 minutes.
- Put the ice cubes into a cup and pour the coffee over the top.
- Add the flavored syrup and half-n-half.
Heather S says
Yummy and easy!! Just made this – the espresso version and also the cold foam recipe 👍👍
Michelle says
You can also use a French press.
Sue Tenney says
I ad d measured coffee grounds to cool water,let it sit at least overnight,strain and add anything you like.
You get really smooth acid reduced taste.
I store mine in the refrigerator so its cool and refreshing.
Very different from hot brewing the coffee.
Andrea says
Have a batch of coffee in the refrigerator right now. My husband used to work at Starbucks so he is excited to see how it comes out. Can’t wait to have a cup of iced coffee tomorrow morning.
Tonia says
Yay! Hope it turns out great!
Andrea says
It turned out great. thanks for the great recipe. I love your website and all of your recipes too.
Mynn Molinari says
I always brew my coffee double strong when I do this (but is can get a little skunky and husky) so I used your method and loved it! Here’s how I strained mine.. I put a coffee filter in my pot and poured the pitcher of cold coffee with grounds from the fridge right into the filter and the iced coffee dripped down and drained into the coffee pot! A lot easier. Great recipes!
Tonia L says
That is a great idea Mynn! I will try it next time!
Melissa says
This may me a silly question, but why do you have to put the grounds back in? I love iced coffee or just coffee in general so I would love to try this.
Tonia L says
Hey Melissa – Your email address isn’t enabled in your profile so I can’t reply via email so I will respond here and hope you see it 🙂 I only added the grounds to make the coffee stronger. When you add the ice and the creamer, the iced coffee can get really diluted. If you like your coffee weaker, just leave that step out!
Stephanie @ henry happened says
I don’t know why I don’t do this more often – love iced coffee in the summer but I always forget – it looks so yummy!
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Unfortunately I’m still drinking my coffee (and tea) piping hot. It’s been so cool lately. I’ll save this one for a couple week’s time.Anne xx
suzmlee says
I like to freeze some of my coffee into ice cubes and use instead of ice. That way the coffee doesn’t get watered down at all as they melt!
Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says
I am an iced coffee girl myself and always looking for new tips. Thanks! Visiting from LiveLaughLinky 🙂
Becca @ The Sassy Penguin says
I’m going to have to try this. Dunkin Donuts is taking all my money for my iced coffee addiction!
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Feral Turtle says
Mmmmm That looks good. I make mine with sweetened condensed milk. I might have to try your version. Cheers!
Tylene Ek says
Just like Starbucks. Brew double strength, and pour over ice. Store in fridge. Add coffee, ice, vanilla syrup, and splash of half & half. Yummy!!!
Betsy says
Just to let you know. I woke up this morning to your post. I had to make some iced coffee after I saw your photo. Yum*oh. I added a little caramel creamer into mine.
Ardilla says
I did almost the same, just enjoy it!
April Decheine says
I make mine a bit similar, I love making my own!
Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says
I don’t know what I would do without my coffee! Lovin this recipe–will be trying soon for sure