When the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a perfectly crafted glass of iced coffee Recipe. Far beyond simply pouring hot coffee over ice, mastering the best iced drip coffee recipe is a game-changer for any coffee enthusiast. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from a simple how to make iced coffee without machine method to creating a rich iced coffee concentrate recipe.
Whether you’re craving a creamy iced coffee drink recipe reminiscent of your favorite café or a strong iced drip coffee recipe with milk, we’ve got you covered. For those who love exploring the latest in culinary delights, be sure to check out the newest food trends on our blog. Let’s unlock the secrets to making exceptional iced coffee at home.
Table of Contents
Prep Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes (plus 8-12 hours for steeping if using cold brew method)
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 2
Equipment
- A large jar or pitcher (for steeping)
- A fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter
- A measuring cup
- A long spoon for stirring
- Glasses for serving
Ingredients
▢ 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium-dark roast works well)
▢ 4 cups cold, filtered water
▢ Milk of choice (e.g., whole, oat, almond) or simple syrup, to taste
▢ Ice cubes

Instructions
How to make a homemade iced coffee using the cold brew method (the easiest and most foolproof way):
- Combine Coffee and Water: In your large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground coffee with the cold, filtered water. Stir gently to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
- Steep: Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The ratio for cold drip coffee (or cold brew) is typically 1:4, which is what we’ve used here for a perfect balance of strength and smoothness.
- Strain: After steeping, strain the coffee concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean pitcher. This removes all the grounds, leaving you with a smooth iced coffee concentrate.
- Serve: To serve, fill a glass with ice. Pour the iced coffee concentrate over the ice, filling the glass about halfway. Dilute with water or your choice of milk to your preferred strength. This is the base for any iced coffee drink recipe. For a fun twist, you could even pair it with a refreshing citrus-infused homemade drink for a full beverage experience.
- Customize: Add simple syrup, flavored syrups, or a splash of cream to create your own custom iced coffee drink recipe.
Notes / Tips
- The Starbucks Touch: To mimic a popular Starbucks iced coffee recipe, use a light roast for a brighter flavor and add classic syrup while the coffee is still concentrated.
- Strength Control: The resulting concentrate is strong. Dilute it with water or milk at a 1:1 ratio, or adjust to your taste.
- Storage: Your iced coffee concentrate can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it easy to have iced coffee ready in seconds.
- Can you put ice in drip coffee? While you can, it often leads to a watery drink. For a better how to make drip coffee iced method, brew a pot of strong hot coffee and let it cool to room temperature before pouring it over ice. This minimizes dilution.
- Perfect Pairings: This coffee pairs wonderfully with a light dessert. For a fantastic combination, try it with some decadent chocolate caramel apple slices or a rich, fudgy caramel apple brownie.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What milk is best in iced coffee?
A: The best milk is subjective and depends on preference. Whole milk provides a classic creamy richness. For a dairy-free option, oat milk is widely loved for its creamy texture and neutral sweetness that doesn’t overpower the coffee. Almond milk is another popular, lighter option.
Q: How to make iced coffee without a machine?
A: The cold brew method outlined above is the absolute best way to make iced coffee without a machine. It requires no special equipment—just a jar, grounds, water, and a filter.
Q: What is the ratio for cold drip coffee?
A: A standard ratio for cold drip coffee (concentrate) is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water by weight. For a ready-to-drink brew, a 1:8 ratio is common. Adjust to your taste for strength.
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