If you’re anything like me – you love an iced coffee when the weather starts warming up.
And, if you’re anything like me, the price of an iced coffee makes you feel guilty whenever you grab one.
Not anymore! I’ve been making my own iced coffee at home now for a while, and even though I’m not a coffee expert (so please do not be expecting gourmet stuff over here…) I think it’s way better than Starbucks. Not to mention to difference in cost!
Making ice coffee at home is super easy, budget-friendly and completely customisable! I’ve got a recipe for a hot brew over ice (fast version) and a smooth cold brew (fancy version).
So whatever your preference, you’ll end up with a delicious iced coffee without the price tag!
Making coffee at home is just one of the many ways I save money on groceries! Check out my post on 25 Everyday Items I Make from Scratch to Cut My Grocery Bill for even more easy DIY swaps.
What You Need to Make Iced Coffee at Home
Before we dive in, let’s go over the basics. There are two main ways to make iced coffee:
☕ Quick Brewed Iced Coffee (Fast & Easy)
- Freshly brewed hot coffee (stronger than usual)
- Ice cubes
- Milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative (optional)
- Sweetener (sugar, syrup, honey, etc., optional)
❄️ Cold Brew Iced Coffee (Smoother & Less Acidic)
- Coarse ground coffee (any variety you love)
- Cold water
- Large jar or pitcher
- Fine strainer or coffee filter
Method 1: Quick & Easy Iced Coffee from Hot Coffee
If you want iced coffee NOW, this method is perfect. It’s the quickest way to enjoy a chilled coffee without any prep ahead of time.
How to Do It:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee (use more coffee grounds than usual).
- Let it cool slightly, or place it in the fridge for a few minutes to chill faster.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee over them.
- Add milk, creamer, or sweetener as desired.
- Stir, sip, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Make coffee ice cubes by freezing leftover coffee in an ice tray—this prevents your drink from getting watered down!
Need a productivity boost with your iced coffee? My Ultimate Productive Morning Routine has everything you need to start your day right.
Method 2: How to Make Cold Brew Iced Coffee (Best Taste!)
For the smoothest, least bitter iced coffee, cold brew is the way to go! It takes longer, but the results are worth it—plus, you can batch-make it ahead of time.
How to Do It:
- Combine 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a jar.
- Stir, cover, and place in the fridge for 12–24 hours.
- Strain the coffee using a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer.
- Pour the cold brew over ice, dilute with water or milk if needed, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Cold brew is naturally stronger, so you may want to dilute it with extra water or milk to taste.
Customise Your Iced Coffee Like a Pro
Now that you’ve got your iced coffee base, let’s make it even better with these easy customisation ideas:
Sweeteners:
- Simple syrup (dissolve equal parts sugar + water)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Flavoured syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut)
- Sugar-free sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit)
Milk & Creamers:
- Regular milk (whole, skim, or 2%)
- Non-dairy alternatives (almond, oat, coconut, soy)
- Sweet cream or half-and-half
Flavour Boosters:
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Caramel or chocolate syrup
- A pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist
Pro Tip: For a fancy iced coffee experience, whip up a homemade vanilla sweet cream by mixing heavy cream, vanilla, and a bit of sugar.
Iced Coffee FAQs
Why Make Iced Coffee at Home?
Let’s talk about why you should even bother making homemade iced coffee.
- It’s WAY cheaper. A Starbucks iced coffee costs at least FOUR TIMES (!!!) more than making it at home.
- You control the sweetness & ingredients. No weird syrups or hidden sugar bombs.
- It’s super customisable. Want a vanilla oat milk latte with caramel drizzle? You can make it.
- No waiting in line! I love a coffee shop trip, but not when there’s a queue out the door.
- For the enjoyment. I don’t know about you, but I do actually take joy from spending time making things for myself – it’s almost self-care!
Best Coffee Beans for Iced Coffee
Not all coffee is created equal when it comes to iced coffee! Here’s what to look for:
- For Cold Brew: Medium or dark roast works best for a smooth, rich flavour.
- For Brewed Over Ice: A strong espresso blend or bold medium roast holds up well.
- Avoid Light Roasts: They can taste too acidic when chilled.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes! Just dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in a little hot water before adding ice and milk.
How do I stop my iced coffee from tasting watered down?
Use coffee ice cubes, brew stronger coffee, or make cold brew instead.
Can I store iced coffee for later?
Absolutely! Store brewed coffee in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed jar.
How do I make it taste like Starbucks?
Starbucks uses syrups & espresso, so double the strength and add flavoured syrups.
Get Brewing!
Making iced coffee at home is one of the easiest ways to save money and still enjoy amazing coffee. Whether you go for a quick brew-over-ice or a smooth cold brew, you can customise it just the way you like. No fancy equipment needed!
Want to save even more money on food? Check out my post on 10 Practical Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality.
Which method will you try first? Let me know in the comments below!
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