Whipping up a scrumptious glass of iced coffee is so easy! This simple tutorial will show you How to Make Iced Coffee using instant coffee, a jar, and your favorite add-ins. Let’s do it!
How to Make Iced Coffee, the Easy Way!
If you’re all about the perfect pick-me-up, you’ve landed in the right spot. In this quick little tutorial on how to make iced coffee, I’m spilling the beans (pun intended) on my favorite method for a nice, cold glass of irresistibly creamy, sweet iced coffee. And for those of you who like to keep things simple, yes– you can serve this coffee black, as well!
Say goodbye to those long coffee-shop lines and say hello to the art of brewing up the perfect drink in your own kitchen. My secret? Instant coffee granules and a jar. You read that right! So, grab your favorite jar and let’s make some to-die-for coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Lightning-Fast Iced Coffee
If you’re not totally sold on iced coffee made with instant coffee, just read through this list! Here are just a few of the reasons you’ll love it.
- Instant Gratification: Craving that icy caffeine fix, pronto? Instant coffee granules are your best buddies. Skip the hours-long cold brew and enjoy this iced coffee, well, instantly!
- Customizable: Whether you’re a cream and sugar devotee or a straight-up black coffee aficionado, instant coffee lets you tailor your glass exactly the way you like it. And if you want to drizzle in some caramel or splash in a little vanilla, I won’t be mad!
- Summer Chill: Okay, I’m not going to lie – I drink this all year round. But it’s especially welcome when the sun is scorching.
- Economical Option: If you don’t even want to think about your monthly coffee tab, you should know that this homemade version is so budget-friendly, and just as yummy.
What Is the Correct Way to Make Iced Coffee?
Okay, so I have tried just about every way under the sun to make iced coffee. I’ve done the twelve-hour cold brews, the hot coffee cooled down and poured over iced, the iced coffee concentrate that you dilute with water, and just straight up iced coffee from the refrigerated section at the store. But I’m here to say that this one is my absolute favorite. It’s so easy, and so convenient, and the flavor is perfect.
That said, what is the correct way to make iced coffee? It depends on what you like. Some people will enjoy cold-brew more, others like plain brewed coffee that’s been chilled… and I bet a lot of you will love this, once you try it!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
So what will you need for this method of making iced coffee? Just a couple of things, and you can customize every ingredient. Here’s the list:
- Water: A little bit of warm water, for dissolving the instant coffee.
- Coffee: Choose your favorite instant coffee granules. I usually go for brands that use only coffee beans, with no additives.
- Sweetener: Use any sweetener you like. Maple syrup works beautifully! Sugar will work, as well – and yes, it will dissolve just fine.
- Ice: About a cup, more or less, per serving.
- Milk: I use nut milk to keep this recipe vegan. Dairy milk would also be fine.
What Is Instant Coffee Made Of?
Instant coffee is made from brewed coffee, essentially. The brewed coffee is usually concentrated, and then dried, leaving behind dry coffee crystals or granules. There are different methods of drying the coffee, with the main two being freeze-drying or spray-drying. You can think of instant coffee as dry coffee extract.
How to Make Iced Coffee
Once you have rounded up your ingredients, making this iced coffee is unbelievably simple. Just combine the water, coffee, and sugar in a jar, and shake it until everything is dissolved and foamy. From there, pour it over ice, and add milk to your taste. And there you have it – the perfect quick glass!
Tips and Tricks
There are endless ways to play with the flavors here, but I can’t resist sharing a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
- Mocha: Use your favorite organic chocolate syrup to add a little mocha magic to your iced coffee. Most chocolate syrups are sweet, so you will probably want to dial back the sweetener if you do this.
- Pumpkin Spice: Shake a little pumpkin pie spice into the jar, for a sweetly-spiced drink you’ll crave.
- Add Whip: Rinse the jar and shake a little bit of heavy cream for a minute, to create a luxurious dollop of whipped cream for your coffee.
What to Serve with Iced Coffee
In hot weather, I serve this with everything – breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts… it’s so versatile. It’s particularly good with brunch dishes, though. Take these, for example:
- Avocado Toast with Egg: I could eat this every day. It’s full of savory flavor and healthy fat, and it’s so simple to whip up. This Avocado Toast with Egg will become a staple in your breakfast and brunch menu, guaranteed.
- Italian Almond Cake: Cake for breakfast? Naturally! When it’s this Italian Almond Pear Cake, it’s the most scrumptious way to wake up in the morning. Add some iced coffee, and you’ll be in heaven.
- Baked Eggs: I don’t always want to stand over a skillet in the morning, but I do love my eggs. So these Baked Egg Ricotta Thyme Cups are a great way to get that protein without the hassle. Plus, they taste divine!
Can I Make This Ahead?
Sure! You can easily shake up the coffee, sugar, and water, and then store the jar in your fridge for later. When you’re ready, just pour it over ice and add the milk.
Can I Freeze Iced Coffee?
Definitely! Pour the iced coffee mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze it for later. You can then pop them into a glass with milk, and let them melt a bit, or you can put them in your blender with milk and make a homemade frappe. Yum.
How to Make Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons warm water
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or granulated sugar
- 1 cup ice or as needed
- 6 ounces of cold nut milk
Instructions
- In a jar combine warm water, instant coffee, and sugar. Seal and shake until foamy.
- Pour into a glass full of ice. Add milk and adjust to your taste.
Notes
- Mocha: Use your favorite organic chocolate syrup to add a little mocha magic to your iced coffee. Most chocolate syrups are sweet, so you will probably want to dial back the sweetener if you do this.
- Pumpkin Spice: Shake a little pumpkin pie spice into the jar, for a sweetly-spiced drink you’ll crave.
- Add Whip: Rinse the jar and shake a little bit of heavy cream for a minute, to create a luxurious dollop of whipped cream for your coffee.
