How to Make Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a delicious, popular drink for many reasons. It’s a great beverage for those days when it’s too warm to drink hot coffee, or for those who simply prefer their coffee to be ice cold, no matter the weather. Regardless of the temperature outside, iced coffee is a refreshing and energizing drink that is versatile and customizable. Plus, it is a very easy drink to make at home.
Making Iced Coffee at Home
While it is easy to pick up a cup of iced coffee at your favorite local coffee shop, making it at home is simpler than you might think! Follow this guide for homemade iced coffee and chill out with your favorite brew.
Ingredients
- Folgers® Coffee Grounds
- Distilled or Filtered Water
- Ice
Supplies
- Automatic Drip Brewer
- Heat-Proof Glass Pitcher
- Coffee Filter
- Large Spoon
Directions
Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, let’s get started.
Add grounds, water & brew
Place a filter in your coffee maker’s brew basket and add Folgers coffee grounds. Add water to your coffee maker’s reservoir and turn the brewer on. You’ll want to brew your coffee using a slightly stronger ratio of grounds-to-water than you would for hot coffee, to account for melting ice.
Cool the coffee
Let the brewed coffee cool until it’s room temperature. If you want to speed up the chilling process, place the coffee in your fridge. Or, if you’re really short on time, pour the brewed coffee over ice and stir well. Note that pouring hot coffee directly over ice can result in a diluted and watered-down taste. It’s recommended to allow the hot coffee to cool down first, which helps maintain the full flavor of the coffee.
Serve cooled coffee over ice
Fill your cup, mug, or tumbler at least ¾ of the way with ice, then pour coffee over the ice and stir.
Customize your coffee
One of the best parts of making your own iced coffee is how customizable it is. You can serve it black, or with your choice of milk or cream. If desired, add any sweeteners or flavorings you’d like, such as sugar, honey, or flavored syrups. Stir the coffee to combine all ingredients and enjoy your homemade iced coffee! For inspiration, check out this collection of iced coffee recipes.
Although these instructions focus on making iced coffee using a traditional drip coffee maker, you can brew your coffee using any other brewing method, such as with a French press, and simply serve it over ice.
Why Make Your Own Iced Coffee?
There are a number of benefits to making iced coffee at home. First and foremost, it is much more cost-effective than buying it daily at your local coffee shop. Secondly, by making it at home, you’re able to control the ingredients used. You can experiment with different coffee flavors, as well as added sweeteners or flavorings. You have complete control over tailoring the drink to your preferences.
Ready to get started with making your own iced coffee?
Pick your favorite Folgers coffee and get started. Find a store nearby or shop online now.
Frequently Asked Iced Coffee Questions
How do you make iced coffee?
Iced coffee is made by brewing coffee using your preferred method and letting it cool down to room temperature before serving it over ice.
Can you refrigerate hot coffee to make iced coffee?
Yes, you can refrigerate hot coffee to make iced coffee. This is a quick way to make iced coffee if you don’t have time for the coffee to cool down on its own. Simply transfer the hot coffee to a pitcher or container and place it in the refrigerator to cool down. Once completely cooled, pour over ice, and enjoy.
What do I need to make iced coffee at home?
To make iced coffee at home, you will need ground coffee, water, ice, a pitcher or container, and a coffee maker. You may also choose to use milk or cream, and flavored syrups or sweeteners.
Can you make iced coffee with regular coffee?
Yes, you can make iced coffee with regular coffee. You can use any type of coffee, but it is recommended to use a strong and bold coffee to keep the flavor after it has been diluted with water. The coffee may taste slightly different when served cold, so you may need to adjust the amount of coffee or brewing method to get your desired flavor.
How long does iced coffee stay fresh?
Iced coffee typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, however, it is best to consume it within a few days of preparing it for the best taste and quality. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s recommended to discard that iced coffee.
Is iced coffee the same as cold brew coffee?
No, iced coffee is typically brewed hot and then poured over ice, while cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time.