Perfect Iced Coffee: Your New Summer Favorite
As the weather warms up, nothing hits the spot quite like a glass of refreshing iced coffee. Whether you’re starting your morning on a bright note or looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this perfect iced coffee recipe promises to deliver both flavor and refreshment. Below, you’ll find all the details to make this delicious drink right at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground coffee (good, rich roast)
- 8 qt. cold water
- Half-and-half (healthy splash per serving)
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 to 3 tbsp. per serving)
- Optional: Skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, syrups
Directions:
- Preparation: In a large container, mix the ground coffee with the cold water. Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for anywhere between 12 to 24 hours. This slow infusion process helps to extract the rich flavors and smooth texture without the bitterness often found in hot brewed coffee.
- Straining: After the brewing time is up, line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a pitcher or another container. Slowly pour the coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing the liquid to filter through while leaving the coffee grounds behind. Discard the grounds.
- Chilling: Transfer the strained coffee liquid to the refrigerator to cool. Keeping it chilled ensures a crisp and invigorating drink every time.
- Serving: When ready to serve, fill a glass with ice cubes to the brim. Pour the chilled coffee liquid over the ice until the glass is about two-thirds full. Add a generous splash of half-and-half and 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Stir well to blend all the ingredients. For a personalized touch, adjust the amount of half-and-half and sweetened condensed milk to suit your taste preferences. If you’re exploring other flavors, feel free to add skim, 2%, or whole milk, or sweeten with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavored syrups.
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Brewing Time: 12-24 hours
- Total Time: Between 12 hours 10 minutes to 24 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: Varies by serving
- Servings: Makes about 16 servings
This perfect iced coffee recipe is not just about quenching your thirst; it’s about savoring a fully personalized coffee experience. Adjust the creaminess and sweetness to match your preferences and enjoy a cafe-quality beverage from the comfort of your home. Perfect for any summer day, this iced coffee will keep you cool and satisfied. Enjoy your homemade delight!
Perfect Iced Coffee
- Total Time: 12-24 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Ingredients
1 lb. ground coffee (good, rich roast)
8 qt. cold water
Half-and-half (healthy splash per serving)
Sweetened condensed milk (2 to 3 tbsp. per serving)
Skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, syrups (optional)
Instructions
Mix the ground coffee with the water in a large container. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour the coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all the liquid to run through. Discard the grounds.
Place the coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.
To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill the glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add a healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (you can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Brewing Time: 12-24 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: Varies by serving