Love cold press, iced mochas and frappuccinos, but hate the coffee shop prices? Try making your own specialty iced beverages right at home!
Making your own iced coffee is easy with the right iced coffee makers, but what's even easier? Adding your favorite flavors to liven up an iced coffee. Whether you're a fan of classic Mocha or Caramel, or you like a bit of a twist with Cinnamon Hazelnut and Raspberry Vanilla, there are plenty of options for adding flavor to your iced coffees. It's easy and fun to experiment with different flavors and find which ones work best for you!
And if you’re looking for something more creative than your everyday cup of java, we’ve got a range of recipes that will amaze. From a classic Iced Latte to an Pumpkin Spice treat, it’s easy to find something that will excite your taste buds! Try these recipes out for yourself or get creative and make your own unique flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless with iced coffee.
Start With a Good Iced Coffee
To get a good iced coffee drink, you need to start with a good iced coffee. Use freshly ground beans. High quality beans will ensure the freshest, most flavorful brew. Using a good cold brew technique helps to keep bitterness to a minimum. Using a good iced coffee maker can help you achieve the best results.
Ideas for Additions
Adding things like fresh fruit, dairy and nut milks, creamers, sweeteners, spices and extracts can really take your iced coffee game to the next level. Here are a few suggestions for enjoyable add-ons that you can use:
- Fresh citrus wedges – adds a zesty flavor to iced coffees. Try adding lemons or oranges for a tart kick, or limes for a milder flavor.
- Milk alternatives – coconut, almond, cashew and other nutty milks add creamy texture to your iced drinks.
- Sweeteners and syrups– chocolate sauce, caramel syrup, agave syrup, honey or sugar can be used to sweeten up your homemade beverages. Add them at the end of the brewing process so you don’t risk over-sweetening.
- Extracts and spices – Vanilla, almond and hazelnut extracts add a hint of flavor to your coffee. Alternatively, sprinkle in some cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg for an aromatic twist.
- Purees - combine pumpkin puree or fruit purees for a flavorful punch.
Once you’ve got your ingredients sorted, it’s time to get creative!
Basic Combinations
- The Classic Iced Coffee – Start with cold brewed coffee, add some sugar syrup, a splash of heavy cream and a few cubes of ice.
- Coconut Mocha – Combine cold brewed coffee, coconut milk, cocoa powder and a drizzle of honey for an indulgent treat.
- Irish Iced Coffee – Get the party started with this boozy beverage. Mix together cold brewed coffee, whiskey, cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for an Irish classic.
- Mocha Iced Coffee – blend together coffee, dark chocolate syrup, cream or non-dairy milk and ice cubes. This will create a tasty, creamy treat with hints of cocoa and coffee.
- Coconut Mocha Frappe – combine espresso, coconut cream and chocolate syrup into a blender. Add ice cubes and blend until smooth. Garnish with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Chai – Enjoy this Sri Lankan twist on iced coffee with strong black tea, coconut milk, cinnamon and cardamom.
Why not try using different extracts or spices to create unique blended drinks? For example, adding a 1/4 tsp of peppermint or almond extract can add a flavor boost to your morning smoothie or frappe, without adding extra sugar or calories. You can also experiment with different types of milk and cream such as almond, oat, coconut or macadamia for a delicious vegan twist. The possibilities are endless!
Some Recipes to Get You Started
Vanilla Iced Coffee
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 1/2 - 2 Cups cold brewed coffee
- ¾ Cup milk or almond / oat milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes to taste
Instructions:
Mix the sugar and cold brew together until dissolved. Froth the milk with the vanilla extract. Pour cold brew mixture over ice, leaving 2 inches of room at the top. Add frothed milk/vanilla and stir to combine.
Mocha Frappuccino
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold brewed coffee
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup cream or almond/coconut milk
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla coffee syrup
- Ice cubes to taste
Topping:
- Whipped cream/reddi whip
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until well combined. Add ice to the blender and blend to desired consistency. Top with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Sugar-free Creamy Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
Ingredients:
- ¼ Cup whipping cream or half and half
- 2 Tablespoon Sugar-Free Vanilla Coffee Syrup
- 3 Tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 Cup tablespoon unsweetened Almond or Oat milk (or your preference)
- 2 cups cold brew coffee
Instructions:
In a 2-4 cup measuring cup, whip the cream or froth half and half with a frother. Fold in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Then stir in the milk and sugar free syrup until the mixture is of a thick but pourable consistency. Fill two tall glasses two thirds of the way up with ice, pour cold brew coffee over ice, leaving 2 inches of space. Pour the pumpkin cream overtop and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
Classic Iced Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 4 tablespoons freshly brewed iced coffee, chilled
- 1 cup of milk (of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons sugar syrup or 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over ice.
Caramel Cold Press
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups freshly brewed iced coffee, chilled
- 1 Cup of milk or almond/oat milk
- 2 tablespoons regular or sugar free caramel coffee syrup
- A dash of cinnamon powder, if desired
- Caramel syrup
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together or combine all in a blender until smooth. Pour over ice. Drizzle with caramel syrup.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not explore further by trying different textures, such as chia seeds, fresh herbs, boba, or tea blends? The possibilities are endless! So get ready to be creative and explore new horizons with your iced coffee maker.
So next time you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing, try an iced coffee drink.
Enjoy!