Making iced coffee at home is simple! Combine instant coffee, warm water, and sugar (optional) in a jar, shake vigorously, pour over ice, and add milk or creamer to your liking.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- 1/2 - 1 cup milk, creamer, or milk alternative (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a sealable jar or container (like a mason jar), add the instant coffee, warm water, and sugar (if using).
- Shake Vigorously: Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture becomes foamy and the coffee granules are completely dissolved. This creates a concentrated coffee base.
- Prepare Your Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour and Add Milk: Pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Then, add milk, creamer, or your preferred milk alternative to the glass. Start with a smaller amount and add more to reach your desired strength and creaminess.
- Adjust to Taste: Stir well and taste. If needed, add more sugar, milk, or even a splash of vanilla extract or other flavorings to personalize your iced coffee.
Tips for the Best Homemade Iced Coffee:
- Use Good Quality Instant Coffee: The better the instant coffee, the better the flavor of your iced coffee.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar substitutes.
- Customize with Flavors: Add a dash of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or flavored syrups for a unique twist.
- Make Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to prevent your iced coffee from getting watered down as the ice melts.
- Cold Brew Concentrate: For a less acidic and smoother iced coffee, you can also make a cold brew concentrate ahead of time and use that instead of instant coffee. Combine coarse ground coffee with cold water and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Strain and use the concentrate to make your iced coffee.
- Don't Add Hot Coffee to Ice: Avoid pouring hot brewed coffee directly over ice, as it will melt the ice quickly and result in a watered-down drink. Let the coffee cool down first.
