How to make iced coffee at home: easy recipe | De' Longhi US

How to make iced coffee at home

Mastering the art of iced coffee is the perfect way to elevate your summer routine. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or want to explore the nuanced flavors of slow-steeped beans, creating an iced coffee in your own kitchen is easier than you think.

How to make iced coffee at home

What is iced coffee?

Iced coffee is simply chilled or cold-brewed coffee served over ice, often combined with milk or a sweetener of your choice. It's not just a summer trend, it's a staple for coffee lovers who want bold flavor without the heat.

There are two ways of making iced coffee: using the Cold Brew or Cold Drip methods.

Cold drip is a little more complicated to make as it requires a particular apparatus called a brew tower, and you must drip cold water slowly onto an even bed of freshly-ground coffee which very slowly ends up in the jug at the bottom. You have to be fairly committed to the process and plan well ahead as it can take up to 12 hours to complete.

Cold brew method on the other hand is a lot more straightforward and is nothing more than freshly-ground coffee steeped with cold water and then filtered. Once again, it's not a fast process and can take anywhere from four hours to a few days for your drink to be ready, but it's well worth the wait!

A quicker everyday alternative is to simply brew a strong hot coffee, such as espresso or drip coffee, and let it cool to room temperature before pouring it over ice.

Iced coffee recipe step-by-step

Now it's time to make one at home. This basic iced coffee recipe is quick, easy, and completely customizable.

Ingredients

For a classic iced coffee (serves 1):

If you prefer the Cold Brew method, use 8 oz of concentrate prepared by steeping grounds in cold water from 4 hours to a few days. For the Cold Drip method, use 8 ozl of the intense coffee essence collected from your drip tower after its 12-hour cycle.
Ice cubes
Milk of choice (whole, almond, oat, or soy), to taste
Sweetener of choice (sugar, simple syrup, or maple syrup), optional

How to prepare iced coffee?

Follow these simple steps to make a perfect iced coffee at home every time:

1. Brew a strong coffee. Depending on your chosen method:

For the Cold Brew method: mix coarse grounds with cold water and let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or up to a few days) before filtering.
For the Cold Drip method: set up your brew tower and let cold water drip slowly through the coffee bed, a process that can take up to 12 hours to complete.
For the standard method: espresso is ideal, but a strong drip coffee works perfectly too.

2. Let it cool. Allow your coffee to reach room temperature before pouring it over ice. Pouring hot coffee directly onto ice will melt it instantly and water down your drink.

3. Fill your glass with ice. Use plenty of ice cubes or, for an even richer result, use coffee ice cubes (freeze leftover brewed coffee in an ice cube tray to eliminate any dilution).

4. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice.

5. Add milk to taste. Whole milk gives a creamy result, while almond or oat milk offer a lighter, dairy-free alternative.

6. Sweeten if desired. Stir in sugar until dissolved, or use a simple syrup for a smoother blend.

7. Serve immediately and garnish with a couple of whole coffee beans for an elegant finishing touch.

Making iced coffee at home is even easier with the right equipment. De'Longhi drip coffee machines allow you to brew a full, aromatic pot of coffee at the perfect strength for your iced coffee. Or, if you prefer to skip the wait entirely, De'Longhi's dedicated cold brew coffee machines make the process effortless at home. Simply brew, cool, and pour over ice for a café-quality result without leaving your kitchen.

Recipe tips and variants

Get the most out of your iced coffee with these expert tips:

What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled before being served over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, is never exposed to heat and it's made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smoother, less acidic concentrate with a naturally sweeter flavor profile.

What is the difference between iced coffee and an iced latte?

An iced latte is made with espresso shots and cold milk poured over ice: the emphasis is on the milk. Iced coffee uses chilled brewed coffee (not necessarily espresso) as its main component, with milk as an optional addition.

What type of coffee should I use for iced coffee? A strong espresso or a concentrated drip coffee is the best choice. Since the ice and milk dilute the flavor, always start with a brew that is slightly stronger than if you would drink it hot.

Can I make iced coffee with hot coffee? Yes, but with one key tip: always let your hot coffee cool to room temperature first or refrigerate it for a few hours before using. Pouring hot coffee directly over ice melts it immediately, resulting in a watery drink. If you're short on time, brew a double-strength coffee and pour it straight over ice to compensate for the dilution.

How can I add flavor to my iced coffee? The options are endless. Try a splash of vanilla syrup, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel for a café-style twist.