This Iced Coffee recipe is a perfect drink for hot summer days or anytime you want some cold refreshment. Skip the store-bought versions and make your own instead. I’ll share how to make the boldest and strongest iced coffee you’ve ever had! 

pouring almond milk into iced coffee.

Iced coffee is one of the simple pleasures in life. It’s made with coffee that has already been brewed and then served with ice.

Most people make iced coffee the wrong way! They brew a pot of hot coffee and then add ice cubes. This dilutes the coffee and doesn’t even make it cold.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make the perfect glass of iced coffee that is made sugar-free and keto-friendly. This recipe is also paleo, vegan, and dairy-free using nut milk instead of cream.

See my related recipe for an Iced Mocha.

Contents hide
1 Why You Need This Recipe
2 Key Ingredients
3 Recipe Steps
4 Recipe Tips & Substitutions
5 Recipe FAQs
6 More Refreshing Drink Recipes You Might Like
7 Don’t Miss These Coffee Posts!
8 Iced Coffee Recipe

Why You Need This Recipe

  • Most people make iced coffee the wrong way! Don’t let this happen to you. I’ll share the tricks, including how to make coffee ice cubes.
  • Skip the expensive pre-made iced coffees at the store and make your own.
  • By making homemade iced coffee, you save money and you also maintain control over the quality of your ingredients.
glass of iced coffee with lots of ice.

Key Ingredients

Organic ground coffee make the base of any good iced coffee. See my list of the best organic coffee brands. You can also use instant coffee! See my list of the best decaf instant coffee brands.

Dairy-free milk adds creaminess. I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use whatever type of milk you like. If you aren’t on a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can use cream or half and half.

Coffee ice cubes are an optional ingredient to make your iced coffee extra strong.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

dish of coffee ice cubes.

Recipe Steps

Step One

Divide your ice cubes between two glasses.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Pour in the cold or room temperature coffee.

pouring cold brew coffee over ice in a mug.

Step Three

Add some milk and your sweetener of choice. Feel free to leave out any sweetener if you are a fan of black or unsweetened coffee.

Step Four

Stir and serve immediately!

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • Iced coffee is best made using coffee that you have already brewed and brought down to room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator. You can also use cold brew coffee (here’s how to make cold brew coffee). If you use hot coffee, it will melt the ice and it will not be cold. 
  • Coffee ice cubes are made by putting brewed coffee into ice cubes trays and freezing them until solid. Leftover brewed coffee if perfect for making coffee ice cubes!
  • The nutrition info for this recipe does not include any added sugar or sweeteners.
  • If you aren’t on a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can use cream or half and half in your iced coffee.
  • Want your ice coffee in dessert form? Try Coffee Popsicles!
creamy iced coffee served in a pretty glass.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make iced coffee using hot brewed coffee?

Yes, but you need to let it cool down first. If you simply can’t wait, then you can use coffee ice cubes to make iced coffee from freshly-brewed hot coffee. This will prevent the coffee from being diluted. You’ll need extra coffee ice cubes if you are using hot coffee because you’ll need enough to cool the coffee and then additional ice cubes to keep it cold.

How do I make coffee ice cubes?

It’s so easy to make coffee ice cubes. Simply fill an ice cube tray with leftover brewed coffee or freshly-brewed coffee (be careful if you are working with hot coffee). Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours to freeze solid. Remove the coffee ice cubes from the tray and use them as you like. Store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What is the best sweetener for iced coffee?

It’s up to you! If you are a fan of black coffee, then you don’t need any sweetener. If you like a bit of sweetness to your coffee, feel free to use a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit (see my list of the best natural sugar substitutes). You can also use sugar, maple syrup, or sugar syrup.

How do you make cold brew coffee?

My favorite way to make cold brea coffee is to put two tablespoons of ground coffee into a French press. Add one cup of filtered water. Don’t push the press through yet! Put the French press into the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Then, push the press and you will have cold brewed coffee.

best iced coffee infographic with ingredients to make it.

More Refreshing Drink Recipes You Might Like

Or, check out my entire index of beverage recipes.

Don’t Miss These Coffee Posts!

Best Instant Decaf Coffee for 2024

Best Organic Coffee for 2024 (Whole, Ground, & Pods)

Coffee Popsicles

Best Decaf Coffee for 2024 (Tested & Reviewed)

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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pouring milk into iced coffee on table.

Iced Coffee Recipe

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

This Iced Coffee recipe is a perfect drink for hot summer days. Skip the store-bought versions and make your own instead. I’ll share how to make the boldest and strongest iced coffee you’ve ever had!

  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups ice cubes or coffee ice cubes (see notes)
  • 16 ounces brewed coffee, at room temperature or chilled (see notes)
  • 1/4 cup milk or plant milk (I used almond milk)
  • Sweetener of choice, optional

Instructions

  1. Divide your ice cubes between two glasses. You can also use crushed ice, if you prefer.
  2. Pour the coffee between the two glasses.
  3. Top with milk and sweetener.
  4. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Iced coffee is best made using coffee that you have already brewed and brought down to room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator. If you use hot coffee, it will melt the ice and it will not be cold.
  2. You can also use cold brew coffee. To make your own cold brew, place two tablespoons of ground coffee in a jar or French press. Add one cup of water and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. Then, push the press or filter the grounds from the water to get one cup of cold press coffee.
  3. Coffee ice cubes are made by putting brewed coffee into ice cubes trays and freezing them until solid. Leftover brewed coffee if perfect for making coffee ice cubes!
  4. The nutrition info for this recipe does not include any added sugar or sweeteners.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 7
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 37.3 mg
  • Fat: 0.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.