Iced coffee: 4 steps to prepare it and refresh yourself

You know the day is going to be good when you can start it off with a cup of coffee. But what if it's really hot? In that case, you don't always want something hot. That's when it pays to know how to make a good iced coffee : refreshing, full of flavour and made your way at home.

What is iced coffee ?

Iced coffee is exactly what it sounds like: coffee served cold, but with a twist. It's not just letting a forgotten cup of coffee cool down (we've all done that!). In fact, this type of iced coffee is intentionally prepared to maintain its flavor and freshness.

The trick to a good drink is in how it is made. Remember that you can use different types of coffee for your personalized version. Each will give it a different flavor profile.

 

How to make the perfect iced coffee

Making iced coffee isn't complicated. But there are a few tricks to make sure your drink keeps that delicious taste. That way, it won't turn into a watered-down cup of iced coffee.

Here we give you a simple and effective guide. Follow the step by step instructions and experiment with the different tips we give you until you find your favorite version.

 

Step 1: Make a strong coffee

The first step to a delicious, fresh coffee is to make sure that your base coffee is strong. Adding ice will inevitably dilute it a bit. That's why it's best to make a more concentrated version of your regular coffee. Remember that you're not going to drink it straight up, so don't worry about the heavier flavor.

If you usually drink American coffee made with a filter or French press, you can load up each cup more. If you prefer, opt for making a double espresso . This will help you maintain the flavor once the ice starts to melt.

 

Step 2: Cool the coffee quickly

The trick to keeping your coffee from losing flavor and turning into coffee water is to cool it down as quickly as possible. As we mentioned before, it's not about letting it cool down at room temperature. Ideally, you should transfer it to a heat-resistant container and place it in the fridge. If you're in a hurry, you can place it in an ice bath to cool it down immediately.

This step is crucial to prevent the ice you add later from diluting the flavor too much. Chilling the coffee will help you maintain the perfect balance between coffee and water.

 

Step 3: Add ice

Once you have your cold coffee, it's time to serve your drink. Fill a glass with ice cubes, preferably of a medium size. Why? Because it will melt more slowly, which helps your coffee maintain its flavor for longer.

However, some people prefer crushed ice. This is also valid and will make your coffee look like a slush. It all depends on your taste. Then, pour the coffee over the cup with ice.

 

Step 4: Customize your iced coffee

This drink lends itself to many variations and customizations. You can keep it simple, just with ice, or experiment with different flavors and additions.

For example , you can make cold foam with milk. Just whisk cold milk (cow or vegetable milk) until it becomes foamy. Then, add it on top of your coffee. This way, it will be like a cappuccino, but cold!

 

Popular Iced Coffee Variations

Part of the charm of iced coffee is that you can customize it in so many ways. Here are a few variations that will surely inspire you to create your own version of this refreshing drink.

  • Add milk or cream: If you enjoy coffee with milk , you can add a little to your coffee. It can be whatever you prefer: whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even condensed milk for a sweet touch.
  • Flavored syrups : If you like your drinks with a hint of sweetness, you can add vanilla, hazelnut, coconut, or caramel syrups. This turns your iced coffee into a dessert-like drink.
  • Sweeteners: If you're one to sweeten your coffee, consider doing so before you cool it. Sugar or honey dissolve better in hot coffee. You can also use healthy sweeteners to maintain a balance.
  • Affogato : Technically, this is a dessert. However, it is also ideal for cooling off. This is a dessert of Italian origin (Laranjeira, 2020). All you have to do is serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a glass and pour a hot espresso on top. The result is a spectacular combination of textures and temperatures.
  • Add a splash of alcohol: For special occasions, you can turn your iced coffee into a cocktail. This will give your drink a sophisticated twist. Some of the most popular liquor-infused coffee options include: espresso martini, White Russian, Black Russian, Irish coffee, and Bailey's coffee (Presto Coffee, 2023).

 

Presentation Tips

The presentation of your iced coffee is just as important as its taste. A tall glass with ice and an attractive decoration can make your coffee feel even more special. You can also follow these tips :

  1. Clear glasses: A clear glass not only allows you to see the layers of your coffee, but also makes the drink look more attractive.
  2. Rim: Add a touch of creativity to the rim of your glass. You can top it with a little honey or syrup and then roll the rim in cocoa powder, cinnamon, shredded coconut or brown sugar. This simple detail can make your drink look worthy of any fancy coffee shop.
  3. Swirl Decoration: Add an artistic touch by using chocolate or caramel syrup. Before pouring the coffee into the glass, place the syrup in a spiral shape inside the glass. When you pour the coffee, the eye-catching decoration will show through the clear glass.
  4. Finishing touches: Garnish your coffee with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, grated chocolate or an orange slice for a gourmet touch. You could even add a few fresh mint leaves for extra freshness.

 

So next time the heat is at its peak and you're craving a nice cup of coffee, you know what to do. Make yourself a delicious iced coffee and enjoy it your way.