Most iced coffees can be purchased at your favorite coffee shop, but if you know how to make iced coffee, it can be as easy as making an ordinary hot brew. Of course, you’d have to add ice, cream, and some toppings, but making this icy concoction is so easy and fun that you wouldn’t mind the extra work involved. Here are some guidelines on how to make iced coffee at home.
Choose your coffee first
1. Depending on whether you choose brewed or instant coffee, you will need to prepare the strong coffee first. Strong coffee is important as it will add ice to this cold drink, as well as sugar and cream. For a glass of iced coffee, you may need ½ cup of very strong coffee.
2. If you want to brew the coffee beans of your choice, it will be better to opt for a dark roast blend. Also, if you plan to make a creamy frappuccino, it’s best to use espresso. For an extra strong brewed coffee, double the amount of coffee you would put in your usual amount of water. If you are used to putting a teaspoon per cup, make it two teaspoons per cup. You can prepare the coffee using a traditional coffee maker or any coffee maker.
3. Coffee can also be cold brewed, although you may need cold brew equipment for this. However, cold brewing your coffee can also be done manually. Here are the easy steps:
* Take a pound of coffee, put it in a jug or carafe and, for the first time, pour 2 cups of water on the ground.
*Once the grounds are completely wet, gently add an additional 8 cups into the pitcher.
* Cover the container and leave at room temperature for 12 hours.
*Carefully strain the brewed coffee after 12 hours, making sure there are no loose grounds mixed in with the liquid.
*Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and allow it to cool before making it into an ice cold drink.
4. Instant coffee works just as well, but you’ll still want it extra strong. You can put a mixture of 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 1 teaspoon of sugar, milk, and 3 tablespoons of warm water in a jar and shake it until the mixture becomes frothy. You can add as much milk as you like, but often 6 ounces or more will do.
Add ice to the mix
Once the strong coffee is prepared, you can fill a tall glass with ice cubes. For coffee on ready ice. Add cream or milk, or additional melted sugar as your taste buds demand.
Choosing the Flavors You Want Cream is a common ingredient in iced coffee, as well as regular milk. Many people also prefer to use sweetened condensed milk to eliminate the powdered sugar. However, if you are using sugar, you should mix it while the coffee is still hot. This helps dissolve the sugar very easily.
Chocolate, cinnamon, and other flavors can also be added to the frozen drink. Caramel, honey, or a shot of Bailey’s also works wonders. You can experiment to your heart’s content and reward yourself with one unique blend after another. Once you know how to make iced coffee in your own kitchen, you’ll realize that making it is not only convenient, but also a lot of fun!