Forget Starbucks. This Money-Saving Iced Coffee Recipe Is All You Need

On Sep 28, 2022

Even though autumn has arrived, warm afternoons still call for iced coffee (plus, Thursday is National Coffee Day). However, if your Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks habit is beginning to strain your finances and you’d like to save money, you’re in luck. It is surprisingly simple to make iced coffee at home, using the same basic ingredients as hot coffee.

Iced coffee differs from cold brew coffee in that it is less concentrated and contains less caffeine. But while cold brew can take an entire day to brew and requires a special cold brew maker, iced coffee is far more convenient and retains more of the coffee’s subtle flavor notes than cold brew.

Here is how to make homemade iced coffee. We also provide instructions on how to make ice cream in a food processor and a viral cocktail called the Dirty Shirley. You can also view our recommendations for the top coffee maker and coffee grinder.

It may seem obvious, but the following items are required to make iced coffee at home:

Brewed coffee (this can be from your Keurig, an automatic coffee pot, a pour-over or any other method you prefer)
Ice Extras (sugar, simple syrup, flavored syrups, cream, milk, etc.)

Cool your freshly brewed coffee. You can leave it out until it reaches room temperature, place it in the freezer for a few minutes, or, if you’re planning ahead, refrigerate it overnight so it’s ready to pour in the morning.

Fill a glass with ice, then pour the coffee over the ice. (If you pour hot coffee over ice in a hurry, you get weak, lukewarm coffee.)

Add any desired condiments, such as cream and sugar.