Iced Coffee Recipe Using a Keurig Coffee Maker

Learn how to make iced coffee with a Keurig coffee maker with this five-step recipe…

February 4, 2025
Coffee machine brewing iced coffee into a glass filled with ice cubes, with another glass of iced coffee and two coffee pods

Making iced coffee is simple with a Keurig coffee maker, even if you don't have a cold brew setting on your machine. 

This simple five-step recipe will teach you how to make a deliciously creamy iced coffee that tastes just as good, if not better than a store-bought beverage…

What You Need to Make Iced Coffee with a Keurig

Making iced coffee with a Keurig coffee maker is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Even if your Keurig doesn't have a cold brew setting, you'll be able to make delicious, creamy iced coffee. 

Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

  • One dark roast K-Cup (of your choice)
  • Ice
  • Whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Sugar or syrup (optional)

Equipment

  • Keurig coffee maker
  • Heat-proof cup
  • Large serving glass
  • Spoon (for stirring)

Coffee Pod (K-Cup) Recommendations

Which K-Cup you use comes down to personal preference. It's best to opt for a strong dark roast pod as this makes a concentrated shot of espresso-like coffee — perfect for iced coffee. 

Here are some popular K-Cup options for iced coffee:

  • Dark roast arabica
  • Hazelnut
  • Caramel
  • Toffee Nut
  • French Vanilla
  • Cinnamon Roll

How to Make Iced Coffee With a Keurig: Step-by-Step Guide

Glass of iced coffee with orange ice cubes being filled with coffee from a machine

Here's how to make iced coffee with a Keurig coffee maker in five simple steps:

1. Prepare the Keurig

First, prepare the Keurig by adding water and switching it on. 

2. Prepare a Cup

In a heat-proof cup, add three ice cubes and sugar or syrup to taste if you prefer a sweet iced coffee. Place the cup under the brewer. 

3. Brew the Coffee

Place the dark roast K-Cup of your choice in the Keurig. Brew the coffee over the ice-filled cup using the four-ounce setting. If your machine doesn't have a four-ounce setting, the six-ounce will work.

4. Assemble the Iced Coffee

In a large tall glass, add ice and slowly pour in the chilled Keurig coffee. Fill the rest of the glass with cold whole milk or a dairy-free alternative. 

5. Serve and Enjoy

Stir the beverage with a long spoon to combine the milk and coffee. 

Serve with or without a straw and enjoy it while ice-cold. 

5 Other Ways to Make Iced Coffee

You don't need a Keurig to make delicious iced coffee. 

Here are five other ways to make iced coffee:

1. Iced Coffee with a French Press

Iced coffee made using a French press tastes fantastic. The rich, full-bodied coffee that the French press produces makes it perfect for use in iced coffee. You can make both black and white (with milk) iced coffee using this brewing method — both are delightful. 

Here's what you'll need:

  • Arabica or robusta & arabica coffee blend 
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Milk
  • Sugar or syrup (optional)
  • French press

How to make iced coffee with a French press:

  1. Add 17 grams (2–3 tablespoons) of coarse grind coffee to the French press.
  2. Add roughly 170 mL of boiled water and stir gently.
  3. Place the plunger on top, but don't press it just yet.
  4. Leave the coffee to brew for 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Press the plunger gently through the coffee to strain and allow it to cool for 30 minutes to an hour.
  6. Fill a tall glass with ice and add the concentrated coffee from the French press.
  7. Pour in milk and sugar or syrup (optional). Stir To combine and enjoy while cold.

2. Iced Coffee with a Drip Coffee Maker

Most of you will have a drip coffee maker at home. This staple brewer is normally used to make a hot cup of Joe or two on a weekday morning. However, it can also be used to make iced coffee. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Freshly ground coffee 
  • Water
  • Ice 
  • Milk
  • Sugar or syrup (optional)
  • Drip coffee maker

How to make iced coffee with a drip coffee maker:

  1. Add the same amount of coffee as you would for one cup to the drip coffee maker but half the amount of water.
  2. In the coffee pot, add two or three cubes of ice.
  3. Brew the coffee over the ice until a strong, chilled, concentrated coffee is produced.
  4. Fill a serving glass with ice.
  5. Add the concentrated coffee to the glass.
  6. Pour in milk and sweeten to taste with syrup or sugar.
  7. Serve and enjoy while ice cold.

3. Vanilla Iced Coffee

Vanilla iced coffee combines the flavors of coffee and cream with the tropical sweetness of vanilla syrup. It's quick and easy to make, but making the vanilla syrup is time-consuming. 

If you want to save time, you can buy store-bought vanilla syrup, but our homemade syrup is much better. Learn how to make it here. 

Here's what you'll need to make vanilla iced coffee:

  • High-quality coffee
  • Vanilla syrup
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Milk

Here's how to make it:

  1. Brew a concentrated shot of coffee using an espresso machine, French press, moka pot, or drip coffee maker. Cool to room temperature.
  2. Fill a glass with ice.
  3. Pour in the coffee and add one to two tablespoons of vanilla syrup to taste.
  4. Add milk and stir. Serve and enjoy while cold.

4. Iced Coffee with Espresso

If you have an espresso machine or a sachet of our Instant Vietnamese Espresso, you can make a quick and easy iced coffee. The strength and boldness of espresso is perfect for milky iced coffee.

You will need:

  • Single or double shot of espresso
  • Milk
  • Ice
  • Sugar (optional)

Here's how to make espresso iced coffee:

  1. Pour one cooled shot of espresso over ice in a glass.
  2. Add milk.
  3. Stir to combine.
  4. Add sugar or syrup to taste (optional).
  5. Serve and enjoy.

5. Frosted Coffee

Frosted coffee is a milkshake-like beverage inspired by Chick-fil-A's popular drink. It combines ice cream with coffee to create a sweet, thick, creamy iced brew. It's relatively simple to make at home but does require a few ingredients and a reliable blender. 

Here's what you'll need:

  • High-quality arabica coffee
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Caramel sauce
  • Blender

How to make frosted coffee step-by-step:

  1. Make an espresso or a strong, black concentrated coffee using our Instant Vietnamese Espresso, a French press, moka pot, or Aeropress.
  2. In a blender, add 5 or 6 cubes of ice, the espresso shot, one and a half cups of vanilla ice cream, and a tablespoon of caramel sauce.
  3. Blend until a smooth, thick, milkshake-like liquid has formed.
  4. Prepare a glass by squirting a small amount of caramel sauce around the inside.
  5. Pour the frosted coffee and serve with a straw. Enjoy instantly.

FAQs: Iced Coffee and Keurig Coffee Makers

Glass of iced coffee with orange ice cubes, black coffee machine, and orange coffee pods

Want to learn more about Keurig iced coffee and other types of iced coffee?

Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions below…

1. What K-Cup Flavors Are Best For Iced Coffee?

The best K-cup flavor for iced coffee comes down to personal preference. Our favorite flavors for iced coffee are hazelnut Latte, French vanilla, and vanilla caramel. 

2. How Do You Sweeten Iced Coffee Made With A Keurig?

You can sweeten iced coffee made with a Keurig coffee maker by adding sugar, syrup, or honey. Granulated sugar can be added to the hot, concentrated coffee, and syrups can be added to the cold beverage. 

3. Can You Add Milk Or Cream To Iced Coffee Made In A Keurig?

Yes. Adding milk or cream can turn your coffee into a delightful creamy iced beverage. Instead of water for a black iced coffee, replace it with milk or cream (or a dairy-free alternative) and syrup to sweeten.

4. Do You Need A Special Keurig Machine For Iced Coffee?

No. Although Keurig machines with an iced or cold brew function provide a simple way to make iced coffee, a normal Keurig can be used to make iced coffee. Brew a pod over a cup filled with ice to instantly cool the hot coffee. 

5. Can You Make Cold Brew Coffee Using A Keurig?

Some Keurig machines have a cold brew function. However, for the best cold brew, you should use a French press. Add coarse ground coffee and cold water to the press and refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours before straining for the best cold brew. 

6. Can You Brew Coffee Directly Over Ice In A Keurig?

Yes. The best way to cool down Keurig coffee quickly for making iced coffee is to brew a pod directly over an ice-filled cup. 

7. What Other Brewing Methods Can Be Used to Make Iced Coffee?

There are several ways to make iced coffee. The most popular methods include the French press, drip coffee maker, instant coffee, and espresso machine. 

Learn how to make iced coffee five ways in this article. 

8. What is The Best Way to Store Keurig Iced Coffee?

If you've made too much iced coffee, it can be stored in the refrigerator. Remove the ice before storing it to prevent dilution. If you've added milk, the brew will last for two to three days. If it's black and unsweetened, it will last for up to one week. 

9. Can You Brew Multiple Cups of Iced Coffee With a Keurig at Once?

Yes. You can fill a large mug with ice and brew multiple K-cups to make enough coffee concentrate for multiple cups of iced coffee. 

10. Can You Make Iced Coffee With Espresso?

Yes. By chilling an espresso shot and adding ice and extra water, you can make a black iced coffee. Add milk for a creamy iced latte.