Iced coffee is a familiar favorite once warmer weather sets in, and delicious beans are the foundation of an outstanding icy brew.
Enjoyed black or with milk and sweetener, these five Cafely blends stand out as being the best coffee to use when making iced coffee.
1. SaiGon OG
Enjoying iced coffee without additives is a popular choice for many, and Cafely SaiGon OG is a robust blend that's able to carry a black iced coffee.
The robusta, arabica, and peaberry beans create a lively combination with character and intense flavor.
This bold, full-bodied option gives you far more than a hit of caffeine.
>> Shop SaiGon OG Coffee Beans
2. HaNoi
A blend of 100% Vietnamese robusta beans, Cafely HaNoi encapsulates earthy, chocolate notes providing comfort and depth of flavor.
Mild acidity means key flavors stand out, making HaNoi an intense, refreshing option for an icy brew.
Robusta beans provide intensity unmatched by arabica while simultaneously infusing your iced coffee with warm, malty notes.
3. DaNang
Some things simply work well together, and the equal blend of robusta and arabica beans in Cafely DaNang coffee blend is proof!
The beans partner together, creating a divine blend, balancing strength and flavor for a well-rounded cup.
DaNang is an all-around favorite for a balanced, medium-dark ice coffee blend with citrus notes and hints of maple sweetness.
4. Vietnamese Coffee 2.0 (Espresso)
Unlock the vibrancy of Vietnam with Cafely instant Vietnamese black coffee. Bold in flavor and with 150 mg of caffeine per packet, this black coffee promises a punchy kick.
Blended with robusta beans, monk fruit, organic flavors, and a touch of salt, Cafely instant black coffee is the answer for an iced coffee on the go that’s just as good as the one you make at home.
>> Shop Cafely Vietnamese Coffee 2.0 (Instant Espresso)
5. Vietnamese Coffee 2.0 (Milk Latte)
Another convenient option is Cafely's Milk Latte Vietnamese Instant Coffee 2.0, blended with organic natural flavors and without added sugar. Some days call for creamy, rich blends with an inviting foamy finish, and this instant coffee is a tasty choice.
Delicious served hot or over ice, Cafely's Milk Latte is a dream option when you need a quick pick-me-up on the go but don’t want to sacrifice time.
>> Shop Cafely Vietnamese Coffee 2.0 (Milk Latte)
How to Choose the Best Beans for Iced Coffee: Other Factors
The right coffee beans will get you close to that perfect cup, but it doesn’t stop there. Here are four other things to consider if you want the best iced coffee.
1. Selecting The Best Grind Size
The right grind size for iced coffee depends on your style of brewing. Various methods of brewing coffee have different requirements, so here’s a simple guide to follow:
Whatever brewing method you use, the right grind size will make or break the final product.
Related: How to Properly Grind Coffee for Full Flavor
2. Selecting The Best Roast
Coffee roasts dramatically change the flavor of coffee, and the flavors tend to stand out even more with iced coffee.
Coffee roasts include:
- Light
- Medium
- Medium-dark
- Dark
Light roasts tend to be more fruity and aromatic, while darker roasts have a classically warm, slightly bitter coffee taste.
For iced coffee, choose the roast best suited to your coffee preferences. Medium or medium-dark roasts such as Cafely DaNang make a balanced iced coffee. Bold flavors stay at the forefront of your cup even when blended with milk and sugar, while bitterness is controlled with even extraction.
3. Robusta or Arabica?
Most coffee beans in the market are arabica — their fruity, smooth flavor makes them the preferred type.
The tides are turning, however, as better quality robusta beans become more available, allowing coffee users to finally experience robusta coffee as it should be.
Robusta and arabica are the foundation of Cafely blends, bringing a unique energy to your cup. Both beans are delicious, but considering the differences between the two will help uncover which you’re more likely to prefer for iced coffee.
Arabica vs. Robusta: Charting the Differences
Preparing iced coffee with arabica beans produces a light, subtly sweet, smooth coffee, while robusta is the bean to go for if you want an iced coffee with a kick and bold traditional coffee flavors.
4. What Country of Origin?
Coffee beans are grown all over the world in varying conditions. Soil quality, sun exposure, and rainfall, among other conditions, can affect the flavor of coffee beans.
Single-origin coffee highlights the beauty of beans from a specific region or farm. In contrast, blended varieties celebrate coffee’s united nature by combining different beans from across the globe.
Iced coffee needs a flavorful blend suitable for an icy brew, and robusta beans are a bold choice. Cafely sources beans from the hills of Vietnam, ensuring the energy and vibrancy of the country infuse into every cup of coffee.
Related: History of Vietnamese Coffee
Pro Tips: Brewing Techniques for Perfect Iced Coffee
An iced coffee takes minutes to prepare, but taking extra measures helps guarantee the perfect brew every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Beans
There aren’t any rules for the exact brewing method you should use to make iced coffee.
Regardless of whether you use an AeroPress, moka pot, or a coffee machine, if you brew your coffee correctly with the right grind and conditions, you won’t have any problem making a refreshing icy treat. So, prepare your beans to the correct grind for your brewing method.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee
Brew your coffee according to the recommendations of your brewing method. Use the right amount of coffee, and don’t rush the process. You’ll be able to taste everything once it’s poured over ice, so avoid over or under-extraction.
Cold Brew for Iced Coffee
Cold brew and iced coffee are not the same thing, but you can use cold brew as the base of your iced coffee. Freshly ground coarse beans are the best option for easy filtration and avoiding bitterness. Making a flavorful black cold brew can help you stay away from unhealthy additives like sugar or cream, which can add calories to your iced coffee.
Instant Coffee for Iced Coffee
Instant coffee is a great way to get a quick cup of iced coffee. What once was scorned by coffee connoisseurs, instant coffee is gaining momentum as a valid and delicious way to make coffee.
Cafely instant Vietnamese coffee is an indulgent, dairy-free option naturally sweetened and infused with coconut to bring a tropical edge to your iced coffee. Perfectly balanced with bold robusta flavors and fragrant coconut, this is a blend to savor when summer is calling.
Related: How to Make Coffee —Your Complete Guide to Brewing the Perfect Cup
Step 3: Allow the Coffee to Cool
Once brewed, set the coffee aside and allow it to cool to room temperature. Trust us when we say this is crucial. The coffee won’t immediately melt the ice, but you can enjoy an iced coffee that’s truly cold. Watered-down coffee is a cup of disappointment, and we want you to avoid that.
Cold brew allows you to skip this step.
Step 4: Add Ice & Serve
After allowing the coffee to cool, fill a glass with ice and add the freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy black, or follow with milk, sugar, or sweetener to make your iced coffee just how you like it.
Related: Vietnamese Iced Coffee Brew Guide
Perfecting Iced Coffee: Mistakes to Avoid
Making iced coffee isn’t complicated, but it requires the precision of correct brewing for ultimate flavor and patience to let the coffee cool. Take the time to give your coffee beans the attention they deserve.
For the best iced coffee, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using an incorrect grind size for the brewing technique
- Not allowing coffee to cool resulting in a lukewarm brew
- Using poor quality, flavorless beans
- Choosing beans that don’t match your personal preference
How to Keep Coffee Beans Fresh
Once you’ve opened a bag of coffee beans, what should you do with them?
To preserve coffee’s freshness and quality, beans should be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature. Use colored or opaque containers to block out sunlight and keep the beans as fresh as possible.
Incorrectly storing quality beans can lead them to lose their flavor, so it’s best practice to keep them airtight and use them within a couple of weeks.
Old coffee beans or those that have been stored improperly can make watery, weak brews — not ideal for iced coffees that need bold beans. As the ice in your glass will slowly melt, using a stronger coffee ensures you won’t miss out on any flavor, even as your brew becomes slightly watered down.
Key takeaways for getting the most out of your beans include:
- Storing beans in an opaque, airtight container
- Keep beans at room temperature
- Use beans within a couple of weeks to harness flavor
A store cupboard or pantry is an ideal location to store open coffee beans as they tend to be cool, dark places away from sunlight.
An airtight container will keep moisture away from your beans — another big issue that can make your coffee go off quickly! A screw cap container may be the best practice for protecting coffee aroma [3].
Related: How Long Does Coffee Creamer Last After Opening?
The Best Foods to Pair With Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a standout brew, and pairing it with certain foods transforms the flavors inside your cup. Sweets like chocolate, cakes, and pastries are a match made in heaven, especially if you avoid sweetening your iced coffee. Enjoying your iced coffee without sugar or sweeteners means the natural coffee flavors balance the sugar in the cake or pastry.
For savory taste buds, pair creamy iced coffee with savory crepes. A filling containing salty meat and strong cheese balances the natural sweetness of the coffee, producing an inviting contrast.
FAQs: Best Coffee for Iced Coffee
Do you still have questions about the best coffee for iced coffee?
Here are our top FAQs to give you some quick answers.
1. What is the Best Grind Size for Iced Coffee?
It depends on how you're brewing the coffee, but a medium-coarse grind resembling sea salt is a good compromise if you don’t have access to a grinder. It will help your iced coffee avoid bitterness and obtain even extraction.
2. Can I Use Robusta Beans for Iced Coffee?
Yes, robusta beans are great for use in iced coffee as they deliver a brew strong in flavor and rich in body. For a lighter, fruitier coffee, choose quality arabica beans.
3. How Can I Avoid a Bitter Iced Coffee?
Use fresh beans, the proper grind size, and avoid over-extraction to sidestep bitter iced coffee.
4. What Makes a Good Coffee Blend for Iced Coffee?
Look for beans with a balance of strength, flavor, and body when making iced coffee. Blends using robusta and arabica beans provide balance and consistent taste.
5. How Often Should I Clean My Coffee Equipment?
Take time to clean your coffee equipment after each use with fresh water, and give machines and devices such as an espresso machine, AeroPress, or moka pot a deep clean every month.
6. What is the Ideal Water Temperature for Brewing Iced Coffee?
Between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C) is the perfect water temperature for brewing coffee as the grounds will gently heat and infuse slowly rather than being burned by water that’s too hot.
7. Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee for Iced Coffee?
Pre-ground coffee is convenient when time is limited, but freshly ground beans provide better flavor, infusing ice coffee with complex layers.
8. How Can I Improve the Flavor of My Iced Coffee?
Use fresh beans, the proper grind size, and maintain equipment well to improve the flavor of your iced coffee.
9. What Are the Benefits of Using Instant Coffee for Iced Coffee?
Instant coffee is beneficial for iced coffee as it’s quick, convenient, and easy to mix. Choosing a quality, organic instant coffee delivers flavors not too far away from freshly ground beans.
10. Can I Use Any Type of Coffee in an Iced Coffee?
Various types of coffee can be used for ice coffee, but medium to dark roasts are generally more popular as they are full of deep, warm, chocolatey flavors.
References
- Gillespie, K. M., Kemps, E., White, M. J., & Bartlett, S. E. (2023). The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health—A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 15(4). Retrieved on July 9, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9966020/
- Zainuri, Paramartha, D. N. A., Fatinah, A., Nofrida, R., Rahayu, N., Anggraini, I. M. D., & Utama, Q. D. (2023). The Chemical Characteristics of Arabica and Robusta Green Coffee Beans From Geopark Rinjani, Indonesia. Biotropa, 30(3), 318–328. Retrieved on July 9, 2024 from https://journal.biotrop.org/index.php/biotropia/article/view/1940
- Smrke, S., Adam, J., Mühlemann, S., Lantz, I., & Yeretzian, C. (2022). Effects of different coffee storage methods on coffee freshness after opening of packages. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 33, 100893. Retrieved on July 9, 2024 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214289422000850
