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A delicious and refreshing iced coffee is one of the best ways to combat the intense summer heat. But you can't go to your local coffee shop every time a craving hits.
It's much cheaper, quicker, and easier to make iced coffee at home.
You don't even need a fancy espresso machine to make your own iced coffee.
This post will teach you everything you need to know to make iced coffee at home with humble instant coffee granules.
What Ingredients Do You Need To Make An Iced Coffee?
For basic iced coffee, you need three simple ingredients. After that, you can customize your brew however you like.
You’ll need:
- Instant coffee granules
- Cold water
- Ice cubes
Of course, you can also add your choice of milk, sweetener, or flavored syrup to get your iced coffee just how you like it. We'll cover some of the best customization options later on.
Not all instant coffee is made equally, and some are better than others.
Here are our recommendations for amazing iced coffee that's ready in an instant:
- For this instant iced coffee, we’d recommend our 2-in-1 Instant Black Coffee.
- For those iced Americano lovers, the 3-in-1 Instant Vietnamese Milk Coffee.
- For those of you who love a creamy, punchy blend, or the 4-in-1 Vietnamese Coconut Coffee for our lactose-free friends out there!
If you're looking for a punchy, strong coffee taste from your instant coffee iced brew, pick a bold variety that's high in caffeine. Having an instant coffee that’s either entirely robusta or a blend that includes robusta beans is the way to go here.
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients, it’s time to get brewing. This is a super quick and easy process, so you’ll be making this recipe every day of the week!
Recipe for iced coffee with instant coffee:
- Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
- Add 6-8 oz of cold water and any optional sweeteners or flavors.
- Add ice and add milk, if desired.
- Stir and enjoy immediately.
How to Customize Your Iced Coffee
Iced coffees are incredibly versatile, and you can easily switch them up based on your mood. You can use everything from different types of milk to flavored syrups to make them unique.
You can also adjust the coffee strength depending on the time of day.
Make a strong iced coffee by increasing the amount of coffee granules or reducing the amount of water first thing in the morning. Later in the afternoon, you can make a weaker coffee by reducing the amount of coffee granules or increasing the amount of water.
You can also add sweeteners and flavored syrups to jazz up your iced coffee. Popular flavors include:
- Caramel
- Maple
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Agave
Another way to switch up the flavors in your instant iced coffee is to change the milk or cream. Using coconut milk gives it a more tropical flavor, whereas oat milk adds a creaminess while keeping the drink vegan-friendly. You can also add half-and-half for a thicker, more decadent brew.
Serving & Presentation Tips
If you're serving for friends or family or want a nice photo op for your coffee, here are a few simple tips and tricks to make your coffee look really special.
1. Use Nice Glass
If you’re feeling fancy, you can present your instant iced coffee in beautiful glassware or with a range of garnishes. Not only will this give you an Instagram-worthy drink, but it’ll also leave a lasting impression on any guests you might have.
The easiest way to up your presentation game is by using fancy glasses. Give the illusion of an espresso martini in a classic martini glass, or go for old Hollywood glamour in a coupe or vintage champagne glass.
If you're serving a lot of people at the same time, a high-quality tumbler is the way to go. You don’t need to spend a fortune on glassware – thrift shops are bursting with cool and kitschy pieces that you can pick up for little cash.
2. Use Garnishes
Another way to serve up your instant iced coffee is to embrace garnishes.
If you’re going with a coconut milk blend, add coconut flakes to the top.
Going for a creamy vanilla vibe? Add a sprinkling of cinnamon before serving.
Got a summer-themed party? Add a cocktail umbrella.
FAQs: Making Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee
You know the basics of making iced coffee with instant coffee. Now, it's time to dive a little deeper with some frequently asked questions.
1. Can I make iced coffee with any brand of instant coffee?
Yes, you can make iced coffee with any brand of instant coffee. But for best results, choose a high-quality brand like Cafely Instant Vietnamese Coconut Coffee with enhanced flavor and richness. You want an instant coffee with a strong flavor, as iced coffees can become watered down and lose their flavor as the ice melts.
2. How can I make my iced coffee creamier without using dairy?
You can make a creamy iced coffee without dairy by choosing plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
3. What is the best way to sweeten iced coffee without adding sugar?
The best way to sweeten iced coffee without adding sugar is by using natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or honey. Some sugar-free sweeteners have a distinct taste that not everyone enjoys. If you're trying out a new sweetener, only use a little bit at first so you don't have to toss your iced coffee if it's not to your taste.
4. Can I make a large batch of iced coffee and store it?
Yes, you can make a large batch of iced coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours in a sealed container.
To store iced coffee: Dissolve instant coffee in a small amount of hot water.
5. How can I enhance the flavor of my instant iced coffee?
You can enhance the flavor of your instant coffee by experimenting with different syrups, spices, or extracts to create a unique blend. Popular flavor additions include vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, and chocolate.
6. Is there a decaffeinated instant coffee option for making iced coffee?
Yes, you can make instant iced coffee with decaffeinated brands. In fact, most brands offer a decaffeinated version that can be used to make iced coffee. Simply switch out regular granules for decaffeinated granules and follow the recipe as usual.
7. How much caffeine is in an average serving of instant iced coffee?
The amount of caffeine in an average instant iced coffee varies by brand but typically ranges from 30-90 mg per serving. This averages less than your average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, which has around 80-100 mg of caffeine per serving.
8. Can I use flavored instant coffee to make iced coffee?
You can absolutely use flavored instant coffee to make iced coffee. By using flavored instant coffee, you can enjoy a delicious drink that's more interesting than a standard iced coffee without any extra work. Flavored instant coffee can also help you cut down on calorie-high sweeteners and syrups.
9. What are some healthy toppings I can add to my iced coffee?
Some healthy toppings that you can add to your iced coffee include cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder. These powders and spices give you added flavor without extra calories and can be easily added at the end or mixed in with your choice of milk.
10. How can I make my iced coffee look more appealing?
You can make your iced coffee look more appealing by serving it in a clear glass with a colorful straw and adding a garnish like a slice of orange or a sprig of mint. Iced coffee is a delicious treat, so why not think of it like a non-alcoholic cocktail and have some fun with the presentation?
