Iced coffee lovers, rejoice! This guide will help you master the art of crafting the perfect glass of iced coffee—cool, creamy, and strong.

Dear Lykkers! Whether you’re new to the iced coffee craze or looking for tips to refine your method, this is your go-to recipe.

What Makes Iced Coffee Special

The Key to Perfection

Crafting an ideal iced coffee begins with preparing a robust coffee concentrate. This ensures the flavor isn’t diluted when ice and cream are added. Steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours produces a smoother, richer taste compared to hot-brewed methods.

Say Goodbye to Watery Coffee

One common mistake is pouring hot coffee over ice. This leads to melted ice and diluted flavors. Instead, always start with a chilled coffee concentrate to keep the flavor bold and the temperature icy.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground coffee (rich roast recommended)

8 qt. cold water

Half-and-half (a healthy splash per serving)

Sweetened condensed milk (2-3 tbsp. per serving)

Optional: milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Concentrate

Mix 1 lb. of ground coffee with 8 quarts of cold water in a large container. Stir well to ensure the grounds are fully immersed. Place a cover over the mixture and allow it to steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours.

Step 2: Strain the Coffee

Place a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large pitcher or container. Pour the steeped coffee through the strainer slowly, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the grounds.

Step 3: Chill and Store

Pour the strained coffee concentrate into a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Fill a glass with ice cubes, then add the coffee concentrate until the glass is two-thirds full. Add a splash of half-and-half and 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Stir well and adjust the cream and sweetness to taste.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Variation

For a unique twist, make Vietnamese iced coffee using sweetened condensed milk. Add ice and coffee concentrate to a glass, then drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and a splash of half-and-half. Stir and enjoy this creamy delight.

Tips for the Perfect Iced Coffee

Experiment with Ratios

Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to suit personal preferences. A stronger concentrate will yield a bolder flavor that stands up well to ice and cream.

Explore Flavor Additions

Try adding flavored syrups like vanilla or hazelnut to customize your iced coffee experience.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy café-quality iced coffee at home anytime. It’s budget-friendly, simple to make, and fully adaptable to suit your preferences.