Iced coffee, is there anything I crave more everyday on a hot summer’s day? Nope. I LOVE my coffee, but after 9am it is just too hot to be pounding back hot drinks. I used to make the almost daily trek to Starbucks to get my fix in the iced form, but it can get expensive quick. I’ve since learned how to make iced coffee at home so I can save money AND drink more coffee. That is what I call a win-win ;)
Now, making iced coffee at home may seem like a silly thing to post about, because isn’t it just coffee and ice? Yes and no. There is definitely some technique required unless you want to end up with a cup full of watery, lukewarm coffee or, better yet, a cup of unsweetened iced coffee with a whole bunch of sugar granules stuck on the bottom or being sucked up your straw. Don’t worry, young padawan. I will teach you my ways! Keep reading to learn how to make iced coffee at home!
You can use a Keurig (or other brewing system) OR a regular coffee pot to make iced coffee at home. I used to love using my Keurig K-Cafe because it brews espresso shots as opposed to a whole cup of coffee, but these days I just use instant coffee (this one is the best) because I don’t have a Keurig anymore.
Step 1 – Get a coffee mug out and add however much sugar you like in your iced coffee. Note that the very first thing that you must do is ADD THE SUGAR FIRST. It definitely slips the mind every now and then, but you will pay the price if you don’t. Sugar won’t dissolve in a cold drink, so make sure you are adding the sugar while the coffee is still hot- or else you end up with granules being sucked up your straw. It’s gross, you don’t want that.
Step 2 – Brew your espresso shot, or brew a small cup of coffee, or pour in however much coffee you want in your drink from your coffee pot, or mix the regular amount of instant coffee you’d use in a cup with 1/4 of a coffee mug of hot water. If you are brewing an espresso shot, small cup or are using instant coffee, once you’ve stirred your coffee to make sure all the sugar is dissolved, you will probably want to add a bit of cold water to assist in the cooling process and to make your drink not so strong. Don’t do this if you have poured your coffee straight from the coffee pot as you’ll water it down too much (you can cool your coffee down a bit by placing it in the fridge for a while). Don’t add so much water that your mug ends up completely full, because it probably won’t all fit in your tumbler with all the ice and milk.
Step 3 – Fill a tumbler with ice, a little less than 3/4 full. I most often will use a Starbucks grande sized tumbler (because it’s the perfect size AND I’m almost positive that something tastes better if I drink it out of this, haha).
Step 4 – Pour your drink over the ice and quickly fill any extra space in your tumbler with milk (I say quickly because you want your coffee to cool as fast as possible for minimal ice melting). Mix up your drink with your straw, screw on the lid and you are good to go! Enjoy!
Key points: sugar needs to go in your coffee BEFORE anything gets cold, and you need to cool down your coffee a bit (whether by letting it sit in the fridge for a bit or by adding a bit of cold water to your already dissolved/sweetened coffee) before pouring over the ice or the ice will melt and you’ll have a big cup of watery coffee. If you can manage those two things, you’re going to be an excellent iced coffee maker!
Make sure you pin the very top image in case you need to come back to this post. I hope this helped you learn how to make iced coffee at home, and if all else fails… go to Starbucks!
Torie says
Dude, this is actually an extremely useful post for people! Most do not understand how easy it is to mess up a good iced coffee! Especially when the sugar comes into play ;)
As a fellow caffeine addict, I loved this post! :)
Chelsea says
Hhahaha! I have made the sugar mistake MANY times. I still do it every now and then when I’m not paying attention ahha.
Charlie says
Iced passion tea lemonade sweetened!
Sarah @ 12 Twenty Seven says
White chocolate mocha, non-fat, no whip! :)
Brooke says
Anything with caramel!
Faith says
Yay!! Love starbucks and so does my husband! We seriously could go broke with how much we go!
Whitney Cramer says
yay for Starbucks! (obviously I’m not commenting to “enter” – Just wanted to test my links. haha
Vivian Stone says
I am partial to the green or passion teas or I love a caramel macchiato!!
Leah says
Thanks so much! I have been trying to figure out how to do this for ages! Everyone else says just to brew it over ice and I typically end up with water with a hint of coffee. :p
Chelsea says
Ugh yeah I’m not into the brew over ice technique, it always left me with really watered down lukewarm coffee haha.
Leah says
Also – Caramel Ribbon Crunch is my fav.
Brittany Ruth says
Tall light mocha frappucino.
Stefanie Gladden says
I love starbucks mocha frappes!! they are amazing!
Rae says
I LOVE me some iced lattes :)
HS says
I like Caramel Macchiato .
Tori Venable says
I like the iced caramel macchiato and iced vanilla lattes!
KV says
I like hot chocolate.
ellen casper says
Love their Caramel Macchiato .
Ashley says
My Starbucks drink of choice is: Venti iced coffee with soy, vanilla, and lite ice. Yum
Shannon Rosche says
thanks for the recipe!
Chelsea says
You’re very welcome! :)
Liberty T. says
My favorite Starbucks drink is hands down a Caramel Machiatto with extra whipped cream!
Myra says
Classic Chai Tea Latte….yummy!!
Jessica Doll says
Venti Iced Green Tea Latte with Soy, Shaken! Bammmm. Oh man I want to win, lol.
heather luukkonen says
Dirty chai
Jessica Todd says
I can’t wait for peppermint mochas to be in season!!
amber.m says
iced caramel machhiato!
Gina M (Wild Orchid) says
I love caramel macchiatos.
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
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Erika says
Caramel frappaccino with caramel and chocolate drizzle!!!
Gillian says
OH man, I seriously need to save this post for later so that I can finally master iced coffee at home! For some reason I have always been really intimidated by this! Awesome post, and yeah I want that gift card for sure…. :)
Chelsea says
Haha! Good luck trying your hand at it :)
Gillian says
My favorite drink is the Iced Caramel Macchiato!
Deena Briseno says
I’m not a huge coffee drinker but I love Passion Tea Lemonade!
Nicole Stotler says
I do cold brewed coffee with almond milk. Mmm. Awesome to make it at home!
Nicole Stotler says
My favorite Starbucks is white chocolate mocha!
Nancy says
I love frappachino’s and I can never spell them. I also love hazelnut latte’s or peppermint white mochas, or….their gingerbread, and banana bread. I like starbucks. Clearly. Man. Yum.
Harleen D says
This is awesome!! I love making iced coffee at home, thanks for the steps! :)
Chelsea says
You’re very welcome! xo
Tara says
Love the hot chocolate!
Lisa K says
The mocha cookie crumble frappucino is my fave!
Barbara Montag says
I have a new Starbucks favorite – Cool Lime Refresher!
thank you
Diana says
My fav is simple..skinny vanilla latte (iced)
Shandy says
simple… Iced Coffee with Soy Milk
Meredith says
My favorite drink is a lite caramel Frappuccino with no whip cream! Yummmmm!!
Christina D says
Raspberry iced lemonade
Crystal says
My absolute favorites are the seasonal lattes – gingerbread and pumpkin spice!
Priscilla S. says
My favorite is the java chip frappuccino.
Angela Ballard says
My absolute favorite SB drink is a venti SF vanilla NF chai latte. Love the spice..yum :)
Luna says
I literally live for the Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Ashley Mione says
Love Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Lori L says
I love the lime refresher! Sooooo good!
vanessa simonetta says
Oh, I love Starbucks!! I’m sending my readers over for this awesome giveaway!
betsy says
I LOVE toffee nut lattes!
Dee says
I love their iced caramel macchiato! :)
Tami says
I like the Medicine Ball secret menu drink when I’m not feeling well.
Jessica F says
iced vanilla latte!
Chris Gee says
I love iced caramel macchiatos!
carol clark says
White chocolate mocha
Megan @ All That Glitters says
Iced coffee is my favorite at most places, but at Starbucks I love the Iced caramel macchiato! Yumm!
Chelsea says
Ice coffee is my jam! I use to make the sugar mistake but have since learned! I also frequent the bux daily, such a lovely addiction!
Chelsea says
Hahahah I’ve made that mistake SO many times. You live you learn ;)
Colleen Boudreau says
Java Chip.
Kory says
That’s definitely a tough one, but I absolutely looove the Peach Green Tea Lemonade!
Chelsea says
Oh my gosh I am obsessed with this. If I was the person winning the giveaway, I would literally spend $175 on these hahhahah
Allyson G says
My favorite Starbucks drinks are probably the seasonal ones – Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Eggnog Lattes, etc etc.
Christy Peeples DuBois says
I use a cold coffee toddy to make my concentrate and love love ice coffee. I will have to say the iced vanilla latte is my favorite but I love most all of them.
Melissa Saenz says
Iced Americano!
Erin says
White Chocolate Mocha FTW (:
Natalie says
I love this! Yum, iced coffee! Can’t wait to try! And my favorite Starbucks drink is definitely an iced caramel macchiato, or if I’m not feeling like coffee, I’ll get a iced peach green tea lemonade. Yum!!!!
Jenesse says
My favorite is the iced mocha latte!
Breanna says
Frappicino’!
Monika says
I have tried making my own iced coffee many times, this blog showed me what I was doing wrong. I am taking your advice and trying again. Thanks! :)
Monika says
And my favorite starbucks drink is a caramel frappe
Chelsea says
Oooh good luck! I hope it works out better this time :)
Deb Yancey says
I have a sweet tooth and I love the caramel frappucinos.
Thuy says
Love their Green Tea Latte
Kayla says
I love the vanilla macchiato!
Lissa Cole says
I’m so glad you made an iced coffee post! Seriously adding sugar into any drink you’re taking from hot to cold is the most important step. Nothing more depressing than drinking a bitter drink you wanted sweet!
Chelsea says
Hhahahha YUP! Or when you start sucking up the sugar granules in your straw, it’s so gross hahaha.
Jennifer R says
In summer my favorite Starbucks drink is Teavana shaken sweet tea and in the winter espresso topped with whipped cream. Yum!
Stephanie F. says
Skinny vanilla latte with cinnamon powder
Angela Y says
I like the raspberry white chocolate mocha.
Stephanie says
I make a HUGE container of iced coffee and it lasts me about 2 weeks – not as long as it should, but I’m an addict, what can I say?
Jordan says
Oprah Chai Tea Latte!
Jennifer says
Iced Americano!
Dayanneth says
These are some awesome tips && they work put really well. They are supper fast & easy. Thanks a lot for the help/tip .
Autumn R says
Matcha Green Tea Frap…even in the winter! :-)
Nicole Marie says
My favorite drink is Vanilla Iced Coffee with milk.
Yvonne Tabaracci says
White chocolate mocha
tung ton says
iced caramel machiatto
jeannine glen says
I just love their desserts.
Julie Murphy says
I like the strawberry lemonade.
Tom Bellamy says
Decaf is my favorite.
jm says
hot chocolate
Suzanne @ Princapecos says
Current fave hot: Caramel Macchiato
Current fave cold: Cafe Espresso Frap
Maegan Morin says
Caramel Macchiato is my favorite!!
Caitlyn S. says
In the summer I love iced caramel frappucinos and in the winter I like caramel macchiato or white chocolate mocha.
I love Starbucks! Going to target and getting a coffee first is the best!
Kenny F says
White chocolate mocha
Madonna says
I like the Caramel frappaccino
Dianne says
I enjoy their Lattes
Laura Royal says
I love a regular americano drink
Melly says
The pumpkin lattes, when they are in season.
Silvia Fugate says
Hazelnut Mocha topped with whipped cream!
shaunie says
Would have to say that my favorite is the Espresso Frappuccino Blended Beverage
Jenn says
Cafe vanilla frapuccino
nikki robak says
frappaccino
melanie borhi says
I am a huge Fan of Starbucks and always will be I have so many different drinks I enjoy hard to pick a favorite, but if I must I would say the caramel macchiatto :) its delicious
Natalie says
My favorite drink to order at starbucks, especially in the summer, is the vanilla frapp!
Carolsue says
I like their Iced Chai Tea Latte!
Carolsue says
My INSTAGRAM name is Cezovski9
Roz says
Has to be the Mocha Frap
Doreen says
Hazelnut Frapps are my fav!! Thanks for the chance to win! Hope, hoping!! :)
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annette cambell says
I love their hot chocolate!!
Debbie F says
my favorite is frappaccino
Luna S says
I love the double choco chip frap!
Dbbie says
Frappicino
Bev says
My favorite Starbucks drink is Skinny Peppermint Mocha!
Lynn Clayton says
From the secret menu captain crunch mocha ice frappachino or ice cofee with caramel
Katherine henson says
Always the Iced Vanilla Latte or a White Chocolate Mocha : )
Theresa N says
Starbucks decaf black and strong.
amanda says
depends on the day but my normal is an iced nonfat caramel macchiato and if im really tired i love an iced americano and if im freezing i like soy chai latte
Brenda Penton says
Skinny Vanilla Latte
Emily says
Green tea! Simple, but delicious :)
Shellie Clark says
my favorite is the mocha frappucino.
meredith says
I love a big chai tea latte!
DeAnna Keller says
Caramel Machiatto with extra whipped cream!
lisa says
I’ve never been to Starbucks. I browsed their online menu and the drink I would most like to try is the Espresso Con Panna.
Andrea Merrigan says
Looks really good…I will have to try this!
Suzanne G says
My favourite drink is Black Iced Tea–no sweetener no lemon no water and lots of ice.
Cassie says
I always get a Venti Iced Soy Chai or if it is fall a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte!
richelle bowers says
white chocolate mocha
Bree R says
Iced Vanilla latte is my favorite drink! Love me some coffee!
Mary Happymommy says
Caramel macchiato is our favorite.
abedabun dawn says
Actually, I do not have a favorite. I have tried and loved several, but I always try not to get the same thing twice.
Tracy says
love their green tea latte
nancy stokell says
Caramel Macchiato .
Rob Hestar says
caramel macchiato..Why is it so good! I gotta go buy one today before work now :P
Elizabeth R says
Creme Brule latte
Edmond says
OMG, White chocolate mocha, non-fat, is to die for. Fab. 2 fingers snap. SOS. Help. Pick me, pick me! Your next winner!!! Show me the money!!! It would be a dream come true & means more to me than anyone else to win. Starving artist here desperately needs the Star bucksgc to shop & eat again. Winner, winnner. Chicken dinner. A life changing experience. Top of my bucket list. Thanks for the awesomeness, the contest, & generosity. Dear Santa: I have been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest.
Heather {My Little HEA} says
tall, non-fat, no whip, peppermint mocha!! Christmas in a cup all year round!
Marcus says
Tall Americano. Thank you!
Alice F. says
I love the Grande White chocolate mocha…it is so much better than plain coffee.
Rhonda W G. says
I like a simple black coffee! No bells and whistles needed for me!
Tabathia B says
Anything and all things mocha and I love their seasonal pumpkin drink also
ND says
Mocha cookie crumble frappuchino! This was an awesome post, I’ll be sure to use its advice soon. :)
kimbelry drodge says
Iced passion tea lemonade
Bons says
I love hot chocolate
Sammi says
I almost solely drink iced coffee, and I usually make it at home. When I do splurge on a coffeehouse drink, I like any of the Starbucks Frappuccinos (my favorite is the Mocha Cookie Crumble right now) or a hot Cinnamon Dolce Latte on cold days.
Jaime says
I prefer my coffee hot but on extremely hot florida days I do like an iced latte. Instead of adding ice I make ice cubes out of coffee so i don’t have to worry about watering it down. I use the same concept for iced tea (tea ice cubes) and smoothies (kale juice ice cubes)
Jaime says
my fav Starbucks drink is white chocolate mocha creme with a shot of raspberry syrup.
Christa says
Caramel apple cider
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
right now it is – Iced passion tea lemonade
debra p says
I love lots of drinks there but my favorite is an iced caramel macchiato. Thanks for an awesome giveaway.
Chris Martinez says
AHHH. Hot peach tea…is the best. My daughter swears it’s the best thing for a sore throat, too!
Debbie B says
i like the passion iced tea lemonade
WHITNEY says
I liek the passion iced tea lemonade
WHITNEY says
The passion iced tea lemonade is great.
Surso S. says
I dont drink starbucks but my wife does for a special treat once in a while, she always gets a caramel macchiato
CLAIRE LEIGH HUCKFELDT says
My favorite Starbucks drink is the Café Latte.
Debbie says
Love iced Coffees, My Favourite Starbucks Drink would be Shaken Passion tea without Lemonade!!
Kim Henrichs says
Iced chai latte is my favorite right now!!
Samantha D says
Caramel Frappecino or the cookie crumble frappe.
Holly Thomas says
Black Coffee.
courtney hennagir says
I love a grande 3 pump vanilla breve latte! Unless it’s pumpkin spice season of course!
Barrett Caldwell says
green tea any way is my fave Starbucks treat
barrett caldwell says
green tea prepared any way is my fave Starbucks treat
Andrea Williams says
My favorites are Frappuccinos or Mochas – all different flavors.
Tara says
I love their Iced Green Tea Lemonades!
Abby says
Another option for sweetening iced coffee is to make a simple syrup so that the sugar is already dissolved. (Other flavors optional)
My favorite Starbucks drink is a vanilla-cinnamon dolce Americano.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I love their iced coffee
Thomas Murphy says
I like the Caramel Frappecino
Kelly B says
I always go for a caramel macciatto, but when I’m low on funds I brew at home. It never occurred to me that if I just cool the coffee down a bit before I ice it I won;t end up with the watery mess I always seem to end up with. Thanks for the tip!
Chelsea says
Your welcome! I hope you have some more success with it now :)
em says
caramel frappucino
roger simmons says
Venti Mocha Frappes with Caramel Drizzle on Top and Bottom
Petra S says
caramel macchiato
or basically anything with caramel in it!
although the pumpkin spice latte is delish too!
Christine M says
I like mocha anythng.
Neacia says
You can also prevent watered-down coffee by using coffee ice cubes. I use leftover coffee to make them – works like a charm :)
Nancy says
I also want to add (not that I’ve done it before…but i’ve seen it!) is that you can pour your left over coffee into ice cube trays and freeze them. So it’s not water-ice cubes next time, it’s coffee-ice!!! Mmmm.
Moheb says
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful article for us. A true coffee lover knows the value of one cup of coffee.