With summer just around the corner and temperatures soaring, there is nothing more invigorating than an ice-cold cup of coffee to start the day or brighten an afternoon. Instead of resorting to expensive coffee chains, why not try making your own delicious iced coffee at home? Not only is it cost-effective, but you also have complete control over the flavour and ingredients. In this article, we share a simple recipe and some handy tips to prepare the perfect iced coffee at home.
Step 1: Choose the right coffee
A great iced coffee starts with the right coffee beans. Choose a medium to dark roast coffee as it has a richer flavour that goes well with ice cream. You can also experiment with different coffees to find the flavour that suits you best. Freshly ground coffee beans are always a winning choice as they provide the freshest flavour.
Step 2: Brew the perfect coffee
Now that you’ve chosen your coffee beans, it’s time to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Use a brewing method that suits you, such as a cafetière, filter coffee maker or espresso machine. For iced coffee, however, it is best to brew a stronger coffee than normal, as the flavour will be slightly diluted when the ice melts.
Step 3: Cooling and serving
Once brewed, let the coffee cool to room temperature. If desired, add sugar or syrup for extra sweetness. Then place the coffee in the fridge and let it get cold for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight. This will ensure that the iced coffee is well chilled and refreshing.
When you are ready to enjoy your iced coffee, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the chilled coffee over it. Add milk or cream to taste and stir well. Top it off with a pinch of cocoa powder, cinnamon or even a dollop of whipped cream for that extra bit of luxury.
More tips for the perfect homemade iced coffee:
- Experiment with flavours. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a touch of nutmeg for a unique twist to your iced coffee.
- Use ice cubes from coffee. Make extra coffee and pour it into ice cube moulds to make coffee ice cubes.This way, your iced coffee won’t become watery when the ice cubes melt.
- Play with milk. Use milk of your choice – from skim milk to almond milk, depending on your preference and dietary needs.
With this simple recipe and handy tips, you can now enjoy delicious iced coffee at home. Not only will you save money, but you also have the flexibility to customise the flavour to your preference. So what are you waiting for? Get out those coffee beans and start making your own refreshing concoction of homemade iced coffee. Add a delicious healthy dessert and your day is good!