Iced French Coffee Recipe

Brew coffee

If using freshly brewed strong coffee: combine 0.5 cup coarsely ground dark roast coffee with 1 cup boiling water in a French press or pour-over and brew for 4 minutes (press or pour). If using cold brew concentrate, skip to chilling step. Aim for a final yield of 2 cups strong coffee once strained.

Once brewed, immediately pour the coffee into a heatproof container and chill quickly by placing the container in an ice bath or refrigerating until cold (about 10–15 minutes). If using cold brew concentrate, dilute as needed so you have 2 cups of drinkable strong coffee (concentrate to water roughly 1:1, adjust to taste).

While the coffee cools, prepare simple syrup if you don't have it ready: combine equal parts sugar and water (for example 1/4 cup each) in a small saucepan, heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool. Measure 3 tablespoons of simple syrup and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and optional 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest. Taste and adjust sweetness; add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter iced coffee.

Add the vanilla-syrup mixture to the chilled coffee and stir well to combine.

Fill a tall glass or a 16- to 20-ounce serving vessel with 1 cup of ice cubes.

Pour 2 cups of the flavored chilled coffee over the ice, leaving some room at the top for milk and foam (leave about 2–3 tablespoons of headspace).

In a separate small jar or milk frother, combine 1/2 cup whole milk and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Froth vigorously with a handheld frother, French press (pump rapidly), or shake in a sealed jar for 20–30 seconds until slightly thickened and foamy. If you prefer, simply pour cold milk without frothing.

Slowly pour the frothed milk over the iced coffee so it forms a layered look. If using un-frothed milk, pour gently to combine.

Lightly grate 1 teaspoon dark chocolate over the top or dust with a pinch of cocoa powder. If desired, float 2–3 whole coffee beans on the foam for presentation.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer. Stir before drinking if you want a uniform flavor.