Iced Coffee Drinks Recipe

Brew and Cool

Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method (drip, French press, or pour-over) using slightly more grounds than usual for a concentrated flavor. Pour the hot coffee into a heatproof container and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate or place in an ice bath until chilled (about 15–20 minutes). If you prefer a less strong brew, stir in up to 1 cup cold water after chilling to taste.

Fill two serving glasses about halfway with ice (roughly 1 cup each). Divide the chilled coffee between the glasses.

While the coffee is still slightly warm or room temperature, stir in 1½ tablespoons simple syrup and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup into each glass (adjust to taste). If using chilled coffee that has been refrigerated, stir syrups into a small portion of coffee first to dissolve, then mix into the glass. Taste and add more simple syrup (up to the total listed amount) if you prefer sweeter drinks.

Choose your milk option: divide 1 cup whole milk between the two glasses (about 1/2 cup each). Add 1/2 tablespoon half-and-half or cream split between glasses for richness (0.25 tbsp each). If using non-dairy milk instead, substitute the 1/2 cup non-dairy for half of the whole milk or fully replace it depending on preference. Stir gently so coffee, syrups, and milk combine but maintain some layered appearance if desired.

Mocha Option

For a mocha iced coffee, stir 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup into each glass (use the 2 tbs total). Make sure the syrup is well mixed with the chilled coffee before adding ice or milk if making from hot coffee.

Spiced Option

To add a subtle spice, sprinkle 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon into each glass and stir once. Adjust up to the listed 1/4 tsp total between both glasses if you want more warmth.

Cold Foam (Optional)

To make cold foam, pour 1/4 cup cold milk into a small jar and froth with a handheld frother or vigorously shake the jar for 30–45 seconds until foamy. Spoon the foam on top of each glass (split between glasses). If you have a small blender, blend 1/4 cup milk on high for 20–30 seconds instead.

Top each glass with a light dusting of chocolate shavings or 1/2 tsp cocoa powder split between the two glasses. Garnish with 1–2 whole coffee beans on each glass for presentation. Serve immediately with a straw. Stir before drinking to integrate foam and any layered syrups.