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Ingredients
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Coffee Base
Milk & Cream Options
Sweeteners & Flavor
Garnish (optional)
For Iced Version
Method
Coffee Base
Brew
Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using a French press or espresso method. If using French press, use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (by weight) or about 2 tablespoons of coarse grounds per 6 oz water for a strong cup. If you prefer the iced version, you can substitute with 2 cups cold brew or chill freshly brewed coffee in the refrigerator.
Keep the brewed coffee hot, or cool it to room temperature and chill if making the iced version.
Milk & Cream Options
Prepare Milk
Decide whether you want a richer beverage (use heavy cream), a standard café-style French coffee (use a mix of whole milk and cream), or a lighter/dairy-free version (use milk alternative). Warm the milk/cream slightly if making a hot coffee (heat to about 60–65°C / 140–150°F) or froth/chill as desired for iced coffee.
Sweeteners & Flavor
Sweeten & Flavor
Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to the hot brewed coffee and stir until dissolved. If using simple syrup for cold drinks, stir it into the chilled coffee. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla as desired. For a mocha hint, stir in dark chocolate shavings or 1 teaspoon cocoa powder until incorporated.
Assemble — Hot French Coffee
Stir in 1/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream (or your chosen milk alternative total 1/2 cup) to reach desired richness. If you frothed milk, spoon foam on top.
Top with 2 tablespoons whipped cream if desired, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg, and garnish with an orange peel or lemon twist expressed over the cup to release oils.
Assemble — Iced French Coffee
Fill a tall glass with 1 cup ice cubes. Pour 2 cups chilled coffee (or cooled brewed coffee) over the ice, leaving room for milk.
Stir in 1/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream (or 1/2 cup milk alternative) and 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or dissolved sugar). Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Top with whipped cream if desired, dust lightly with cocoa or cinnamon, and garnish with an expressed citrus twist.
Final Adjustments & Serving
Taste and adjust sweetness, milk, or flavoring. Serve hot immediately in prewarmed cups, or serve the iced version over fresh ice. This recipe yields one generous serving; scale ingredients as needed.