Black & White Iced Coffee Recipe

Brew and cool coffee

Brew 1 cup of strong coffee (use double-strength drip or a concentrated cold brew). Allow it to cool to room temperature or place in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. If using hot-brewed coffee, cool it fully so it won't melt the ice excessively.

Prepare milk blend

In a measuring cup or small pitcher combine 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup half-and-half. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Chill until ready to assemble.

Add 2 tablespoons simple syrup to the cooled coffee and stir to dissolve. Taste and adjust sweetness — add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink. If you want a flavored variation, use flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel) in place of the simple syrup.

Fill a tall glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes (approximately 1 cup).

Pour the chilled milk and half-and-half mixture over the ice, leaving room at the top for the darker coffee layer.

Carefully pour 1/4 cup of the sweetened cooled coffee or espresso concentrate slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the milk surface so it floats and creates the 'black' top layer over the white milk. For a stronger black layer, use the concentrated coffee portion reserved for the black layer.

If you prefer the drink mixed, stir gently to combine; for the classic black & white visual, do not stir until drinking.

Optionally sprinkle 1 teaspoon chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top for contrast. Serve immediately with a straw so the drinker can mix to taste.