- Dissolve the coffee and sugar
In a tall glass, add 2 tbsp instant coffee and 2 tbsp sugar. Pour in 2 tbsp warm water and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add chilled water
Pour in ½ cup chilled water and stir to combine.
- Mix in milk
Add ⅓ cup milk of your choice—dairy or plant-based—and stir until smooth.
- Add ice
Drop in 1 cup of ice cubes. Stir again to chill the drink evenly.
- Customize (optional)
Add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a dash of coffee creamer for extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy
Sip immediately with a straw or straight from the glass. Refreshing and smooth!
- Calories:95 kcal
- Carbohydrates:24 g
- Sugar:22-24 g
- Protein:1 g
- Fat:1-2 g
This creamy, refreshing iced coffee will give your favorite café brew a run for its money. It’s quick, affordable, and made with simple ingredients—no blender required. Perfect for tropical mornings or wellness-friendly sipping any time of day.
Easy Iced Coffee Recipe
Do you know your instant coffee is more than just a wake-up call? This iced coffee recipe is a staple in my Sri Lankan kitchen—especially on hot afternoons when I want something smooth, sweet, and energizing. I first made it with Nescafé Classic and almond milk, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
If you love coffee smoothies or cold brews, this one’s for you. It’s easy to customize, works with dairy-free options, and can be made keto-friendly too.
Why You’ll Love This Iced Coffee
- Ready in 5 minutes
- No fancy equipment required
- Works with dairy-free and low-sugar options
- Perfect for tropical climates or busy mornings
- Easily customizable with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel
How to Make Perfect Iced Coffee at Home
- Add coffee granules and sugar to a tall glass.
- Pour in warm water and stir until dissolved.
- Add chilled water and stir again. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Pour in milk of choice and stir to combine.
- Add ice cubes and give it a final stir.
- Serve with a straw or sip straight from the glass. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make smooth and delicious homemade cold coffee:
- Instant Coffee – I used caffeinated Nescafé, but any brand works. Flavored coffee is fine too, though I prefer plain granules with optional flavored syrup for better control over taste.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is my go-to. You can substitute with brown sugar, coconut sugar, stevia, or any sweetener that suits your wellness goals.
- Chilled Water – I use water that’s been in the fridge for a few minutes. It’s colder than tap water and helps keep the drink refreshing.
- Warm Water – Just a little! Dissolving coffee and sugar in warm water first ensures a smoother texture before adding milk and ice.
- Milk – Any milk works. I rotate between full-fat dairy, half and half, and non-dairy options like soy or almond milk. Condensed milk is great for a richer treat.
- Ice Cubes – Use plenty, but be mindful of dilution. If you’re adding lots of ice, double the coffee for a stronger flavor. You can skip ice if preferred.
- Stirrer or Spoon – A latte spoon works, but I used a chopstick and it stirred like magic!
Tips
-
Add any flavored extract you like—vanilla and salted caramel are easy favorites.
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For an iced vanilla latte, increase the milk and stir in vanilla extract.
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If using condensed milk, skip the regular milk—it’s rich enough on its own.
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Customize to suit your dietary needs: vegan, vegetarian, or keto-friendly with smart swaps.
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Swap sugar for vanilla syrup or any flavored sugar syrup for extra depth.
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Prefer cold brew? Use 1 part cold brew coffee to 1 part milk for a smoother finish.
Serve With
This milky cold brew is perfect with a slice of our Oatmeal Apple Cake a nutritious, lightly sweetened treat that balances the boldness of coffee with cozy, wholesome flavor.
Final Thoughts
This homemade cold coffee is proof that great flavor doesn’t need fancy tools or expensive café runs. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a smooth, refreshing drink that’s perfect for sunny afternoons, wellness routines, or pairing with your favorite homemade cake.
Whether you keep it classic or customize with vanilla, caramel, or condensed milk, this iced coffee is all about ease and satisfaction.💗
