How to Make Iced Coffee at Home with Instant Coffee

How to Make Iced Coffee at Home with Instant Coffee: A Simple Guide

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as an iced coffee on a warm day. Whether you need a caffeine boost in the morning or a cool pick-me-up in the afternoon, iced coffee is a delightful treat. The best part? You don’t need to head to your local café to enjoy it. With instant coffee and a few basic ingredients, you can easily make iced coffee at home.

In this guide, we’ll show you a quick and simple iced coffee recipe using instant coffee, ensuring you get that rich, bold coffee flavour, balanced with the creamy texture of milk. Whether you prefer your iced coffee plain or with a sweet twist, this method is versatile and easy to customise.

Why Use Instant Coffee for Iced Coffee?

Instant coffee is an excellent option when it comes to making iced coffee. Here's why:

1. Speed and Convenience: No need to brew a fresh pot of coffee or wait for it to cool down. Instant coffee dissolves almost immediately, meaning you can have your iced coffee ready in a matter of minutes.
2. Cost-effective: Instant coffee is often more affordable than ground coffee or coffee pods, making it a budget-friendly choice.
3. Control over Strength: You can easily adjust the strength of your coffee by adding more or less instant coffee, allowing you to create your perfect brew.

Using milk instead of water in this iced coffee recipe gives it a rich, creamy texture that you’ll love.

What You’ll Need for Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee

This recipe requires just a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee (depending on your preferred strength)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar or sweetener (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 cup of cold milk (or a non-dairy alternative such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
• Ice cubes
• Flavourings (optional, some popular options are: simply vanilla syrup, simply caramel syrup, simply chocolate syrup)

Equipment:

• A glass or jar
• A spoon
• A cup of ice

Step-by-Step Iced Coffee Recipe with Instant Coffee

Step 1: Dissolve Instant Coffee

Start by dissolving the instant coffee in a small amount of warm milk. Pour about 2 tablespoons of warm milk into a glass or mug and stir in your instant coffee. This ensures the coffee granules fully dissolve, giving you a smooth, rich coffee concentrate.

Step 2: Add Sweetener (Optional)

If you enjoy a sweet iced coffee, now is the time to add your sugar or sweetener of choice. Regular sugar works well, but you can also opt for alternatives like honey, agave, or a sugar substitute. Stir well to ensure that the sweetener dissolves completely in the warm coffee mixture.

Tip: Dissolving sugar in warm milk ensures it blends smoothly without any gritty texture.

Step 3: Pour in Cold Milk

Once your coffee and sweetener are fully dissolved, pour in 1 cup of cold milk. This step instantly cools the coffee mixture, making it ready for ice. Stir the mixture until the coffee is fully blended into the milk, creating a beautifully creamy coffee base.

Step 4: Add Ice Cubes

Fill your glass with ice cubes. For best results, use large ice cubes or even coffee ice cubes (made by freezing leftover coffee in ice trays). Large cubes melt more slowly, keeping your iced coffee cold for longer without watering it down.

Step 5: Customise with Flavourings (Optional)

This is where you can get creative! Add a splash of vanilla syrup  for a touch of sweetness, or drizzle in some caramel or chocolate syrup to enhance the flavour. You can also sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a subtle twist. Stir well to combine.

Customising Your Instant Iced Coffee

This simple iced coffee recipe is just the beginning – you can experiment with flavours and textures to make your iced coffee truly your own. Here are a few ideas:

1. Whipped Iced Coffee (Dalgona Style)

If you want to take your iced coffee up a notch, try making whipped coffee. Mix equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water (about 2 tablespoons each), then whip the mixture until it becomes frothy and thick. Spoon the whipped coffee over cold milk and ice for a café-style treat at home.

2. Mocha Iced Coffee

For chocolate lovers, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to your iced coffee. Stir well, and top with whipped cream for an indulgent, dessert-like experience.

3. Caramel Iced Coffee

A caramel drizzle topping sauce can transform your iced coffee into a sweet, rich delight. Add caramel sauce or any flavour of your choice directly to your drink or drizzle it on top for added sweetness. You can also add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

4. Spiced Iced Coffee

For a more unique flavour, sprinkle in a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to your iced coffee, making it feel cosy and comforting even when served cold. Allied Drinks even supply a Cinnamon Syrup!

Tips for Making the Best Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your iced coffee turns out perfect every time:

• Choose high-quality instant coffee: Not all instant coffee is created equal. Opt for a brand like Summit with a flavour profile you enjoy, as it will significantly impact the taste of your iced coffee.
• Chill your milk: If you know you’ll be making iced coffee later, keep your milk in the fridge so it’s extra cold. This helps keep your drink cool and refreshing for longer.
• Make coffee ice cubes: If you often find your iced coffee gets watered down, try freezing leftover coffee into ice cubes. These coffee ice cubes will chill your drink without diluting the flavour.
• Experiment with ratios: Depending on how strong you like your coffee, you can adjust the amount of instant coffee you use. Start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.