Summer's here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing, homemade frozen iced coffee? This recipe is incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a delicious, café-quality drink without the hefty price tag. Perfect for those hot afternoons or as a quick pick-me-up, this frozen iced coffee is a must-try for any coffee lover. Ditch the sugary, overpriced store-bought versions and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade! This recipe is easily customizable, offering options to suit every taste preference. It's the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled) – For the best results, use your favorite coffee beans!
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) – Almond, soy, oat milk all work wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup sugar or sweetener (to taste) – Adjust to your preferred sweetness level. Maple syrup, honey, or stevia are great alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
- Optional: Ice cubes – If your coffee mixture isn't quite cold enough, add a few ice cubes.
Instructions:
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Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing your favorite strong coffee. Let it cool completely before proceeding. This step ensures a smoother, less diluted final product. Rushing this stage might result in a watered-down icy beverage.
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Combine Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, milk, sugar (or sweetener), and vanilla extract.
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Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it's completely smooth and frothy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well incorporated. For a creamier texture, blend for a slightly longer duration.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste the blended mixture and adjust the sweetness level as needed. Add more sugar or sweetener, if desired.
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Freeze (Optional): For an extra-thick, frozen consistency, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 30-60 minutes. Check every 15 minutes to avoid it becoming rock-solid.
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Serve: Pour the frozen iced coffee into glasses filled with ice. Add a straw and enjoy immediately!
Tips for the Best Frozen Iced Coffee:
- Use High-Quality Coffee: The better the coffee, the better the drink! Invest in your favorite beans for optimal flavor.
- Cool the Coffee Thoroughly: Warm coffee will dilute your final product, resulting in a less intense, weaker flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a dash of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for extra deliciousness. Consider adding a splash of your favorite liqueur for an adult version.
- Adjust the Consistency: For a thinner consistency, add more milk or less ice. For a thicker, more frozen drink, add less milk or freeze it for a longer duration.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients you use. Using whole milk and sugar will result in higher calorie and fat content compared to using non-dairy alternatives and sweeteners. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
Variations:
- Mocha Frozen Iced Coffee: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the blender.
- Caramel Frozen Iced Coffee: Drizzle caramel syrup over the finished drink.
- Coconut Frozen Iced Coffee: Use coconut milk and add a pinch of shredded coconut.
This simple recipe is perfect for a quick and easy homemade treat, perfect as a delicious dish for any occasion. Make it your own and enjoy this refreshing drink all summer long! It's a fantastic quick dinner idea or an afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy your homemade frozen iced coffee!