This cold brew concentrate makes the best iced coffee you’ve ever tasted. It’s easy to prepare in bulk and you can keep it in the fridge to wait for you whenever you’re craving iced coffee. You’ll thank yourself later. I also explain how I like to serve and drink iced coffee. It’s a little sweet, a little naughty (like the best things in life) and really delicious.
How do you make iced coffee at home?
Forget about going to the coffee shop every day: making iced coffee at home is easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water and ice. Oh, and lots of cream and sugar, if that’s your thing!
How do you prepare a good iced coffee?
The key is to prepare a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then filter it and chill it. I don’t add ice until I’m ready to drink the iced coffee; I don’t want the ice to melt and dilute it!
Is iced coffee just coffee poured over ice?
No, it will end up tasting like water! Iced coffee is very different. You have to make a strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so that it retains its flavor when you add ice and cream.
YIELDS: 24 serving(s)
PREP TIME: 8 hrs
TOTAL TIME: 8 hrs
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground coffee (good, rich roast)
- 8 qt. cold water
- Half-and-half (healthy splash per serving)
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 to 3 tbsp. per serving)
- Skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, syrups (optional)
Directions
- Mix ground coffee with water in a large container. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature twelve hours or overnight.
- Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.
- Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.
- To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
