Cold Coffee Recipes

ByKarl S

Cold coffee is a great option when you want something refreshing. It works well for warm days, afternoon breaks, or when you just prefer a chilled drink over something hot.

This guide introduces popular cold coffee recipes that are easy to make at home. Each recipe uses simple ingredients and tools you likely already have.

What Is Cold Coffee?

Cold coffee is any coffee-based drink served chilled or over ice. Some are brewed hot and then cooled. Others are made by steeping grounds in cold water for hours. Both styles have their own flavor and texture.

The main types of cold coffee include:

  • Iced Coffee – Brewed hot, then cooled and poured over ice.
  • Cold Brew – Steeped in cold water for 12–18 hours, then filtered.
  • Blended Coffee – Mixed with ice and milk in a blender, like a frappe.
  • Specialty Chilled Drinks – Includes iced lattes, mochas, or sweetened styles.

For a deeper dive into brewing cold brew correctly, read Cold Brew 101: How to Make the Perfect Summer Coffee.

Benefits of Cold Coffee

  • Smoother Taste: Cold brew is less acidic and bitter than hot coffee.
  • Custom Flavors: You can adjust milk, sugar, and syrups easily.
  • Long Shelf Life: Cold brew keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Energizing: Cold drinks often feel more refreshing, especially in heat.

Tools You’ll Need

Most cold coffee recipes need basic gear:

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee maker (drip, French press, or pour-over)
  • Pitcher or jar for steeping
  • Fine strainer or coffee filter
  • Ice
  • Blender (for blended drinks)
  • Optional: milk frother or handheld whisk

Core Cold Coffee Recipes

Here are the staple recipes to start with. Each one can be adjusted based on your taste and ingredients.

1. Basic Iced Coffee

Method: Brew double-strength hot coffee. Let it cool, then pour over ice.

Best With: Drip, pour-over, or French press.
Tips: Avoid watery taste by cooling before adding ice.

2. Overnight Cold Brew

Method: Mix coarsely ground coffee with cold water. Steep 12–18 hours, then filter.

Ratio: 1 cup grounds to 4 cups water.
Result: Smooth, low-acid concentrate. Serve with milk, ice, or syrup.

3. Iced Latte

Method: Brew espresso or strong coffee. Add ice and cold milk.

Ratio: 1 part coffee to 2 parts milk.
Option: Add flavored syrup (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel).

4. Blended Coffee (Homemade Frappe)

Method: Blend coffee, ice, milk, and sweetener until smooth.

Add-Ins: Chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, or protein powder.
For more ideas, see Protein Coffee Recipes.

5. Iced Mocha

Method: Mix cocoa or chocolate syrup with hot coffee. Cool slightly, then pour over ice with milk.

Ratio: 1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong coffee, 1 tbsp cocoa or syrup, ½ cup milk.

Top 10 Cold Coffee Recipes

These are the most popular cold coffee drinks you can make at home. Each offers a different taste, texture, and level of sweetness.

1. Classic Iced Coffee: Brew hot coffee, let it cool, and pour it over ice. It’s quick, refreshing, and easy to adjust with milk, sugar, or flavored syrups. Works best with medium or dark roast beans.

2. Cold Brew Concentrate: Combine coarse coffee grounds with cold water and steep for 12 to 18 hours. Strain and store in the fridge. Mix with water, milk, or ice for a smooth, low-acid drink. Full guide: Cold Brew 101.

3. Iced Latte: Pour espresso or strong coffee over ice and top with cold milk. Use a 1:2 coffee-to-milk ratio. Oat or almond milk can give it a creamy texture without dairy.

4. Iced Mocha: Blend cocoa or chocolate syrup with hot coffee. Cool it slightly, then pour over ice and milk. Optional toppings include whipped cream or chocolate shavings for a richer taste.

5. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá): Brew strong coffee through a Vietnamese phin filter and pour it over ice and sweetened condensed milk. It’s sweet, bold, and best with dark roast or robusta beans.

6. Blended Coffee Frappe: Blend brewed coffee with ice, milk, and sweetener until smooth. It’s a slushy-style drink that’s easy to customize with chocolate, caramel, or protein powder. More ideas here: Protein Coffee Recipes.

7. Iced Americano: Mix espresso with cold water and pour over ice. This drink is light, clean, and doesn’t require milk. It’s a simple way to enjoy espresso in cold form.

8. Iced Caramel Macchiato: Add vanilla syrup and cold milk to a cup with ice, then pour espresso over the top and finish with caramel drizzle. It has a layered flavor and looks great in a clear glass.

9. Coffee Tonic: Pour a shot of espresso over tonic water and ice. It’s fizzy, bitter, and refreshing. For extra flavor, add a slice of lemon or orange.

10. Iced Cinnamon Honey Latte: Mix brewed coffee or espresso with honey and cinnamon, then pour over ice and cold milk. It’s mildly sweet with a warm spice note, and it works well with dairy or non-dairy milk.

Flavor Boosters and Add-Ons

  • Syrups: Vanilla, caramel, maple
  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg
  • Non-Dairy Milks: Oat, almond, soy, coconut
  • Toppings: Whipped cream, cocoa dust, chocolate shavings

Cold Coffee Tips

  • Brew stronger coffee to avoid dilution when adding ice.
  • Cool coffee before refrigerating or icing.
  • Store cold brew in a sealed container in the fridge.
  • Use coffee ice cubes to prevent watery drinks.
  • Add milk or cream just before serving to keep it fresh.

Next Steps

Try one of the recipes above and adjust it to your taste. Then check out our main coffee recipes hub for more ideas.

Looking to go deeper into coffee making?

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