Food Cooking Tips & Techniques Cooking How to Make Iced Coffee at Home in 10 Minutes Time to become your own at-home barista. By Ariel Klein Ariel Klein Ariel Klein is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, fashion, beauty, technology, home, cooking, and gardening topics. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Well+Good, Travel+Leisure, Better Homes and Gardens, and Food & Wine magazine. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 09, 2024 Close Photo: Una Lozmen/Getty Images It’s no secret that buying coffee from a cafe or drive-thru can become costly very quickly. On average, an iced coffee can cost you anywhere from four to seven dollars, depending on the size of the beverage and where it’s being purchased from. We get it—sometimes buying an iced coffee is more of an experience or a treat, but making your own at home isn’t just cost efficient; it’s also the healthier option. That’s because you know exactly what ingredients you’re adding to it, and can steer clear of things like sugary syrups, if you wish. What Is Espresso, and How Does It Differ From Coffee? When you think about the best iced coffee you’ve ever had, chances are it’s just really good quality, ground coffee beans and water. So, why can’t you replicate that on your own? Follow these simple steps and quick tips for how to make iced coffee at home in minutes. Trust us, you do not want to sleep on the iced coffee cubes! If you want the freshest, high-quality coffee, always go for a bag of whole coffee beans. They may be a bit more expensive, but they’re worth it; the beans retain flavor-packed oils that are released once they’re ground. There’s no comparison between the aroma and flavor of whole vs. ground coffee beans. Avoid watery, diluted iced coffee by making coffee cubes. Make an extra serving of iced coffee and fill an ice cube tray to store in the freezer. Use the cubes in your morning iced brew throughout the week—it’s the ultimate trick! Buy a handheld milk frother to enhance your coffee creations! Make a cinnamon or vanilla cold foam within seconds, or treat yourself to an iced latte. Where Should You Store Coffee? We Finally Settle the Pantry vs. Freezer Debate What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Coffee maker Pitcher or carafe Milk frother (optional) Ice cube tray (optional) Materials Whole coffee beans Water Milk of your choice (optional) Sweetener (optional) Flavored syrup (optional) Instructions Make Your Coffee Brew a large pot of your favorite coffee. It can be flavored, medium blend, dark roast—whatever you like! (Note: If you don’t have a coffee maker, use one of these methods to brew a cup of java instead.) Let the Coffee Cool Once the coffee is done brewing, let it cool down on your counter for about 30 to 45 minutes. Transfer the Coffee If you’re in a rush, you can wait five minutes and pour the coffee into a pitcher, which you can place directly into the refrigerator. Just be aware that depending on how hot the coffee is, it may cause the temperature in your refrigerator to drop temporarily. Homemade iced coffee is best consumed within a day or two, but if you follow the tip above and use any extra coffee to make coffee ice cubes, they will stay fresh in your freezer for about two months. Add Your Favorite Ingredients Customize your coffee to your heart’s delight. Enjoy your iced coffee black, or add milk, sweeteners, or store-bought flavorings until the beverage is just how you like it. 8 Tips for Making the Best French Toast Ever