How to Make Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a potent pick-me-up and a refreshing alternative to hot coffee when the weather is warm. It is simple to make, and there are many flavor options to choose from thanks to different types of gourmet coffees and various syrups.

1. First: Basic brewed iced coffee

   Start by brewing a pot of coffee using twice the usual amount of coffee, because the coffee is diluted when poured over ice. Add sweetener to the coffee while it is still hot so that it dissolves completely. Refrigerate the coffee mixture in a glass container overnight or until chilled. Pour the coffee into a tall glass over ice. For extra flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract, almond extract, chocolate syrup, nutmeg, milk, cream or any combination of these according to taste.

2. Second: Cold-brewed iced coffee

   One way to make iced coffee that does not involve traditional brewing is the cold brewed method. To make this kind of iced coffee, start by mixing together ground coffee and water, at twice the strength of a normal brew. Let this mixture stand for 12 hours at room temperature. Next, strain this twice through a cheesecloth, mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. Afterwards, add equal parts of the concentrated coffee and water, more or less to taste, to an ice-filled glass. Add any flavorings, such as sweetened condensed milk, fat-free milk, sweeteners or flavored syrups and stir.

3. Third: For less diluted iced coffee

   To make iced coffee that does not weaken in potency from the ice cubes melting, prepare a tray of ice cubes made from cooled brewed coffee or cold-brewed coffee. Adjust the iced coffee potency accordingly when using coffee ice cubes.