Photo credit: Nicole Peattie
Iced coffee season is upon us, and with it the sign of so many good things to come: sunny days, open-toed shoes and cold brew -- lots and lots of cold brew. But just because coffee has ice in it doesn't mean it's great. It can be bitter, watery and way too expensive. Don't let that happen to you this year.
Instead, make a batch at home and be in charge of your own iced coffee destiny. Not only will it save you major bucks -- people charge way too much for this stuff -- but you can also make it insanely good with fancy ice cubes, flavored simple syrups and chocolate.
We've got 10 great hacks and tips right here that are about to change your iced coffee game.
1
Make coffee ice cubes.
How Sweet It Is
And never drink another watered down iced coffee again.
2
Or chocolate ice cubes.
Man Made DIY
Game. Changed. You're going to want the recipe for these from Man Made DIY over here.
3
Better yet, make MINT ice cubes.
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Just like that, things got fresh. (Here's how to make those.)
4
Chill it overnight.
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So as not to melt the ice. Chill it in a to-go cup that way you can run out the door in the morning. (You'll thank us tomorrow for that tip.)
5
If not, shake it cold.
Same way you would a cocktail.
6
If you have the time, cold brew it.
James Ransom/Food52
That's how the best coffee shops make their iced coffee so good. It'll be less acidic and majorly smooth. Once you get in the habit of brewing this way, it'll become second nature. It isn't hard to make cold brew either-- pour water over coffee and let it sit -- it just takes the foresight to do it. And remember, this is a concentrate! It's very, very strong. Get the full instructions over at Food52.
7
Go bold and spice it up.
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With cinnamon or cardamom or chicory. Get creative.
8
Make simple syrup.
How Sweet It Is
That's the best way to sweeten your iced coffee. Regular sugar just doesn't dissolve as nicely in cold drinks. You could even get fancy and flavor that simple syrup.
9
Add chocolate.
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You deserve it.
10
Take it to the next level and make it Vietnamese with sweetened condensed milk.
James Ransom/Food52
11
BONUS: Make it into a soda with sparkling water.
Man Made DIY
Coke doesn't stand a chance against this simple recipe from Man Made DIY.
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