How To Make A Perfect Glass of Iced Coffee

Perfect Iced Coffee

Now that the Summer heat is finally here there is nothing better than a delicious glass of iced coffee.....unless of course I'm having a cocktail, but that's a different post!

The perfect glass of iced coffee is really rather simple to make, but it does require three distinct elements.

The secret to a perfect glass of iced coffee in second part of post...


Cold Brewed, Coffee Ice Cubes, and Simple Syrup

These three elements make the perfect glass of iced coffee because each element adds something to the flavor of the coffee.

Cold Brewing

Cold brewing the coffee in a french press releases a complex network of flavors that otherwise would be ruined by hot brewing the beans

Coffee Ice Cubes

Coffee ice cubes prevent the drink from watering down as the ice melts, ensuring that your drink stays potent and cold.

Simple Syrup

And finally, simple syrup ensures that the sugar dissolves into the coffee. There is nothing worse than sugar granules that don't dissolve and sink to the bottom of the glass.

It really is that simple!

Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee

(adapted from the NY Times)

1/3 cup ground coffee (medium-coarse grind is best)
1 1/2 cups water

In a french press, stir together coffee and 1 1/2 cups water. Cover and let rest at room temperature overnight or 12 hours.

Push french press plunger down to strain. In a tall glass filled with ice, mix equal parts coffee concentrate and water, or to taste.

18 comments:

bunnyhole said...

Coffee ice cubes -- GREAT idea!! I am so doing this. :)

Danny said...

Anita...I know huh? I keep a tray in my freezer...refill it with left over coffee from the morning!

joanna said...

My mom was so ahead of the iced coffee times. She was rockin' the coffee ice cubes in the early 80's...hand to God. It's genius!

Joanne Choi said...

your photo makes me want to go out and grab a drink immediately. Thank you.

Mike said...

My favorite is the coffee ice cubes, it really made my iced coffee go from okay, to great.

sara said...

awesome. I just set up my french press for cold brewed coffee in the morning. Yay!

Danny said...

thanks everyone!

I agree with all of you...I personally think using the french press and coffee ice cubes is the best part!

Anonymous said...

I had this discussion with my husband recently, the idea of cold brewing coffee, similar in some ways to how one might brew tea. He pooh-poohed the idea, claiming that heat is what is necessary to brew coffee. I'm going to print your post and show it to him! However, he did remark that coffee ice cubes are the real trick, so I'll give him points for that. (And we always have simple syrup on hand.)

Anyway, I found you through Tastespotting and wanted to personally invite you to check out my new site which is devoted to food photos which have been rejected from the other sites. You'll find the address below. I hope you swing by and check it out; it's a lot of fun!

Best,
Casey
Editor
www.tastestopping.wordpress.com

Danny said...

thanks casey. Make sure you show your husband the NY Times article...there's a link to it in the post. HUGE difference in cold brewing. the main difference is that the heat from hot water causes the bitter taste in coffee. when you cold brew, the bitter taste is eliminated!

Anonymous said...

Or, take a nod from this tiny place called "Asia", and replace Simple Syrup with Condensed Milk. ;)

YaunYang, sooooo good....

Anonymous said...

Yes, word on the condensed milk, that is so delicious, I use it hot coffee as well.

Species: Cheekius_Geekus said...

Just a suggestion for those interested... try some Single Origin Ethiopian Harrar for iced coffee drinks (Archer brand at Target is readily available, for example.) It is very smooth and unlike some coffees tastes even better as it's temperature drops!

BA Ellison said...

@tastestopping -- there are definitely some reactions that occur & volatiles released when the heat reaches certain temperatures, and they all go toward making the perfect smelling & tasting cup of *hot* coffee... and aren't really necessary for a cup of cold coffee.
Hmm... I've never tried heating up a cup of cold-brewed coffee to see how it compares to a hot-brew.

cialis online said...

This looks like my kind of summer drink! It’s just like how I make my hot coffee, minus the ice. Now that it is so hot out, I’ll have to try this cool version. Beautiful pictures too. Thanks for sharing.

John said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
John said...

My friend taught me how to do that iced coffee. It tastes good just like that one in the picture.

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Dale said...

I've never thought of making such an iced coffee. I'm just glad you shared this recipe to us. Thanks!

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Maia Dobson said...

Thanks for this awesome tips and advice. I'm a big tea drinker and I'll surely try your advice.

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