How to Make Iced Coffee Perfectly at Home
Coffee lovers are particular about their favorite drink, which is all the more reason to learn how to make iced coffee at home! Making delicious iced coffee at home is easier than you might think, and with just a few simple steps, you can craft the perfect cup to suit your taste. So, grab your favorite coffee beans and get ready to become your very own barista, because I have a simple iced coffee recipe for you. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the most straightforward and tastiest directions on how to make iced coffee right in the comfort of your kitchen!
Table of Contents:
At Home Iced Coffee Essentials
Looking to elevate your kitchen coffee station?
Check out my guide to creating a stylish and functional at-home coffee bar here!
How to Make Iced Coffee Perfectly Each Time
Can You Just Add Ice to Coffee?
When it comes to how to make iced coffee at home, it seems like you should just be able to add ice to coffee to make iced coffee. And, sure, you can theoretically do this, and it can work in a pinch.
However, in practice, this does not generally produce the best outcome.
Simply adding ice to warm-to-hot coffee generally waters down the coffee too much. This depletes the flavor of the coffee, which no one wants.
The coffee itself should be chilled first, then have ice added, so that as little of the ice melts upon contact. Otherwise, you’ll wind up with watery coffee from the start.
There are different strategies out there to avoid this problem. However, I prefer to batch the coffee ahead of time and skip this issue all together.
What You Need to Make Iced Coffee Perfectly at Home
Making your own iced coffee at home is really a simple process. Plus, the tools and ingredients are pretty minimal. In all, you really only need ground coffee beans, a coffee maker, filters, and some kind of carafe to chill the brew in.
My Coffee of Choice for Iced Coffee
My go-to coffee for iced coffee has long been Café Bustelo ground espresso.
Café Bustelo’s coffee is a rich, dark, strong coffee, which makes it work well for iced coffee. It is available both ground and as a whole bean. I typically go with the pre-ground option, and it always smells super fresh when I open the sealed pack.
Plus, Café Bustelo coffee super affordable and easy to find. Most of the time, I can find it at the grocery store or on Amazon for under $5 for a vacuum-packed brick.
Alternatively, Starbucks has some great options for at home. If you like stronger coffees, this whole-bean set – including Starbucks’ Caffe Verona, French Roast, and Sumatra blends – is pretty great. If you prefer something a bit less intense, this medium roast variety pack looks great. If you want to enjoy your iced coffee later in the day, you may want to consider a low caffeine coffee.
For a small roaster option, I also love Buddy Brew’s coffee beans; they’re based in Tampa and I use their espresso for making iced lattes at home with my espresso maker. For making iced coffee with Buddy Brew beans, I would recommend trying this medium roast or their dark roast Sumatra coffee.
Learn more about why I love Buddy Brew coffee here!
Drip Coffee Makers to Make Iced Coffee at Home
As for a coffee maker, you’ll need a drip coffee maker of some kind. There are specialty iced coffee maker options available, but drip coffee makers work just fine.
While I started my home ice coffee journey with a Mr. Coffee, I have since gotten a Moccamaster KBT Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer and find it makes even smoother coffee. This is a pricier option, to be sure, but it is a worthy investment if you’re a lifelong coffee lover like me.
This drip coffee maker brews quickly and evenly, and each carafe makes plenty of iced coffee for three to four days, in my experience. The brand also has amazing customer service in case you need any part of your coffee maker replaced.
I have the previous model of this particular Moccamaster coffee maker. However, there are a few different models you can choose from, and even some with different color options.
Shop My Coffee Maker Picks
Mason Jars are the Perfect Canisters for Make-Ahead Iced Coffee
To chill the coffee, I simply use three-cup glass mason jars. I prefer the wide mouth variety because I find that they are easier to pour the hot coffee into, but that’s really a matter of personal preference. As far as size goes, these have been the most manageable size for me, as they fit in the refrigerator and dishwasher easily. I’ll typically brew 10 cups at a time, according to the coffee maker’s metrics; this fills two of the larger mason jars at a time.
P.S. if you’re looking to pair your morning coffee with a sweet treat, check out these blueberry scone recipes!
Iced Coffee Recipe: Measurements for the Perfect Iced Coffee
Typically, when I make iced coffee for the next few days, I’ll brew 10 to 12 cups, according to the coffee maker carafe, at night before I go to bed.
For 10 coffee maker cups, I use 10 tablespoons of ground coffee. Simple enough.
Like I said, 10 coffee maker cups fills two of the mason jars I use.
Before pouring the coffee in, I add a handful of ice cubes to each jar — probably five or six each.
If you want to retain the full strength of the coffee, skip this step. However, the little bit of ice doesn’t water it down too much.
Lastly, let the coffee chill in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you’re all set in the morning!
Pretty Cups for Your Delicious Iced Coffee:
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*This post was originally published in September 2020. It was most recently updated on May 7, 2025.
WOW; It’s a cold coffee. When I am feeling hot it’s make me refresh. And also make it easy.
This is a great drink for a hot summer day?
I love it year round, but it is especially great for summer!
So when done, this is cold coffee that is normal strength and ready for cream and/or sweetener? There is no dilution needed? Thank you
Yes! I account for dilution by adding an extra scoop of ground coffee compared to what I would normally use if I wasn’t adding ice to chill it. There should be no dilution necessary, unless you want to dilute it by preference. Hope that helps!