Start by brewing a cup of your favorite coffee. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can opt for espresso or double the amount of coffee grounds.
For a smoother taste, cold brew coffee is a great option, and you can prepare it the night before. To make cold brew, steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, then strain it.
While your coffee is still hot (if using hot brew), stir in the sugar if you like a sweetened coffee. The heat will help dissolve the sugar more easily. If you're using cold brew, dissolve the sugar in a little hot water before adding it.
Fill a glass or mug with ice cubes. You can use regular ice, or if you don’t want to dilute the coffee, try freezing coffee in ice cube trays beforehand and using coffee ice cubes.
Once your coffee is ready, pour it over the ice-filled glass. This will chill the coffee instantly, creating the base of your iced coffee.
For those who enjoy their iced coffee creamy, add milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. Stir to combine, allowing the milk to swirl into the coffee for a beautiful marbled effect.
You can also add flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or even a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Stir everything together, and your iced coffee is ready to enjoy!