How to Make Iced Coffee Like a Barista

As the dog days of summer hit, it's time to trade that hot jolt of java for cold caffeinated drinks built to beat the heat—and that means knowing how to make iced coffee. Or, if you're already an iced coffee aficionado who pays a morning visit to a cafe for cold brew, it's time to switch to homemade. And once you get the method and proportions down, you can experiment with flavor-enhancing ingredients. You'll be rewarded with a rich, delicious cooler so craveable you may be sipping it through fall—and beyond. We connected with coffee pros to learn how they recommend you make iced coffee at home and share their tips for stirring up the best buzz-worthy beverages imaginable.

Iced Coffee Basics

"There are several methods for making superior iced coffee at home, whether it's a lengthier cold brew preparation method or a less complex process using freshly brewed coffee that has been chilled," says Maranda Barnes, chief commercial officer, V3 Gourmet, the parent company behind Bacha Coffee, a global brand that sells single-origin coffees. It comes down to whether you want to plan and prep a day ahead or the night before or make coffee and cool it in the morning.

Ground Rules

Before making your iced coffee, keep these three fundamentals in mind:

• Quality counts: Barnes recommends using freshly ground, medium roast, 100 percent Arabica coffee, noting that its subtlety lends itself well to iced coffee. Aim for a medium-course grind. "Grinding coffee fresh is where you will get to experience most of the aroma," explains Caroline Bell, co-owner and co-founder of Cafe Grumpy in NYC.
• Ice cubes: Fill your glass to the top with solid, medium to large cubes made from filtered water.
• Coffee cubes: Bring leftover brewed coffee to room temperature and add it to ice cube trays. Using coffee cubes means your drink won't get diluted as the ice melts.
  

How to Make Iced Coffee: 6 Ways

If you are ready to make delicious iced coffee at home, the choices are plentiful. These methods typically involve brewing hot coffee, cooling it to room temperature (which takes about 10 minutes), then pouring it over ice.

Automatic Coffee Maker

Bell suggests using the flash-brew method for this machine. She says to brew the coffee directly over ice with half the amount of water you usually put into your brewer.

Espresso Machine

You can use an espresso machine to make iced Americanos and iced lattes. "You can also sub one shot of cold brew concentrate for one shot of espresso in recipes," says Bell.

French Press

Your French press can easily make a full-bodied iced coffee. Barnes uses 12 grams (3/4 tablespoon) of coffee for every 180 milliliters (6 ounces) of filtered simmering water.

1. Pour hot water onto the coffee.
2. Wait 30 seconds and stir,
3. Let it sit for at least 4 to 6 minutes.
4. Press the plunger down slowly.
5. Pour into a glass filled with medium ice cubes.

Pour-Over

"For a cleaner, crisper result with minimal coffee sediment, try a pour-over using a cotton filter," says Barnes. The suggested ratio is 25 grams (1 2/3 tablespoons) of coffee to 150 milliliters (5 ounces) of filtered, simmering water. 

1. Saturate the filter with hot water, then add the ground coffee. 
2. Pour hot water slowly over the coffee, moving in a steady spiral.
3. Repeat two times, adding more water once it's dripped through.

Coffee Bag

Bacha offers single-serve coffee bags containing 12 grams of Arabica coffee. "You only need three minutes, a coffee mug, and hot water to achieve the perfect pour-over," says Barnes. Then cool the coffee and pour it over ice.

The Fastest Option: Instant Coffee

No machine? No time? No problem. You can make iced coffee using top-notch instant coffee. "Most instant coffee will also dissolve in cold water so that is also a quick way to make yourself an iced coffee on the go," says Bell.

How to Make Cold Brew

Cold brew is prized for its robust taste and texture—and, true to its name, this process employs cold water for brewing. "Making cold brew is a simple preparation method, where patience is the most important ingredient," says Barnes. 

You can make cold brew coffee—or cold brew concentrate—and there are a few ways to do it. A concentrate typically uses a ratio of one part coffee to six parts water. "You just cut it with water—this is where you can adjust the strength to your taste," says Bell.  

• Jar method: All you need are Mason jars, a mesh strainer, and coarse-ground coffee, says Bell. Combine the coffee with cold water, steep for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature, then strain it into another Mason jar.
• Cold brew system: You can also use a device like the Toddy Home Model, a non-electrical cold brew coffee maker.
• French press: Barnes uses another fuss-free cold brew technique, putting her French press to work. With a medium dark roast, she says, the acidity is diminished. The ratio can range from one part coffee to four parts water up to one part coffee to 12 parts water, depending on preference. Here, too, the concoction steeps for 12 hours minimum.
  

Storage

Cold brew concentrate can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for a few weeks, but once it's cut with water, says Bell, use it within a few days.

Instant gratification: Iced coffee should be enjoyed immediately after it's been brewed and cooled. "It will quickly lose its flavor after a few hours, leaving behind only its color and caffeine content," says Barnes.

From Slushies to Shakeratos: Iced Coffee Upgrades

A perfect glass of iced coffee can stand alone, but it's also the foundation for innovation. Below are some creative riffs to get you started:

• Shakerato: To make this frosty Italian delight. combine espresso, ice cubes, and sugar (if using) in a cocktail shaker, shake, and strain into a chilled glass. "For an extra touch of flavor, grind in some fresh, pure Tahitian vanilla bean," says Barnes.
• Slushie: Mix cold brew, ice, milk, and sweetener in a blender for a caffeinated slushie. 
• Alternative milk: "Oat milk and a dash of cinnamon in your iced coffee always feels like a treat,” says Bell.
• Water variations: "We love pouring a shot of cold brew concentrate over coconut water for a hydrating pick-me-up," says Bell. Alternatively, mix iced coffee or espresso with a lower-acid tonic water for a refreshing coffee tonic.