**This recipe has been updated. Please click here for the newest version.**
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, a few months ago you probably noticed my update about enjoying a vanilla iced coffee that I made at home. Iced coffee is an addiction for me during the spring and summer months, and I found myself getting one either at Starbucks or a local coffee shop at least once a week. Not good for the bank.
In an effort to save some money while still being able to enjoy my infatuation for this cool summer beverage, I set out to create a do-it-yourself recipe at home. Although the first couple of glasses I tried were tasty, the second couple were not so great. What was I doing wrong? Wasn't simply brewing a stronger pot of coffee and pouring it over the rocks of ice the way to do it? No, this evidently wasn't the best way.
I finally sought the help from my friend who works at a coffee shop. She gave me a rough run down of how they make it at work (without giving away any secret recipes) and then I took her pieces of advice and went from there. Thanks to her, I now have what I think is the best do-it-yourself iced coffee recipe that will not suck up all of your paycheck and savings. The key? Soaking the coffee grounds in water for a period of time.
My friend told me they soak their coffee grounds (used for iced coffee) for 24 hours. At home, we obviously will soak a smaller batch than a coffee shop who sells a large volume of iced coffee each day, so it won't take you 24 hours. Instead, you can get away with soaking your beans for as less as 6 to 8 hours, or up to overnight.
After the grounds are properly soaked, layer some paper towels in a fine mesh strainer and pour the soaked coffee grounds through to remove any grittiness (cheesecloth or coffee filters work here, too).
Fill your cup with a bunch of ice, add your favorite flavorings (vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, sugar, milk, half and half, etc.) followed by a pouring of the strained coffee. Mix it all together and, voila!, you have iced coffee you can be feel good about since you got it cheap!
The best part of this recipe is that you do not have to brew a new pot of coffee every day. The recipe below makes about 8 servings, which lasts me more than a week. It keeps in the fridge so it's ready to be poured into a large glass of ice right away in the morning. You can double, triple or quadruple the recipe as you like (depending on how big of a container you have).
Here's another money saving tip. If you're looking for the right cup to serve this in, look no further than Bed, Bath and Beyond. They carry a line of cups with lids and straws for only $3.99 each. That definitely beats the price of Target's at $9.99 and Starbucks at $15+. While I'm sharing these frugal ideas, I must admit that I do still splurge once in a while and treat myself to a cup of Starbucks every now and then. I'm a gold member after all and need to keep my status for my free birthday drink this month...right? 😉
**This recipe has been updated. Please click here for the newest version.**
Iced Coffee
Yield: 8 servings
Recipe Note: While the method can't be beat, the measurements of the ingredients below are suited to my particular preference. Use this recipe as a base and then adjust to your own tastes.
1 cup good ground coffee
8 cups cold water
2 - 3 Tablespoons skim milk*
2 - 3 Tablespoons vanilla sugar*
*Or your preferred coffee flavorings, such as vanilla syrup, milk, creamer, sugar, half and half, etc.
Place the ground coffee beans in a large container that includes a lid and holds at least 8 cups of liquid. Add the water and stir to mix, so that all grounds are wet. Cover and let soak for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
When the coffee grounds are ready, set a mesh strainer, lined with paper towels, over a large bowl and strain the coffee liquid to remove the grit. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to press all the liquid through, discard the grounds.
To assemble a drink, fill a large glass with ice cubes. Add the milk and sugar, then pour in about ¾ cups coffee. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavorings as desired.
Store the leftover coffee in a covered container in the fridge for later use. Repeat above assembly instructions every morning, or whenever you need that cool, refreshing caffeine kick! 🙂
Source: Pennies Original
**This recipe has been updated. Please click here for the newest version.**
Dena Kiger says
You should definitely use coffee for ice cubes though. It won't water it down... I actually will make a small amount of coffee just to make ice cubes .. Use an old plastic gallon ice cream container and I make enough to last me and my 17 yr old for the week. Makes mornings so much quicker!!!
Chris says
I just brew a regular pot of coffee with double the coffee to water ratio. Then fridg it! Also if you add the cream first to the ice, it mixes better.
IndyGal says
Thanks for this recipe! Found your blog via Pinterest and was eager to try this recipe, as I have been trying for ages to make the perfect iced coffee. This might just be it! I let this "brew" in the fridge overnight, and it was amazing!
amy says
Fantastic idea. We also freeze left over coffee into ice cubes and cool our regular coffee that way- then it doesn't get watered down.
Nikki says
Great idea! 🙂
Liz Nolan says
Thanks for the great recipe, love everything to do with coffee ! I love saving money too !
When I used to play around trying to make a frappacino (sp) , I had good luck using ice cubes made with coffee. But maybe now with your great tip I won't have to do that, awesome !
Paige says
Thank you so much for this! I tried trial and error to make iced coffee at home at it just wasn't turning out right. This should do the trick (and save [me] money and the environment!!)
Just a note, you don't have to discard the grounds. Now that spring is approaching, keep the ground in a bucket (with a secure lid so pests or animals don't get into it) and use the dried grounds for garden fertilizer. I used to work at Starbucks and we had so many people stop in weekly for their bag of 'garden' grounds.
Pat says
Thanks for posting this, I just tried your method and had iced coffee this morning! Originally saw this on Pioneer woman, however she made such a large batch, your recipe is perfect. I even have the same big measuring glass (pampered chef) I used Cafe Bustelo coffee because it was on sale, this is the cheapest deal all in all for iced coffee! I will take a break from my Dunkin iced coffee's until its time for Pumpkin lattes and gingerbread donuts! Now if you can figure out a way to make those I will be forever grateful. Love your blog!
Nikki says
Ooooh, I'll have to figure out the pumpkin lattes because that's a favorite of mine, as well! 🙂
Sara says
I make myself a similar treat by mixing 2/3 cup coffee grounds, 3 cups of cold water, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a mason jar. I let it sit overnight in the fridge, then strain. Pour a little over ice, add desired amount of milk and yum!
Nikki says
Mmmmm, Sara. That sounds delicious!
Jane says
A few weeks ago I found your buffalo chicken bites on Pinterest and adapted them to be vegetarian! I credited you of course and wanted to share my version with you. Thanks 🙂
https://veginamonologues.blogspot.com/2011/07/baked-buffalo-chicken-bites.html
Lynne @ CookandBeMerry says
Wow, what a great idea. No more Starbucks for me either. I'm making this tomorrow!
I also gave your blog an award, so please do stop by my blog to accept it. Thanks.
jay says
i too, have been spending too much money on iced toddys; I'm most definitely going to try these. sadly, i can probably consume the same amount a normal coffee shop would each day
Laura says
I brew my ice coffee in my french press! It works just as well and the mess is less. Just use the same amount of coffee grounds to water as you normally use (1tbs to 4 oz of water is what I use) and then brew for 6-8 hours just like you said or even overnight.
Nikki says
Great idea, Laura! Although, I love having a large amount ready in my fridge without dirtying my french press every day. 🙂
Maria says
Perfect drink for summer time!
Kelsey says
Great post. My mom makes iced coffee this way and it's delicious. Happy upcoming birthday!
the little kimchi pierogi says
Thanks so much, Penny! You just saved me about $15 a week...or gave me $15 more a week to spend on shoes. We'll just have to see what kind of mood I'm in 🙂