Coffee is one of those things I’ve never learned to like. I’ve always wished I liked it but for the life of me, I cannot figure out why anyone would like it. It smells so good but it tastes so bad.
There was a Dairy Queen not too far from our house in MO and for some reason, I drank a few MooLattes® there. I would always say “easy on the coffee syrup”! When traveling to MO, I stop at the McDonald’s in the median along the interstate and every now and then, I’ll get an iced coffee and I tell them the same thing . . easy on the coffee.
Every now and then I would decide to try to make iced coffee at home. I usually started with leftover coffee that Vince had made. Often by the time I got to the coffee pot, it had been a while since he turned it off and it was no longer hot. I would add ice, which watered down the coffee and I never ended up liking it.
Based on Liz’ recommendation and from reading other sites, here’s what I ended up doing to create a yummy iced coffee drink.
Iced Coffee
You don’t have to tell me it looks like coffee milk . . Vince tells me that every morning. I’m working my way up to more coffee.
Before I go any farther, please note that I am not a coffee connoisseur. I’m perfectly happy with whatever Vince has left over. He tries all kinds of coffees . . not the flavored ones, but just different brands. There was some kind of Kona coffee the other day and now it’s Community Dark Roast . . a bit strong for me but hey . . it’s what I have within reach.
Coffee Making Stuff
This can be done either in a French Press type coffee maker or a Mason jar. At first, I was using the French press but I was afraid leaving it in the fridge overnight, it might get broken. It’s so much easier in a Mason jar so that’s what I’ve been using.
First, I cold brew the coffee overnight. I don’t even measure. Isn’t that a horrible thing? And then I go and write about it like I know what I’m doing! I dump about 1/2 cup of coffee grounds in the bottom of the jar and add water. I don’t measure the water either but I know that with the jar about 2/3 full, that gives me enough coffee for 3 drinks and I only drink one a day . . so far.
After adding the coffee grounds and the water, I add a lid and shake the jar up a bit, then stick it in the fridge late in the evening. Sometimes I shake it up a bit before going to bed. I get up in the morning an hour or so before fixing the coffee so I swirl it around again.
Iced Coffee
Then I stick a coffee filter in the top of the Mason Jar and add the canning funnel, pouring the coffee, grounds and all, through the filter.
Filtered Cold Coffee
Then I pour a little of the coffee into my glass and the remainder goes into a smaller jar to be stored in the fridge for the next couple of days.
Iced Coffee
Next, just add some sweetener and milk or cream. I use Half & Half because that’s what Vince uses in his coffee and it’s in the fridge and, it’s the next best thing to heavy cream, which I would probably use if we had it! 🙂
For the sweetener, I started out using simple syrup, which I pretty much always have in the fridge, but I’ve been using Stevia Blend from Kroger and just a few drops makes it plenty sweet enough, without the added calories of sugar.
I don’t even know why I was determined to like coffee, in some fashion, but I’m really liking these iced coffees.
Laura says
Sometimes I feel like a freak because I don’t like coffee. I’ve tried to drink it but, blech!!! I think my hatred was sealed when I worked the breakfast shift at HoJo’s. The smell of coffee and syrup at 7 a.m. was enough to turn my stomach. I do like coffee I cream, though.
Pat says
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, makes coffee like this…except in a huge amount. I tried it more in the amount you made and it is good. I think she uses condensed milk in hers. It keeps for over a week in the fridge.
Keep cool!
I am drinking infused water with lemons or cucumbers or berries or mixtures.
liz says
I started making coffee like this after reading it The Pioneer Woman. I knew about cold brew coffee before, but never did it in big batches like Ree does.
The amount of coffee/water can be varied to taste. If it is stronger, then I just dilute it more with water or cream. I just leave the jar on the counter for 24 hours until I am ready to strain and then I chill it. If I want a hot cup of coffee, then I just heat it in the microwave.
Cold-brewed coffee is not as bitter. And if I use the condensed milk, then I don’t add any more sweetener. I’ve also used this coffee concentrate in recipes.
Karin Vail says
I am not a coffee drinker either. Yuk. But, I do love making iced coffee – but mine is always iced MOCHA. I’ve used chocolate syrup, but now I usually end up using hot cocoa mix – I use hubby’s leftover coffee, add sugar and cocoa mix (cheap kind you usually mix with water) – and add equal amounts of milk (we use 1% or non-fat) Num num!
Joyce says
Judy, I recently saw where a store makes ice cubes from coffee so the drink doesn’t water down so much. Not a great idea for a non-coffee drinker, but Vince might like it! Keep up the great work. I love reading your blog.
Bett says
I know you love to go to Walmart (wink-wink-nudge-nudge)….try the Great Value Coffee, small can is less than $4. It is made from the Arabica coffee beans and is very smooth, no acidic taste. I buy whole beans and the k-cups/Donut Shop, both are great. The Great Value k-cups/Donut Shop is so popular it is hard to find them in stock. I read several reviews about coffee and the Great Value coffee always received high marks, that is why I tried it and I am glad I did.
Donna says
Just can’t make myself like coffee in any shape or form. I hate the after taste but I sure love to smell it brewing. I don’t like anything with sweetened condensed milk either although I have a friend who can eat it right out of the can. To me if it’s in a dish that’s all I can taste and it’s just way too sweet. Funny how we all have our little likes and dislikes, That’s what makes life so interesting.
JudyL says
That would be me! If a recipe calls for one can of sweetened condensed milk, I know to get out two cans because one spoonful is never enough!
Diana says
I do not like Iced coffee at all .. Nor am I a starbucks fan .. Too strong on the coffee .. But then I grew up a tea person in our house of tea people.
I will drink hot coffee in the am with breakfast but it took me years to even enjoy that one !
Cheryl says
Yuck! Cold coffee doused with cream and sugar…Yuck! I like it hot and black,
and only before 10 am.
Judy says
The easy way to make iced coffee is to combine 6 cups of coffee (regular or decaf) and one can of sweetened condensed milk (can be fat free or regular). Chill in refrigerator. This is wonderful!
Pamj says
Not a coffee drinker, but my bad habit is a mocha frappe-chino from Starbucks.. Cold coffee w/chocolate, ice and a secret syrup (I swear !!) can’t figure out what it is, it’s cold, it’s sweet and even has a bit of real cream on top..this drink is my favorite…like it almost, (notice) I said “almost”, as much as my Dr. Pepper !!!
JudyL says
I suppose I’m at least 2 hours from the closest Starbucks so I’ll have to stick with my homemade brew. If I liked chocolate, your coffee drink of choice does sound good. Secret syrup, huh?