How to Make Iced Coffee Like a Barista

Knowing the best methods and recipes for making iced coffee can give you relief from the dog days of summer. Whether you make iced coffee, cold brew, or iced coffee with cold brew, 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 making iced coffee at home, the difference between iced coffee and cold brew, and tips for stirring up the best flavor-enhanced beverages to beat the heat.

6 Ways to Make Iced Coffee

"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.

The following methods typically involve brewing hot coffee, cooling it to room temperature (which takes about 10 minutes), then pouring it over ice.

Use an Automatic Coffee Maker

Use the flash-brew method for an automatic coffee maker machine, suggests Caroline Bell, the co-founder and co-owner of Cafe Grumpy, a New York City-based coffee roaster and coffee shop chain. She says to brew the coffee directly over ice with half the amount of water you usually put into your brewer.

Pull a Shot With an Espresso Machine

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.

Prep With a French Press

Your French press can easily make a full-bodied iced coffee. Barnes uses 3/4 tablespoon of coffee for every 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 four to six minutes.
4. Press the plunger down slowly.
5. Pour into a glass filled with medium ice cubes.

Do a 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 1 2/3 tablespoons of coffee to 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.

Brew a Coffee Bag

Bacha Coffee offers single-serve coffee bags containing 12 grams (about 2 tablespoons) 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.

Make Instant Iced Coffee

No machine? No time? No problem. 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.

Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: What's the Difference?

Iced coffee and cold brew are made with different brewing methods. Iced coffee is brewed with hot water, then chilled. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for about 12 to 24 hours. This brewing difference means iced coffee and cold brew have distinctive flavors. But you can also use cold brew to make iced coffee drinks.

Cold brew is prized for its robust taste and texture. "Making cold brew is a simple preparation method, where patience is the most important ingredient," says Barnes. She makes cold brew by steeping a medium-dark roast for 12 hours using a French press. The ratio can range from one part coffee to four parts water up to one part coffee to 12 parts water, depending on preference.

Bell uses jars to make cold brew, combining coarse-ground coffee with cold water in a Mason jar, steeping it for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature, then straining it into another jar.

Additional Tips for the Best Iced Coffee

• Use quality coffee: 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," says Bell.
• Vary the ice cubes: Fill your glass to the top with solid, medium to large cubes made from filtered water. Or, 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.
• Storing: 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. 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.
• Mix a slushie: Mix cold brew, ice, milk, and sweetener in a blender for a caffeinated slushie. Or, make a shakerato, which is a frosty Italian treat. 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.
• Brew a treat: "Oat milk and a dash of cinnamon in your iced coffee always feels like a treat,” says Bell.
• Pour a tonic: "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.