Compared with traditional hot coffee, iced coffee has become increasingly popular among young people. On a hot summer afternoon, few things are more refreshing than a cup of iced coffee.
Basically, you have four choices when it comes to iced coffee.
- Buy your cup from Starbucks
- Buy an iced coffee maker
- Buy Instant Iced coffee
- Make it at home by yourself
The first method is straightforward: pay the money, get your coffee. Let’s move on to the next choice—an iced coffee maker. You can purchase a coffee maker with an iced-beverage function or an ice coffee maker specifically designed for iced coffee.
For a general coffee maker with an iced-beverage function, consider the Breville Bkc700XL Gourmet Single-Serve Coffeemaker with Iced-Beverage Function. However, investing in a $200 coffee maker solely for iced coffee might not be necessary unless your current machine breaks. In that case, look for this feature in your next purchase.
Personally, I prefer affordable, compact machines dedicated to making iced coffee or cold brew. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines) Many options are available, and for around $30, you can get a quality brewer like the Hario V60 Iced Coffee Maker. Watch the video below to see how it works.
The Toddy Cold Brew System is another excellent option. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines) Watch the video below to see how this coffee maker operates.
The third option is popular due to its affordability and convenience. As previously mentioned, amazon.com is an excellent platform for purchasing items like instant iced coffee. Amazon offers competitive prices, high-quality products, and items that may not be available in local stores. If you’re looking for instant iced coffee recommendations, consider options such as Cappuccino Coolers French Vanilla, Starbucks iced coffee, and Maxwell House iced latte. These are easily accessible and worth exploring. Personally, instant iced coffee is my preferred way to enjoy iced coffee during the summer. While it may not offer the best flavor profile, sometimes convenience takes precedence over taste. (flavor-profile evaluation rooted in the SCA’s standardized descriptors)
If you’re ready to make iced coffee at home, starting with a simple recipe is advisable. The basic ingredients required are coffee, sugar, and ice. Key points to consider include:
the SCA Golden Cup standard recommends a brew ratio of 1:15 to 1:18, Using a higher coffee-to-water ratio than usual. For instance, if you typically use one tablespoon of coffee for hot coffee, use two tablespoons for iced coffee.
Adding sugar while the coffee is hot ensures better dissolution. Once the coffee cools, sugar may not dissolve as effectively.
Avoid pouring hot coffee directly over ice to prevent dilution and loss of flavor. Allow the coffee to cool slightly first. If you’ve seen the Hario V60 demonstration, you’ll notice the coffee maker includes ice in the middle section. (a cone design that requires precise technique; James Hoffmann and Tim Wendelboe have both highlighted its steep-learning-curve reputation) This method quickly cools the coffee without compromising its strength by pouring it directly over ice while hot or waiting for it to cool down naturally in the summer heat.
For more recipe options, you can easily find homemade iced coffee recipes online. There are plenty of choices available, and you might also consider downloading an ebook for offline reading. Explore other home brewing methods such as using a Moka Pot or a French Press on this site. (which Lance Hedrick and James Hoffmann describe as producing a concentrated, espresso-like coffee)