How to Brew the Perfect Iced Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Summer in Ireland may not always be sunshine and rainbows but when the sun does shine, there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of iced coffee to help you get through the day. It's the perfect combination of bold flavour and cool comfort – which does not always need a café run! Whether you're a seasoned coffee lover or just looking to cool off with a caffeinated treat, learning how to brew the perfect iced coffee at home is a real game changer! In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need—from ingredients and equipment to brewing methods and personalisation tips. Ingredients
- Freshly ground coffee (medium or coarse grind)
- Filtered or cold water
- Ice cubes
- Milk or cream (dairy or plant-based)
- Sugar, flavoured syrup or any sweetener of choice
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An espresso maker
- Measuring spoon or kitchen scales
- Tall glass
- Fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth for cold brew
Choose Your Brewing Method
There’s more than one way to make iced coffee. Here are two popular options:
1. Cold Brew - Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a coffee that is less acidic, smooth and slightly sweet in comparison to traditional hot brewing method. It is best for people who prefer a less acidic, gentler coffee with a refreshing finish. Pro tip – making a large batch of the cold brew can last up to a week and can be used for more than just cold brew – iced lattes, coffee cocktails & more.
2. Hot Brew Over Ice - This method involves brewing your coffee with hot water—just like you normally would for an espresso but with double the coffee grounds and then pouring it directly over ice. The ice rapidly cools the coffee, locking in its aromatic flavours and brightness while diluting it to the perfect drinking strength. It is best for coffee lovers who enjoy the complexity of hot-brewed coffee in a chilled format.
Step-by-Step: Cold Brew Iced Coffee
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1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold, filtered water
- A large glass
- A fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth for straining
- Combine Coffee & Water - Add the ground coffee and cold, filtered water to your container. Stir gently to make sure all the coffee grounds are fully saturated. This helps ensure an even extraction and prevents any dry pockets.
- Let It Steep - Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. Let the mixture steep for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you like your brew. The longer the steep, the bolder the flavour.
- Strain Your Brew - Once steeping is complete, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth into a clean jar or bottle. You may want to strain it twice for a cleaner, grit-free result.
- Serve & Enjoy - Pour your cold brew concentrate over ice and enjoy it as is—or dilute it with cold water or milk to your preferred strength. Cold brew is usually about twice as strong as regular coffee, so adjusting it to taste is key! Pro Tip: Freeze some of your brew into ice cubes to avoid watering it down.
Step-by-Step: Hot Brew Over Ice
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Espresso machine
- Fresh coffee beans
- Ice cubes
- Glass
- Optional: milk, sweeteners, syrups
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Brewing method: drip machine, pour-over, french press, or aeropress
- Fill a glass about ¾ full of ice.
- Brew the coffee. If using whole beans: Grind them to a fine grind (espresso grind). Brew a single or double shot (1–2 oz) directly over the ice in the glass.
- Stir or Shake (Optional) After coffee hits the ice, give it a quick stir to help it cool and dilute just a bit — this smooths out the flavour.
- Optional: If you're in the mood for something extra, you can also add a sweetener of your choice.
Customise Your Iced Coffee
