If you’re just like me and always looking for ways to make coffee more exciting, it’s time to learn how to make the easiest vanilla iced coffee at home. All you need is some homemade coffee, vanilla syrup, milk, and ice. This recipe is refreshing, creamy, and so delicious that you’ll wonder why you’ve been spending so much at Starbucks or McDonald’s.
Sometimes, you need to keep things rolling, and this vanilla iced coffee will do the job for you. It’s so easy to whip up, and once you learn it, you’ll have the skills to recreate other coffee shop favorites right at home. The subtle hint of vanilla takes this drink to another level, perfectly balancing the boldness of the coffee with sweet, syrupy vanilla notes. It’s as close to coffee heaven as you can get. So, let’s get started and make it exactly the way you like it!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THIS VANILLA ICED COFFEE
The best part about this vanilla iced coffee is that you can make it right at home with just four simple ingredients: brewed coffee, milk, simple vanilla syrup, and ice. It’s even easier to assemble this drink since all these ingredients might already be in your kitchen.
BREWED COFFEE: We need strongly brewed coffee that has been cold, or you can go for a cold brew for a sweeter, smoother flavor. You can also brew some espresso-strength coffee without any machine, but remember that some of those methods will yield a double-shot-strength coffee. Here’s a coffee brewing guide( how to make coffee ) to help you make better coffee at home.
MILK: You’ll also need ¾ cup of milk, but feel free to swap it out for creamer, half and half, or non-dairy options like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Choose whichever suits your taste best!
VANILLA SYRUP: You can pick up vanilla syrup from the store or make your own at home. A batch of homemade syrup will stay fresh for up to 30 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it with your coffee.
ICE: You can use regular ice cubes, or if you want to avoid that watered-down taste, opt for coffee ice cubes instead. They’ll keep your drink chilled without losing any flavor.
BEST WAYS TO BREW YOUR COFFEE
Making this delicious vanilla iced coffee is actually really simple. Just brew some coffee, and you’ll have a refreshing iced drink in no time! But here’s the twist—there are plenty of ways to brew your coffee. You can use a French press, Moka pot, Aeropress, or even just go with instant coffee on the stove. So, what’s the best method for brewing your vanilla iced coffee? The best way is whatever works for you and fits your taste. We’re just giving you a few popular and easy options to choose from. Pick the one that suits you best!
1)The French Press Method: One of the most popular ways to make coffee is with a French press. Since many people already have one lying around, it’s an easy and affordable option for making delicious iced coffee at home. The brewing process is simple: add your coffee grounds to the bottom, pour hot water, and place the plunger on top. Once it’s brewed, press down the plunger, and your coffee is ready to enjoy!
2) Cold Brew Method: Cold brew coffee is perfect if you mix it with water or milk, making it the best choice for delicious iced coffee drinks. You don’t need fancy equipment or machines to make it; it can be stored for over a week. It’s by far the easiest way to brew coffee for iced drinks. Plus, cold brew gives you a smoother mellower kick. Don’t forget to learn how to make cold brew at home and how to easily fix your brew to get it just right!
3) Instant Coffee Method: My coffee preferences have fully shifted to summer flavors, and I can’t pass up the chance to enjoy iced coffee at home. Nothing’s easier than whipping up an instant iced coffee right in your own kitchen. While this has pros and cons, it’s a real lifesaver when you’re in a hurry, and I’m honestly grateful for instant coffee when I need a quick fix.
HOW TO MAKE VANILLA ICED COFFEE
1)BREW YOUR COFFEE: Now it’s time to brew your coffee! You can choose from several methods, like using a French press, Aeropress, or Moka pot for a rich flavor. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, instant coffee works perfectly too. For added convenience, you can also grab some store-bought coffee.
2) ADD SIMPLE VANILLA SYRUP: Now that our coffee is ready, stir in two tablespoons of the homemade vanilla syrup. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste—whether you prefer it sweeter or just a hint of vanilla, it’s all about what you enjoy!
3) ADD MILK OF YOUR CHOICE: Add 4 ounces of your preferred milk once you brew your coffee. I used whole milk in this recipe because I love its rich flavor. But feel free to use creamer or any other milk you enjoy. The choice is yours!
4) ICE IT UP: Now it’s time to cool things down! Add a generous handful of ice cubes to your drink, then stir it well to combine everything. Sit back and enjoy the refreshing taste of your delicious vanilla iced coffee.
HOW TO MAKE THE SIMPLE VANILLA SYRUP
With this simple vanilla syrup, you can save money while enhancing your morning coffee routine. Using just four ingredients, you can whip up a syrup that’s easy to make and surprises you with its ability to add a delightful burst of flavor to your drinks.
INGRIDENTS: Here’s what you’ll need
★ Water
★ Sugar
★ Vanilla extract
★ Glass container or Jar
DIRECTION:
1) Pour one cup of water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
2)Once the water reaches a boil, add one cup of granulated white sugar and stir until it completely dissolves.
3)After the sugar has fully mixed in, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4)Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before pouring it into a container. Store your vanilla syrup in the refrigerator for up to 30 days to keep it fresh.
HIT OR MISS: MY HONEST OPINION
Making this drink at home comes with several benefits, including saving money, enjoying convenience, and customizing it to your health preferences. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of driving to your nearest café to satisfy your daily caffeine cravings. Instead, you can easily make this delicious drink home for just about 80 cents, rather than spending $4 to $5 at a specialty coffee shop. That’s an incredible savings.
For me, this recipe is definitely a hit. I’d love to hear what you think about it! And since you enjoyed this recipe so much, don’t forget to check out my delicious iced caramel coffee and iced latte recipes as well and learn more about grinding coffee beans and how to roast coffee beans at home!
FAQ
1. What is vanilla iced coffee made of?
Vanilla iced coffee is made of strongly brewed coffee, combined with vanilla syrup and creamer or milk. You can use cold brew instead of brewed coffee for a milder, sweeter flavor.
2. What’s the difference between vanilla iced coffee and vanilla latte?
Frankly speaking, vanilla iced coffee is just a bit of cream, some vanilla shots and mostly brewed coffee. On the other hand, an iced vanilla latte will be made with lots of milk, vanilla syrup and a shot of espresso.
So, the only difference would be a shot of espresso.
3. Can you put straight vanilla in coffee?
As we know, vanilla is naturally bitter in its raw form. So, if you want the sweet vanilla flavor in your coffee, you’ll have to make a vanilla syrup, or you can opt for a small amount of vanilla extract.
Vanilla syrup is a combination of simple syrup and vanilla extract. Vanilla on its own, in any capacity, will yield better results. Long story short, you can’t put straight vanilla in your coffee; it doesn’t make any sense, does it?
4. What does vanilla iced coffee taste like?
This smooth and creamy drink is a perfect combination for bold coffee flavor with sweet syrupy vanilla syrup. This drink has a pleasant vanilla flavor with coffee, which is the best pairing out there.