This Iced Coffee Recipe is fast, simple, and surprisingly delicious. You don’t need cold brew, coffee concentrate, or brewed coffee—just two main ingredients and a few minutes to make a café-quality iced coffee at home.
You only need two essential ingredients, plus water and ice—no special equipment required.
I’m not someone who requires coffee to start the day, but I love coffee’s flavor and some afternoons I really need a pick-me-up. When people ask if I drink coffee, I jokingly reply, “I need coffee.”
One of my favorite treats is a tall glass of iced coffee topped with whipped cream and a crisp cookie on the side.
This version is creamy and sweet, and I love to enjoy it with a crunchy, lightly sweet cookie for contrast. Best of all, it takes about 5 minutes to prepare.
Want a bolder coffee flavor? Freeze brewed or instant coffee in ice cube trays and use those coffee ice cubes to chill your drink without diluting it.
Ingredients for Easy Iced Coffee
These simple ingredients come together quickly to make a creamy, refreshing iced coffee.
- Instant coffee: Dissolves quickly in a small amount of water—no need to brew ahead.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess in one step, eliminating the need for additional sugar or creamer.
All you’ll add afterward is water and ice to finish the drink.
How To Make Easy Iced Coffee
Homemade iced coffee is perfect for warm mornings and afternoons. Follow these steps to make it in minutes:
1. In a glass, combine the instant coffee with about 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir until the granules dissolve completely.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk, then top with additional water and ice to reach your preferred strength and volume.
3. Stir well until everything is combined and enjoy chilled. Add whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel if you like.
Serve with your favorite cookie or a light snack for a delightful afternoon treat.
Great Cookies to Pair with Iced Coffee
A crunchy cookie with real ingredients is a lovely match for this iced coffee. I enjoy pairing it with thin, nutty cookies made from whole ingredients—something that adds texture and a bit of sweetness without overpowering the drink.
Fruit-and-nut flavored cookies work particularly well—tropical flavors like mango and coconut add a bright contrast to the creamy coffee.
For a dairy-free version, swap sweetened condensed milk for plant-based milk (oat or almond) and add maple syrup or sugar to sweeten to taste.
More Variations
- Whole milk: Replace condensed milk with whole milk and a sweetener for a milder, creamier drink.
- Caramel iced coffee: Stir in caramel syrup for an indulgent treat.
- Leftover coffee: Use chilled brewed coffee you already have and add milk or condensed milk plus ice.
- Flavored creamers: Add flavored coffee creamer to customize your drink—vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel are all great choices.
A Time to Make Your Food at Home
Making food and drinks at home can be both practical and soothing. This iced coffee recipe is quick, no-cook, and easy to scale up when you want more than one serving.
It’s perfect for sipping during virtual meetings, enjoying a quiet moment in the afternoon, or starting a busy day with a refreshing pick-me-up.
More Pairings for Your Coffee
Try your iced coffee with a variety of baked goods for different occasions:
- Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Classic Chocolate Cake
- Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Other Homemade Drink Recipes You Might Love
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Pineapple Ginger Juice
- Mango Juice
- Honey Lemon Tea
- Ginger Drink
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating. Your feedback helps others find the recipe and I love hearing from you—thank you!
Iced Coffee Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 6 oz water
- Ice for serving
Instructions
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In a glass, combine the instant coffee with about 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir until the granules dissolve.
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Add sweetened condensed milk and mix. Top with additional water and ice, stir, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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