Customize your iced coffee just the way you like it! Whether you prefer milk, a sweetener, or flavored syrup, you can create your ideal coffee shop experience in the comfort of your home.

This Starbucks iced coffee is quick, refreshing, and friendly on the wallet. Perfect for busy mornings or those lazy afternoons when you’re craving something cool!

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe

Budget-Friendly: Say goodbye to overpriced coffee shop drinks! You can make your perfect iced coffee at home for a fraction of the cost.

Customizable: Want it stronger or sweeter? Adjust the strength, sweetness, and add-ins to suit your taste. No more hoping your barista got your order right!

Quick and Simple: With just 4 minutes of brewing time and basic equipment, you can enjoy café-quality iced coffee without the long wait in the drive-thru line.

Make It Ahead: Prepare a big batch and store it in the fridge for instant iced coffee whenever the craving strikes. It’s a great solution for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.

Ingredients

• Coarse Ground Coffee: Fresh coffee beans ground to a chunky consistency, similar to coarse sea salt. This blend offers rich flavor without bitter notes during steeping. Pick your favorite brand and roast!
• Hot Water: Heat the water to just below boiling (around 200°F). This temperature optimally extracts coffee flavors without scorching the beans.
• Ice Cubes: Standard ice cubes will cool and slightly dilute your coffee concentrate.
• Milk, Sweetener, Flavored Syrup: Customize your drink with these ingredients to create specialty coffees that rival those from Starbucks.

How to Make Starbucks Iced Coffee

Believe it or not, making this iced coffee is a breeze!

Step 1: Steep

Combine your coarsely ground coffee with hot water, and let it steep for about 4 minutes. Be careful, as steeping it longer can lead to bitterness.

Step 2: Separate

Use a French press or a coffee filter to strain the brewed coffee from the grounds.

Step 3: Pour

Distribute the freshly brewed coffee into two glasses filled with ice cubes to cool and dilute.

Step 4: Customize and Enjoy

Add milk, a sweetener, or flavored syrup to your taste. Stir it all together, take a sip, and relish in your homemade creation!

Tips for the Best Starbucks Iced Coffee

Follow these expert tips to capture the perfect Starbucks experience at home.

• Get the Right Grind: Use coffee grounds that resemble coarse sea salt. Using too fine a grind may result in bitter, muddy coffee.
• Stick to the Ideal Ratio: Aim for a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio (1 cup coffee to 2 cups water). This yields a robust brew that won’t taste diluted when you pour it over ice. For a bolder flavor, try a ratio of 1.5:2.
• Filter Out the Junk: Utilizing filtered water can elevate the overall flavor. Use it for both brewing and as a base for your ice cubes.
• Don’t Hesitate: Immediately pour your brewed coffee over ice to chill it rapidly and prevent oxidation that can lead to a stale taste.
• Go for Cold Brew: Consider using cold brew concentrate instead of freshly brewed coffee for a smoother, less acidic taste.
• Have Fun with Add-Ins: Explore flavors with vanilla bean paste, caramel drizzle, coconut milk, a dash of cinnamon, or even cocoa powder. You can also use coffee ice cubes for an extra boost of flavor!

How to Store

If you have leftover coffee, keeping it fresh is easy with these helpful tips.

To Store: Transfer the cooled coffee to an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator. Black coffee can remain fresh for up to a week. To enjoy the best flavor, try to consume it within 3-4 days. If you’ve added milk or sweeteners, finish it within 2-3 days to avoid spoilage.