Instant coffee and sugar dissolved in a little hot water, then loosened with four cups of cold milk, make up this non-alcoholic chilled coffee drink. The result is creamy and mild, served in a coffee mug as a cool counterpart to a hot brew. Shaking or running the mixture through a blender works air into it, producing a thick, foamy head. Containing no spirits and around 250 calories per serving, it functions as an everyday refreshment for warm weather or an afternoon revival rather than a cocktail in the strict sense.
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Iced Coffee
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix together until coffee and sugar is dissolved. Add milk. Shake well. Using a blender or milk shake maker produces a very foamy drink. Serve in coffee mug.
Iced Coffee is a non-alcoholic chilled coffee drink made by dissolving instant coffee and sugar in hot water, then combining with cold milk for a creamy, refreshing beverage. It is a simple and satisfying alternative to hot coffee, ideal for warm weather or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. The drink can be made frothy by shaking or blending.
History & Origins
Iced coffee has been consumed in various forms since the 19th century, with Japanese iced coffee (flash-chilled pour-over) and Vietnamese cà phê đá among the most celebrated traditions. The American home version using instant coffee became popular in the mid-20th century as instant coffee dominated household pantries. This recipe reflects the straightforward domestic tradition of chilled instant coffee with milk.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Mild roasted coffee with a sweet, milky creaminess. Palate: Light and sweet, with the instant coffee's soluble roast notes balanced by the cold milk's richness and the dissolved sugar's sweetness. Finish: Clean and refreshing, with a gentle coffee aftertaste and cool, creamy linger.
Pro Tip
Use a blender or milk shake maker to combine all ingredients for a foamier, colder result; serve immediately over ice in a tall glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a basic iced coffee recipe?
This simple iced coffee combines instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of hot water with sugar, then poured over ice and topped with cold milk. The hot water fully dissolves both the coffee and sugar before chilling, preventing graininess in the finished drink.
Can you use brewed coffee instead of instant for this iced coffee?
Yes — double-strength brewed coffee or espresso works even better than instant, providing more complex flavor and less chemical bitterness. Allow the brewed coffee to cool to room temperature first, then pour over ice to prevent excessive dilution from melting.
Is this iced coffee recipe alcoholic?
No — this is a non-alcoholic iced coffee recipe using instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and cold milk. To create an alcoholic version, add a measure of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa, a shot of Irish whiskey, or a pour of dark rum for a spiked iced coffee.
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