Forget high end coffee shops and make iced coffee easily at home in a fraction of the cost, and you don't need an espresso machine or cold brew. It is made in under 2 minutes using instant coffee.
If you are looking for ways to use instant coffee, try my mocha mug cake or the tiramisu tres leches cake recipe next!
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Iced coffee recipe
🕒 Ready In: ~2 minutes
👪 Serves: 1 serving
🧑🍳 Main Ingredients: Instant coffee, milk and sugar
📌 Difficulty: Easy instant recipe
Why you’ll love this instant iced coffee?
I wanted an iced coffee that tastes rich and full-bodied, but can still be made in just a few minutes at home—no espresso machine, no long brewing time, and no expensive coffee shop runs, like my mocha latte recipe.
Unlike cold brew, which needs hours (or overnight), or hot coffee that has to cool down first, this instant iced coffee comes together almost immediately. It’s inspired by the Japanese-style method, which keeps things simple, quick, and surprisingly smooth without any extra effort.
The best part is how customizable it is—make it exactly how you like it. Add a little extra instant coffee if you prefer it stronger, stir in your favorite flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel, or even add a splash of syrup for a café-style twist. And if you’re making it for adults, it also works beautifully with a splash of something boozy, making it a fun coffee cocktail.
- maria doss
Jump to:
Tips for Success
- Don't reduce sugar - Sugar makes this taste delicious just like you would get at Starbucks. Reducing it might make it healthier but might also not be as tasty.
- Milk - Use your favorite variety. Plant based milks like oat milk or almond milk will also make it delicious!
- Don't make the water hot - This not only affects the taste but also takes longer to cool down. Heat just until lukewarm to dissolve the sugar. This produces a coffee concentrate that's smooth, full of flavor and low in acid.
- Make ahead - Make as instructed but without adding any ice. Store in a sealed mason jar or any air tight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Serve over ice.
More cold drinks
How to make Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cup milk preferably whole milk
Instructions
- Add water, instant coffee, and sugar to a microwave-safe cup. Microwave for about 10–15 seconds, just until the mixture is slightly warm—do not let it get hot. You only need enough warmth to help the instant coffee granules and sugar dissolve easily. Remove from the microwave and stir well until everything is fully dissolved.
- Let cool for about 2 minutes and then stir in cold milk. Pour into a glass filled with ice, enjoy!
Notes
- Cafe Altura instant organic
- Starbucks VIA instant veranda blend
- Nescafe Taster's choice house blend
- Mount hagen organic fair trade
- Jacob's kronung
- Maxwell house original blend
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Iced" means cubes of ice is added to a drink whereas "ice" means frozen or blended with ice like ice cream, slushy or granita. So this is iced coffee.
Cold brew is coarse ground java steeped in cold water for at least twelve hours. The longer it sits, stronger is the flavor. The grounds are then filtered out, resulting in a concentrate that is less acidic and bitter than hot brewing. This method uses time instead of heat to extract the oils, sugars and caffeine. Whereas cold coffee is cold or hot brew mixed with sweeteners and dairy
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below, and we’ll send the link straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get more creative recipe ideas every Sunday!
Best coffee-to-milk ratio for instant iced coffee
The ideal coffee-to-milk ratio really comes down to personal preference and the type of coffee you're using. Espresso, cold brew concentrate, and regular brewed coffee all have different strengths, so their ratios will vary.
For this instant iced coffee recipe, I like using 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules with ¾ cup milk. It creates a coffee that's rich, bold, and creamy without being overpowering. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, add a little more instant coffee or reduce the milk. For a milder, creamier drink, simply add a splash more milk.
Best Instant Coffee to Use for Iced Coffee?
For the richest flavor, I recommend choosing a medium or dark roast instant coffee. These tend to have a fuller body and bolder flavor that holds up well when mixed with milk and poured over ice. Lighter roasts can work too, but they often taste a bit milder and can get lost once the drink is chilled.
If you're shopping for a good instant coffee, here are a few popular options that are known for their smooth, full-bodied flavor:
- Café Altura Organic Instant Coffee
- Starbucks VIA Veranda Blend
- Nescafé Taster's Choice House Blend
- Mount Hagen Organic Fair Trade Instant Coffee
- Jacobs Krönung Instant Coffee
- Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee
That said, don't feel like you need a specialty brand to make great iced coffee. Use an instant coffee you already enjoy drinking hot—the flavor you like in a hot cup will usually translate well to an iced one too.
Iced Coffee Variations
One of the best things about homemade iced coffee is how easy it is to customize. Start with the basic recipe, then make it your own with one of these delicious variations:
- Iced Latte - For a creamier, coffeehouse-style drink, top your iced coffee with frothed milk or cold foam instead of regular milk.
- Caramel Iced Coffee - Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce for a sweet, buttery flavor and add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Boozy Iced Coffee - Turn it into an adult treat with a splash of whiskey, rum, brandy, or Baileys.
- Warm Spices - Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, or freshly grated nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
- Flavor Extracts - A few drops of vanilla, almond, or coconut extract can completely change the flavor profile and make your coffee feel extra special.
- Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee - Stir in sweetened condensed milk and reduce or omit the sugar.
- Flavored Syrups - Skip the sugar and sweeten your coffee with flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, mocha, or chocolate.
- Whipped Cream Topping - Sometimes simple is best. Finish your iced coffee with a generous swirl of whipped cream for an easy café-style treat.
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💚 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love to hear your feedback! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Hi, I’m Maria! I share easy, flavor-packed dinners, high-protein meals, and irresistible baking ideas. If you’ve ever asked, “Don’t know what to cook tonight?” you’re in the right place. And yes—there’s plenty here for breakfast, snacks, and dessert too. More about maria ->
