There's something about a chilled, refreshing glass of traditional iced coffee that just hits the spot, especially when the weather warms up. This method uses cold brewing, which brings out the smooth, rich flavors of your favorite coffee beans without any bitterness.
The heart of this recipe is, of course, the coffee grounds. Opt for a coarser grind to prevent over-extraction, which can make the coffee bitter. The cold water acts as a gentle solvent to extract all the nuanced flavors from the coffee over time. Adding sugar is optional, but a touch can balance the natural bitterness of the coffee. The whole milk or cream lends a richness and depth, creating a smooth and satisfying drink. And finally, ice cubes are essential for keeping your drink perfectly chilled.
Pair your iced coffee with a light breakfast like a croissant or fresh fruit for a refreshing start to the day. It also complements a sweet treat like a chocolate chip cookie or a slice of cake in the afternoon.
Start by combining your coffee grounds with cold water in a large pitcher. Give it a good stir to make sure all the grounds are evenly saturated. Cover the pitcher and let it steep in your refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. This slow brew process is what gives cold brew its distinctive smoothness.
Once the coffee has steeped, strain it into another pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will separate the rich coffee concentrate from the spent grounds, which you can discard. If you like your coffee sweet, now's the time to stir in some sugar until it's fully dissolved.
Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the strained coffee over them. Add milk or cream to your liking, and give it a gentle stir to combine. There you have it—a perfectly crafted iced coffee ready to enjoy.
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