Looking for a refreshing, dairy-free coffee that’s easy to make?
This Almond milk iced coffee recipe might just be what you’re looking for!
It’s low in calories, vegan, and packed with Vitamin E, which supports healthy skin and boosts your immune system.
Whether you’re cutting back on dairy or just looking for a light, energizing drink, this recipe is a great alternative to sugary Starbucks drinks.
It’s ideal for summer and can even help with weight management.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip it up in minutes.
Let’s dive into this simple, delicious recipe!
How to Make Almond Milk Iced Coffee: At A Glance
- Brew 1 shot of espresso or use ½ cup of strong coffee.
- Stir in sweetener while the coffee is still warm.
- Let the coffee cool before assembling the drink.
- Fill a glass with ice and add ½ cup unsweetened almond milk.
- Pour the cooled coffee over the almond milk.
- Stir, customize with flavors like vanilla or caramel, and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee: Brew a shot of espresso or use ½ cup of strong dark roast coffee.
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or barista-style for creaminess): Opt for unsweetened almond milk to control sweetness, or use barista-style almond milk for a frothier texture.
- 2 teaspoons xylitol, or use other sweeteners like maple syrup, sugar syrup, or brown sugar: Adjust based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a hint of flavor to elevate the drink.
- 1 cup of ice: Keep your drink chilled and refreshing.
- Optional: Chocolate syrup or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
- If you have an espresso machine, brew 1 shot of espresso. For a stronger iced coffee, opt for a double shot.
- Alternatively, use ½ cup of strong-brewed coffee or cold brew for a milder flavor.
- Let the coffee cool for a few minutes, or add an ice cube to speed up the process.
Step 2: Sweeten the Coffee
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of xylitol or your preferred sweetener, such as maple syrup or sugar syrup, while the coffee is still warm to help it dissolve.
- Let the coffee cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Build the Drink
- Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice.
- For a creamier texture, froth the almond milk using a handheld frother, blender, or even by shaking it in a jar
- Pour ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk over the ice.
- Add the cooled espresso or brewed coffee on top.
Step 4: Stir and Enjoy
- Mix the drink well with a spoon or straw.
- Optional: Top with vanilla extract, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Your almond milk iced coffee is now ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Almond Milk Iced Coffee
Best Type of Coffee to Use
For a rich, flavorful iced coffee, using a dark roast or espresso is key.
Dark roast coffee beans provide a deep, bold taste that holds up well against almond milk and ice.
Espresso, with its concentrated flavor, is another great option that delivers the strong coffee punch this drink needs.
If you prefer a less intense coffee, a cold brew or medium roast can also work, but you might find that a stronger brew complements the almond milk better in iced coffee.
Choosing the Right Almond Milk
Not all almond milks are the same, especially when it comes to coffee.
For the best results, opt for barista-style almond milk.
It’s formulated to froth well and has a creamier texture, which helps it blend seamlessly with coffee.
If you prefer more control over the sweetness, choose unsweetened almond milk.
This allows you to add sweeteners to your liking without the drink becoming overly sweet.
Regular almond milk can still be used, but it’s thinner and may separate more easily.
Preventing Almond Milk Separation
Almond milk tends to separate in coffee because of its lower fat content and the acidity of coffee.
The easiest way to prevent this is by ensuring your coffee is chilled before adding almond milk.
When the coffee is hot, it can cause the almond milk to curdle or separate.
By letting the coffee cool down, the almond milk mixes more smoothly, resulting in a well-blended, refreshing iced coffee.
This small step can make a big difference in the overall texture and appearance of your drink.
Variations and Customizations
Adding Different Flavors
One of the best things about almond milk iced coffee is its versatility.
You can easily enhance the flavor by adding vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or hazelnut syrup.
For a classic twist, try adding vanilla syrup to give your iced coffee a slightly sweet and creamy flavor.
If you’re a fan of richer, dessert-like drinks, go for caramel or chocolate syrup, which can turn your iced coffee into a more indulgent treat.
Hazelnut syrup is another popular choice that complements the nutty undertones of almond milk, adding depth and warmth to the drink.
Non-Dairy Alternatives
If almond milk isn’t your first choice or you want to experiment, there are other great non-dairy alternatives to try.
Oat milk is a fantastic option for its creamy texture, which mimics dairy milk well and blends smoothly with coffee.
Soy milk is another alternative with a thicker consistency, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a more robust milk that holds up well in both hot and cold drinks.
For something more tropical, try coconut milk, which adds a light, coconut flavor to your iced coffee and creates a creamier finish.
Each of these non-dairy options brings its own unique flavor and texture to the coffee, so feel free to swap them out depending on your preferences.
Sweetener Options for Keto, Low-Calorie, or Vegan Diets
Whether you’re following a specific diet or just want a healthier option, there are plenty of ways to sweeten your almond milk iced coffee without adding refined sugar.
For keto or low-calorie diets, use natural alternatives like xylitol or stevia, which add sweetness without affecting your blood sugar levels.
If you’re on a vegan diet, options like maple syrup or agave nectar are great plant-based sweeteners that blend easily into cold drinks.
Health Benefits of Almond Milk Iced Coffee
Almond milk iced coffee offers a range of health benefits, making it a great alternative to traditional dairy-based coffee drinks.
First, almond milk is naturally low in calories, with around 40 calories per 100ml, which helps keep your drink light and suitable for weight management.
The coffee itself can also help boost metabolism, providing a natural energy kick that may aid in burning calories.
Additionally, almond milk is rich in Vitamin E, an essential nutrient that supports both skin health and immune function.
This makes almond milk a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their nutrition without the added sugars or fats found in many coffee shop versions.
In fact, by using unsweetened almond milk and natural sweeteners like xylitol or maple syrup, this recipe is significantly healthier than store-bought iced coffees, which often contain refined sugars and artificial ingredients.
Conclusion
Almond milk iced coffee is a simple yet versatile drink that you can easily make at home.
With just a few ingredients, it’s a refreshing, low-calorie option that can be customized to fit your taste.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors like vanilla or caramel, or even try other non-dairy milks like oat or soy.
Now that you have the recipe, why not give it a try?
You’ll love how quick and delicious it is to make your own almond milk iced coffee!
FAQs
Can you froth almond milk for iced coffee?
Yes, you can froth almond milk for iced coffee, but barista-style almond milk works best.
It has a creamier texture and is specifically designed to froth, giving you a more stable foam.
Regular almond milk can froth, but it might be thinner and less stable, making it separate faster.
How to prevent almond milk from curdling in coffee?
To prevent almond milk from curdling, always chill the coffee before adding almond milk.
When the coffee is hot, the acidity can cause the almond milk to separate.
Cooling the coffee helps the milk blend smoothly without curdling.
Can you make this recipe without a coffee machine?
Yes, you can make this recipe without a coffee machine.
Simply use instant coffee or a Moka pot to brew a strong coffee or espresso.
Both options work well and provide the necessary coffee base for your almond milk iced coffee.
