Making iced coffee with a Keurig is a breeze.
It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy mornings.
Plus, it’s much cheaper than buying from your local coffee shop.
With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a refreshing iced coffee at home.
Save time and money while still enjoying a deliciously cool coffee treat.
How To Make Iced Coffee With A Keurig: At A Glance
- Preparing the Coffee Ice Cubes
- Brewing the Iced Coffee
- Adding Milk and Sweeteners
- Enjoy!
Necessary Equipment
Keurig Machine
To make the best iced coffee, you’ll obviously need a Keurig machine.
Models like the K-Elite, K-Supreme, and K-Slim are ideal because they have settings specifically for iced coffee.
However, any Keurig model will work just fine.
Large Temperature-Resistant Cup or Tumbler
Use a large cup that can handle temperature changes.
Plastic or metal tumblers are great options.
Avoid using glass to prevent cracking.
Ice Tray
An ice tray is useful for making coffee ice cubes.
These cubes help keep your iced coffee from getting watered down.
Optional: HyperChiller
A HyperChiller is a handy device that quickly cools down your hot coffee without diluting it.
It’s optional but can enhance your iced coffee experience.
Ingredients
Dark Roast K-Cup
For the best flavor, use a dark roast K-Cup.
Brands like Death Wish Coffee, Cafe Bustelo, and Green Mountain Dark Magic are excellent choices.
These provide a strong, bold flavor that stands up well to ice and milk.
Cold Milk, Half-and-Half, or Non-Dairy Alternatives
You can use 4 ounces of cold milk, half-and-half, or non-dairy alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk.
These add creaminess to your iced coffee.
Sweeteners
Add sweeteners to taste.
You can use sugar, or try flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut to give your coffee an extra kick.
Optional: Sweetened Condensed Milk
For a delicious Vietnamese-style iced coffee, add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
This gives your coffee a rich, sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Coffee Ice Cubes
- Brew a Large Cup of Coffee: Use your Keurig to brew a large cup of coffee with a dark roast K-Cup. Let the coffee cool down completely.
- Freeze the Coffee: Pour the cooled coffee into an ice tray and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, these coffee ice cubes will prevent your iced coffee from getting watered down.
Step 2: Brewing the Iced Coffee
- Insert a Dark Roast K-Cup: Place a dark roast K-Cup into your Keurig machine. Recommended brands include Death Wish Coffee, Cafe Bustelo, and Green Mountain Dark Magic.
- Fill the Water Reservoir: Ensure the water reservoir in your Keurig is filled.
- Select the Smallest Cup Size: Choose the smallest cup size, either 4 oz or 6 oz, to ensure a stronger brew. If your Keurig has an iced coffee setting, use it for optimal results.
- Brew Over Ice: Place a cup filled with ice or coffee ice cubes under the Keurig. Brew the coffee directly over the ice. The hot coffee will melt some of the ice, chilling the coffee quickly.
Step 3: Adding Milk and Sweeteners
- Pour in Cold Milk or Alternatives: Add 4 ounces of cold milk, half-and-half, or a non-dairy alternative like almond, coconut, or oat milk to your brewed coffee.
- Add Sweeteners to Taste: Sweeten your iced coffee with sugar or flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. If you prefer a Vietnamese-style iced coffee, add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir Well: Mix the coffee, milk, and sweeteners thoroughly to ensure a smooth and delicious drink.
Tips for the Best Iced Coffee
Use Coffee Ice Cubes
Coffee ice cubes keep your iced coffee strong by preventing it from getting watered down as the ice melts.
Brew a large cup of coffee, let it cool, and pour it into an ice tray to freeze.
Use these coffee cubes instead of regular ice.
Always Use Filtered Water
Using filtered water for brewing your coffee is crucial.
It removes impurities that can affect the flavor, giving you a cleaner, purer taste.
Bad water can ruin the taste of your coffee since it’s 98% water.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Adding 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to your iced coffee creates a rich, creamy texture and a sweet flavor.
This method is especially great for making a Vietnamese-style iced coffee.
Experiment with Flavored Syrups
Flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and mocha can take your iced coffee to the next level.
They add an extra burst of flavor and sweetness, making your drink more enjoyable.
HyperChiller
As mentioned earlier, a HyperChiller can cool down your hot coffee in about a minute without diluting it.
This device uses regular water (no gels or chemicals) and is a great investment if you want to make iced coffee quickly while preserving its full flavor.
Variations and Enhancements
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
For a rich and sweet twist, add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to your iced coffee.
This method gives your drink a luxurious texture and a deliciously sweet flavor, similar to traditional Vietnamese iced coffee.
Flavored Iced Lattes
To make a flavored iced latte, add a splash of vanilla or caramel syrup to your iced coffee.
Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
These syrups add a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to your drink.
Spiced Iced Coffee
Enhance your iced coffee with a hint of spice by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
These spices add warmth and a subtle complexity to your coffee, making it a perfect variation for those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor.
Additional Tips
Avoid Glass Cups
Always use a plastic or metal cup instead of glass when making iced coffee.
The sudden temperature change from hot coffee to ice can cause glass to crack, leading to a mess and potential safety hazards.
Ditch the Glass for a Thermos
Using a thermos instead of a glass can help keep your iced coffee cooler for longer.
Thermoses are designed to maintain temperatures, so your coffee stays refreshingly cold without needing to constantly add more ice.
Stronger Brew Options
For a bolder, more concentrated iced coffee, use the strong setting on your Keurig if it has one.
Alternatively, brew two small cups of coffee back-to-back into the same glass filled with ice.
This method ensures a stronger coffee flavor that stands up well to dilution from ice and milk.
Conclusion
Making iced coffee with a Keurig is simple and cost-effective.
With just a few steps, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at home.
Experiment with different flavors and techniques to find your perfect cup.
Enjoy the convenience and savings of homemade iced coffee!
FAQs
Can You Make Iced Coffee with Any Keurig?
Yes, any Keurig model can be used to make iced coffee.
Simply brew your coffee directly over ice using your favorite dark roast K-Cup.
While models like the K-Elite, K-Supreme, and K-Slim have settings for iced coffee, you can achieve great results with any Keurig machine.
What is the Iced Button on Keurig Machines?
The iced button on certain Keurig models, like the K-Elite, adjusts the brewing settings to optimize the coffee for iced drinks.
It typically brews at a lower temperature and produces a more concentrated coffee to account for dilution from the ice.
This ensures your iced coffee is strong and flavorful.
Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?
Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down, often by brewing directly over ice.
Cold brew, on the other hand, is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours.
This method produces a coffee concentrate that is smoother and less acidic.
Keurig machines are designed for hot brewing, making them unsuitable for cold brew preparation.
