Vanilla Iced Coffee

When the sun is blazing and the temperature soars, nothing beats the refreshing sip of a chilled, caffeinated beverage. And that’s exactly what Vanilla Iced Coffee is! 

This summer coffee drink, a blend of cool, creamy, and sweet, is not just a beverage; it’s a moment of escape. Perfect for beginners and seasoned coffee lovers alike, Vanilla Iced Coffee is an easy iced coffee recipe that brings a bit of coffee shop luxury into your home without the luxury price. 

Whether you’re taking a break in your backyard, starting your morning, or needing a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this homemade iced coffee is a great choice.

Ingredients

• Strong brewed coffee or cold brew: Choose a bold flavor to stand up to the ice and sweetness.
• Milk of your choice: Choose half and half for the creamiest iced coffee. Whole milk will give a richer flavor than lower fat milks, but you can use skimmed milk for a lighter drink, or a plant-based alternative like almond milk or oat milk.
• Vanilla syrup: You can use store-bought or make your own with vanilla extract and sugar. We have directions below, as well as in the recipe card.
• Ice: Plenty of ice is crucial for achieving that perfect icy cold temperature.
• Optional extras: Whipped cream, sprinkles, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream can add an extra touch of wonderful.

Substitutions and Additions

• Any non-dairy milk, whole milk, or heavy cream instead of half & half. Every choice you have at any Starbucks or other local coffee shop is an acceptable substitution in this recipe.
• Use sugar substitutes like Stevia or Erythritol instead of the regular white sugar in your homemade vanilla syrup for a low-sugar option.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cocoa powder to the coffee for an extra kick.
• For a vegan version, replace half & half with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
• Add a scoop of protein powder for a post-workout refresher.
• If you like your iced coffee frothy, add a small amount of whipped cream.

How To Make Iced Vanilla Coffee

Brew your coffee: If using hot coffee, let it cool completely before proceeding. 

Fill a tall glass with ice.

Add your desired amount of coffee. (we like half coffee, half dairy)

Pour in your dairy product of choice.

Sweeten to taste with vanilla syrup.

Optional: Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, caramel sauce, or ice cream.

Stir gently to combine.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious homemade Vanilla Iced Coffee!

Making Cold Brew Coffee

No need for fancy equipment, just grab your favorite pre-ground coffee and cold water. 

Combine 1 part coffee to 4 parts water in a pitcher, stir, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. 

Strain the grounds and enjoy your delicious homemade cold brew over ice. 

Simple, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days!

Make Vanilla Syrup

You can make your own vanilla syrup. It’s basically a simple syrup with vanilla added. 

We make simple syrup for our Southern sweet tea by mixing 1 cup of water with 1 cup of granulated white sugar and heating it in a pan over high heat until it boils and continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. 

For the vanilla syrup, simply add 1 tablespoon of quality vanilla extract after removing it from the heat. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator so it is cold.

Torani makes a vanilla syrup that is used in some coffee shops. You can pick it up at many big grocery stores or order it from Amazon. Use it as you would homemade vanilla syrup.

Recipe Tips

• Half & half adds richness and creaminess that milk alone can’t provide, so try not to leave it out. 
• Opt for a strong and bold coffee to hold its flavor up against the dairy and vanilla syrup. You could also use a cold brew for a smoother and less acidic taste.
• Make sure to chill your coffee before making this drink to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and watering down your iced coffee. If you think about it the night before, you can turn your leftover coffee into frozen cubes and use in place of the ice.
• If you prefer your coffee sweeter, feel free to add more vanilla syrup. Just remember, more syrup means more sweetness and more calories.
• For an extra treat, sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the whipped cream before serving..
• Get creative with your flavorings! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your coffee for a warm spice twist.

Storing

Iced coffee keeps well in the fridge so you can double and triple the recipe without ice and enjoy it all week. Iced Vanilla Coffee can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days

Can I Use Instant Coffee?

Yes, you can! Make a cup of strong coffee using instant crystals according to the package instructions and cool before using.

Can I Use My Keurig for Strong Coffee?

I have the Keurig K-Elite with the strong button and use it every day for my daily coffee. To make coffee strong enough for a coffee drink, I suggest going with a bold or dark K-cup. 

Can I Add Any Other Flavors to This Iced Coffee?

Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with other flavors, such as caramel, mocha, or even peppermint. Just remember to adjust the quantity of flavored syrups accordingly to avoid an overly sweet drink.

What if I Don’t Have Vanilla Syrup? Can I Use Vanilla Extract Instead?

While vanilla syrup gives a unique flavor profile to the coffee, you can use pure vanilla extract as a replacement. Keep in mind that since the extract isn’t sweet, you may want to add a sweetener like sugar or honey to achieve the same taste you get at a coffee shop. 

I Don’t Like Cold Coffee. Can I Still Use This Recipe for a Hot Drink?

Hot Vanilla Coffee tastes just as amazing! Just skip the step with the ice and make sure to use coffee that’s freshly brewed and hot. You might want to warm your half & half before adding it to avoid cooling down your coffee.

More Summer Recipes You’re Going to Love

• Creamy Corn Salad
• Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
• Bruschetta
• Southern Sun Tea

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