With these tips from the pros, you can make the ultimate iced coffee at home. (Getty)(Getty)
Spring is well underway, and that means it's iced coffee season. Whether you prefer yours black or have been known to indulge in a frothy iced vanilla latte, we've got tips from the pros on making it barista-worthy at home. The key to avoiding a watered-down cup? Brew stronger coffee than you would when drinking it hot. What comes next? Sweetener, milk, flavored syrup — the options are endless.
According to the National Coffee Association, 71% of coffee drinkers brew their coffee at home. When we asked industry pros how to make the best iced coffee from the comfort of our own kitchen, many agreed that your favorite coffee maker, whether you use a high-tech espresso machine or a simpler drip brewer, can work for iced coffee. "Making great iced coffee at home doesn't require much — just good coffee, a reliable brewing method, water and plenty of ice," says Nicole Maurer, senior brand manager for Mr. Coffee. "Controlling the coffee quality and brew strength is key." More tips right this way!
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Large-format cubes aren't just for cocktails. "Oversized ice cubes or spheres melt more slowly and keep your drink tasting fresh," explains Christina Correa, co-founder of The SisterYard cold brew concentrate. Another trick for fans of a strong brew is making ice cubes out of coffee instead of water. "This simple trick helps maintain a strong, consistent flavor as the ice melts," says Maurer.
"Silicone molds are an easy, affordable upgrade to your usual ice. You can even freeze coffee in one of these molds for a stronger pour," says Correa.
These trays are made from BPA-free food-grade silicone and come with lids so your ice won't end up smelling like garlic or whatever leftovers are in your freezer. They're dishwasher-safe, too.
I've reviewed many coffee makers for Yahoo, and I used both Peet's and this blend from Stumptown for my tests. It's a pleasant medium roast that gets more than 2,500 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers. It also comes at an easy-to-swallow price, especially for organic whole bean coffee, which often runs upwards of $15.
Abendroth's company bills itself as making some of the strongest java in the world: Its instant coffee contains 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving! Death Wish's roasted coffees have a lower caffeine content but still pack a flavor punch. Just ask the 42,500+ shoppers who have given these low-acid, aromatic ground beans a five-star review.
"A conical burr coffee grinder will take your morning coffee ritual to the next level," says Abendroth.
This Cuisinart is Amazon's No. 1 bestselling burr grinder, with more than 29,600 five-star ratings. It has 18 settings from ultra-coarse to ultra-fine and an 8-ounce hopper, which is big enough to hold half a standard bag of beans.
Originally designed for backpackers and campers, Airscape stainless steel containers use a patented technology to remove oxygen, which helps keep coffee fresh and flavorful. This canister comes in seven colors including matte black and brushed copper and earned an impressive 4.8 stars from 8,300 reviews.
For about a third of the price, you lose the timer, but you do get a liquid crystal display and six units of measurement, including ounces, carats, grains, troy ounces and pennyweight. Plus, the scale's lid doubles as a tray to help contain grounds. More than 7,400 Amazon shoppers are five-star fans.
Everyone's favorite chic and highly functional water bottle brand makes the ideal vessel for iced coffee when you're on the go, thanks to its splash-resistant lid. This stainless steel tumbler is as cute as it is practical — it keeps cold liquids cold for 24 hours and hot liquids hot for six hours.
Note that only the lid is dishwasher-safe.
A reusable tumbler that makes you smile every time you grab it off the shelf? Yes, please. This boroscilicate glass cup holds 20 ounces of liquid. It features a BPA-free, non-slip silicone sleeve, a bamboo lid and comes with two straws.
Looking for a gift? It's available in a rainbow of shades.
Sip and see ... these 8-inch-tall straws will turn any old cup you have at home into a cafe-like experience. They make the perfect addition to a tall glass of iced coffee.
Each straw is 10 millimeters wide, and the pack includes three straight and three bent straws with two cleaning brushes.
This all-natural syrup is made in France and adds an authentic vanilla flavor to hot and cold drinks. You can use it just like the baristas do. Why not add this to your at-home setup and start every day with an iced coffee that satisfies a craving?
Along with the Dubai chocolate trend has come a tidal wave of pistachio-flavored pastries, lattes and even sandwiches with pistachio spread.
You can get in on the pistachio coffee game with a high-quality syrup like this one from Monin. Just add about .75 ounces of it to your preferred iced coffee preparation, and you've got a brand-new drink to add to your rotation.
Lauren Abendroth, director of research and development at Death Wish Coffee Co. looks for callouts that the beans are organic and Fair Trade USA certified, "which indicates higher coffee quality since it is sustainably sourced and held to rigorous standards."
No matter what you buy, "Always use freshly roasted coffee; anything within three weeks of the initial roast date should still be vibrant and strong," says Bobby Winston, director of coffee for French Truck Coffee.
Freshly ground beans make all the difference in brewing a flavorful, strong coffee, whether it's cold or hot. "A medium-coarse grind for iced coffee provides a slow and even extraction for the best flavor in your cup. A high-quality coffee grinder will precisely grind beans right before brewing," says David Shull, executive vice president for JURA and Capresso.
Getting the ratio of coffee to water right is essential to brewing the perfect cup of iced coffee, and you'll need a scale to weigh the coffee grounds. Chef Matthew Cutolo of Gargiulo’s in Brooklyn, N.Y., explains, "A classic starting point is a 1:16 or 1:17 ratio — about 60 grams of coffee per liter of water. That’s similar to how many Italian cafés balance strength with smoothness. For iced coffee, I sometimes make it a little stronger so it stands up to the ice."
So, for a 1:16 ratio, you'll use 1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water, which works out to about 2 tablespoons of grounds for every 6 fluid ounces of water.
"There’s something about drinking from a unique glass or tumbler that makes the whole experience feel elevated," says Correa. We couldn't agree more: It's easy to make your day a bit brighter when you reach for a glass, a to-go cup or even a straw that feels fun and a little special, while also being functional.
When you're craving a chilled specialty coffee drink or you're hosting a festive brunch, the addition of a flavored syrup can really hit the spot. Just think of the response you'll get when you ask a friend if you can make her an iced caramel latte.
"When I'm creating recipes, I use Monin or Maison Routin 1883 syrups. They are all-natural and have great flavor," says Heidi Rasmussen, senior manager of quality assurance and education at Illy. "It's better to start light with syrup. For a 12-ounce iced drink, I would start with 1/3-ounce and add more in 1/3-ounce increments to taste," she suggests.
