Iced coffee isn’t just for the summer anymore; it is a year-round refresher. Most of us would appreciate a refreshing cup of iced coffee every now and then. However, cold coffee can cost around three to five dollars at a good coffee shop.
So what do you do if you have a sudden urge for iced coffee?
You can easily prepare cold coffee at home with the Keurig coffee maker. Not only is the process simple, but you will get freshly brewed iced coffee in the comfort of your home with Keurig at a much cheaper rate.
Stay tuned to find out more about the process. We will also be discussing some tips and tricks to get the best flavored iced coffee with the Keurig machine.
Things you Need to Make Iced Coffee using Keurig
Here is the list of things you will require to make your fresh cup of cold coffee with the Keurig coffee maker:
Equipment:
- A Keurig Machine of your choice ( we are using the new K-Slim + ICED™ brewer)
- Temperature resistant cups
- Ice tray
- Thermos/mason jar
Ingredients:
- Your choice of K Cups
- Water
- Ice
- Sugar
- Milk or cream
How to Make Iced Coffee with Keurig: Step-wise Guide
Now that you have gathered the ingredients required, let us start making iced coffee with your Keurig.
Step 1: Make Coffee Ice
This is an optional step. But if you have a couple of hours to spare, you should make coffee ice. Not only will your beverage taste good, it will also make your coffee stronger.
So, simply brew a large cup of Keurig coffee and set it aside to cool. Next, pour the coffee directly into the ice trays and let it freeze for 2 hours. This coffee ice will ensure that your iced coffee is not diluted after the ice melts.
Step 2: Set up the Keurig Coffee Maker
Next, insert a delicious K-cup into the machine and fill the water reservoir. If you prefer your iced coffee strong, then select the strong setting on your Keurig machine.
Step 3: Fill a Cup / Tumbler with Ice
If you are using a glass tumbler, ensure the container can handle temperature variations. Do not simply use any glass container from the market. You will be combining extremely hot and cold temperatures inside the glass, and normal glass may crack.
You can use regular ice or coffee ice that we prepared in the first step. Some ice will melt immediately once the hot brewed coffee comes out. So you must fill up the tumbler to the brim.
Step 4: Brew the Coffee Directly Into the Glass
Now, select your beverage size, push the brew button on your coffee maker, and slowly watch your Keurig making iced coffee.
Step 5: Add Cream and Sugar
If you love the raw flavor of coffee, you may drink your coffee black. However, we like some cream/milk and sugar in our iced coffee. So add an adequate amount of milk and sugar and stir it.
There you have it; your freshly brewed cup of homemade iced coffee is ready. Now sit back and enjoy your personal creation.
Just watch out for those sudden brain-freeze moments!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Making a Delicious Iced Coffee
If you want to turn a boring cup of joe into a masterpiece, it’s time to break out some secret tips:
1. Use Filtered Water Instead of Tap Water
Want to have a Barista like experience at your home? Then you must use filtered water instead of tap water. Filtered water is actually the key to achieving a better taste.
While making the ice cubes as well, make them with filter water.
2. Syrups for the Extra Flavor
A good way to spice up your cold coffee is with flavored syrups. You can simply try store-bought syrups like maple or caramel syrup for a twist to your iced coffee.
During the festive season, if you are making cold coffee for your guests, you can try salted caramel or peppermint syrup for a fun treat.
3. Make a Large Batch
Are you an avid iced-coffee lover? You can always prepare a big batch of iced coffee and safely store it in a refrigerator-safe container or a large glass container in your fridge.
4. Use Non-Dairy Milks for Creamier Coffee
Non-dairy milks are the trend nowadays, and there are so many varieties, from soya milk to oat milk to nut milks.
So instead of using cream or regular dairy milk, add some almond or cashew milk for a nutty and creamer cold coffee. You can use coconut milk in the summer for that tropical vibe.
Another popular choice mostly used in iced mocha coffees is hazelnut milk. It has a nutty aftertaste similar to the flavor of Nutella.
5. A Pinch of Salt
According to our experts, adding a pinch of salt to your freshly brewed Keurig iced coffee will make it taste even better. This is because salt has a neutralizing ability and can remove the extra bitterness of coffee, leaving you with a delicious and smoother drink.
6. Biscoff Iced Coffee
Want to try something new? Why not add a scoop of Biscoff to your cold coffee?
7. Don’t Over-brew
For a balanced taste, ensure you do not over-brew; otherwise, your pleasure drink will become too bitter.
What are Some of the Best K Cups for Making Iced Coffee
A K Cup is basically a single-serving packet of flavored coffee that you can use with a Keurig machine for a barista-like experience at home. The packet contains ground coffee beans along with a filter.
Now you may wonder which K cups to choose for making the best-iced coffee with your Keurig. Well, here is a list of suggestions to help you out.
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Milder Aroma
If you are not a fan of the strong flavor, you can always try the milder aromas like the Breakfast Blend Decaf or the Mountain Naturals.
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Balanced Flavor
You may use Donut Shop or Hazelnut K cups for an evenly balanced cold brew with just enough flavor.
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Stronger Blend
Get a full-bodied K Cup like the Peet’s coffee dark roast or the Death Wish Espresso Roast for that instant punch.
Well, we prefer K cups with dark, roasted, bold, flavored coffee for our cold coffee. This is because after adding ice, the flavor might get diluted. So it is best to have a medium or dark-flavored K cup to be on the safer side.
If you are up for some experimenting, you can always create your own customized blend. Try different types of ground coffee and ratios until you find the one that works just about right for you.
Recipes to Make the Most Out of K-Cup Iced Coffee
Keurig coffee machines with flavored K Cups have simplified ice coffee preparation. And while you can always have the traditional delicious cold coffee, why not try something new?
Here is a list of our favorite recipes that you may put to use for your morning cup of Java.
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Caramel Iced Coffee
This is one recipe that you don’t want to miss.
- Start by brewing your favorite K-Cup.
- Add some ice to a tall glass, then pour in the brewed coffee until the glass is nearly full.
- Next, add a splash of your favorite caramel flavoring and stir with plenty of ice.
- Your scrumptious iced coffee will be ready in no time!
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Iced Coffee Float
This could be the perfect way to beat the heat:
- Start by brewing one cup of coffee using any K-Cup.
- Then, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream in another glass and top it with the brewed coffee.
- If you want an added kick of flavor, drizzle caramel syrup over it or sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra spice.
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Iced Mocha Frappe
Let’s make a cup of Iced Mocha Frappe.
- Brew a cup of strong mocha-flavored K-Cup roast.
- Combine the brew with 1/4th cup of milk and two tablespoons of chocolate syrup in your blender.
- Then pour in 3 cups of ice cubes and blend vigorously until smooth.
- Finally, top off your creation with some whipped cream and enjoy your frappe.
Conclusion
And so, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect iced coffee recipe without having to leave the house, give Keurig’s iced coffee a shot. Whether you make a classic iced coffee or get creative with your favorite K-Cup variations, you will surely satisfy your coffee cravings.
So grab your Keurig K-Cup and your favorite mason jar, and let the iced coffee-making commence!
FAQ
1. Can I use regular K Cups for cold coffee?
Yes, you can definitely use regular K Cups for cold coffee. We prefer dark roasted K Cups to other flavors for a strong flavor.
2. Are there any Keurig Machines that make iced coffee?
Yes, the K-Elite TM Coffee Maker can instantly turn your K Cup into a fine cup of delicious iced coffee. All you have to do is put in the K cup and switch on the machine.
3. What is so Special about Keurig Iced Coffee?
The Keurig coffee maker makes a fine cup of iced coffee by brewing coffee directly over ice cubes. Therefore, you get a stronger and more concentrated coffee.