No time to run to the coffee shop? No worries! You can make this Easy 1 Minute Instant Iced Coffee at home without wasting time or money. This recipe is made with mostly cold water and instant iced coffee granules. You can sweeten it up or leave it black, its delicious no matter how you like it!
I am a HUGE coffee lover and haven been for most of my life. I started as a kid dunking chocolate chip cookies in my moms coffee when I was just seven years old (no judgements please HAHA). Which in turn led to this chocolate chip coffee cookie recipe now that I am an adult and a trained professional baker!
This instant ice coffee recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and takes only 1 minute to make. It uses mostly cold water to mix it up and can be sweetened to the way you like it. It’s perfect for when you need a quick caffeine fix and dont have time to run to the coffee shop.
You can also turn this into a caramel iced coffee or a vanilla iced coffee with different syrups!
If you love coffee as much as I do, then you don’t want to miss out on this coffee protein smoothie, these chewy coffee cookies, or these coffee cupcakes!
Why you should make this recipe
- This recipe is made with mostly cold water. You only need 2 tbsp of hot water you can use from your tap. No need to boil!
- It’s fully customizable to your liking and can be sweetened or lightened up with milk.
- This recipe only takes 1 minute to make!
- It will save you time and money from going to the coffee shop!
Ingredients you need
- Instant Coffee – Use any instant coffee you have on hand. It can be decaf too.
- 2 tbsp Hot water– You need only 2 tbsp hot or warm water to help dissolve the coffee crystals. Use this from the tap, you don’t have to boil anything!
- Cold water– Cold water is what makes up most of this recipe.
- Ice– You’ll need about 1 cup of ice.
- Half n Half/ Creamer– I like to use a splash of half n half but use whatever milk or creamer you like.
- Simple Syrup (optional) – A clear liquid that sweetens cold drinks. See below how to make!
How to make instant Iced coffee
Dissolve the instant coffee- In a large 8-12 oz glass add 1-2 tbsp instant coffee and 2 tbsp hot or warm water and vigorously mix to dissolve the coffee crystals. You don’t have to dissolve them completely.
Add cold water– Next add in the 6-8 oz of cold water depending on your cup size. Mix again to get all the instant coffee dissolved.
Ice- Add in the 1 cup ice, or as much ice as you like!
Milk- Pour in your choice of milk. I use about 2-3 tbsp half n half but you can use a creamer, milk, or dairy free milk of your choice. Sip and enjoy!
How to sweeten your ice coffee
Theres a couple ways you can do this and one way you definitely should not! Let’s start with the do not first.
Never add regular or brown sugar directly to your coffee because it will not melt into a cold drink. The sugar crystals need warm or hot water to dissolve just like the coffee does.
Instead you can:
- Add sugar to the coffee granules before adding the warm water. The water will help dissolve the sugar.
- Make a simple syrup- Add 1 part sugar to 1 part water in a small saucepan (I use 1 cup to 1 cup ). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the consistency is thick. Cool in the fridge and keep for a month! Add it anytime to your coffee, it works in cold drinks!
- Use a sweetener like stevia.
- Use a sweetened creamer.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
You can use only cold water here too but you will have to whisk hard for a minute to dissolve all the granules before adding the ice.
You can double or triple this recipe to make it last for a few days. Or just one if you need multiple cups a day.
Add in a flavorful syrup to add a flavor like vanilla or hazelnut.
Making ahead and Storage
This coffee is best when drank right away but you can make the recipe up until adding the ice (double or triple the recipe) and store it in the fridge. When you need a cup just add ice and pour away!
Freezing
You can turn this recipe into ice coffee cubes! Skip adding the ice and the milk, then pour the coffee into ice cube trays and freeze. Then add the cubes to your next cup instead of regular ice. So much coffee flavor!!
Recipe FAQ
Can I make instant ice coffee with cold water?
Yes you can. When using only cold water you need to whisk really hard when mixing the water and instant coffee so that they all dissolve. It could take a little longer.
Whats the best instant coffee to use?
Any instant coffee will do, but if you can find ones with really small granules or more like a powder, then that will dissolve easier.
Is instant ice coffee the same as cold brew?
No. Cold brew is different because it is coffee that is brewed cold and has a process of about 24 hours. Instant iced coffee is different because its made by dissolving coffee in water in a few seconds.
More favorite coffee recipes
Easy 1 Minute Instant Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp hot water from the tap
- 6-8 oz cold water
- 1 cup ice
- 3 tbsp half n half or milk of your choice
Instructions
- In a large 8-12 oz glass add the 1-2 tbsp instant coffee granules and 2 tbsp hot/warm water. Mix to melt and dissolve the instant coffee.
- Add the 6-8 oz of cold water depending on the size of your cup. Mix to combine.
- Add in the cup of ice and milk of choice. Stir and enjoy!
- Add in sweetener if using. See notes below!
Notes
- Add sugar to step one and dissolve with the warm water.
- Make a simple syrup- Add 1 part sugar to 1 part water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the consistency is thick. Use this in cold drinks to sweeten.
- Use a sweetener like stevia.
- Use a sweetened creamer.
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