This Vanilla Iced Coffee is the perfect way to start the day or to get a quick boost of caffeine during the afternoon hours. Who says that coffee has to be served hot? This iced coffee recipe proves otherwise.
What I love about making this simple coffee drink is that it's quick and easy. It's also a super simple way to use up the leftover coffee that I have from making a pot in the morning.
I always thought that there was nothing like a fresh pot of hot coffee in the morning hours, but that wasn't until I had this vanilla-flavored iced coffee that I knew that there was more than one way to get my coffee fix.
It's an eye-opener in the coffee world and one that's positive. Save yourself some money and start making your own at home. It's such a simple drink to make.
If you're a coffee lover, be sure to check out my Caramel Coffee Creamer Recipe as well as my Hot Chocolate Coffee Recipe. You can't go wrong.
Ingredients
- Strong coffee - You can choose any boldness, flavor, or brand of coffee for this recipe. Instant coffee works fine, too, but we prefer cold brew coffee. If you brew hot coffee in the morning, simply store any leftover coffee in the fridge and keep that on hand to make this quick drink.
- Half and half - This helps to add a creamy texture to the coffee and also cuts down on some of that bitter coffee taste.
- Simple syrup - Adds sweetness.
- Vanilla extract - This is needed to add that hint of vanilla.
- Ice cubes - Adding the ice cubes is what makes this a cold coffee drink instead of a hot one. For a boost of flavor, make coffee cubes by freezing coffee in an ice cube tray. That will ensure your beverage doesn't get watered down.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Vanilla Iced Coffee
The steps to make this vanilla iced coffee recipe couldn't be easier to follow.
Step One: Pour all of the ingredients except the ice into the glass.
Step Two: Add the ice cubes. Stir to combine. Add more or less of any of the ingredients as needed until you find the perfect balance.
Top tip
For the best flavor, start with chilled coffee. This keeps the ice from melting too quickly and watering down your drink. You can also use decaf coffee if you want to enjoy an iced coffee in the afternoon without as much caffeine.
Substitutions
- Decaffeinated coffee - Instead of using caffeinated coffee, use decaf. You'll still get the coffee flavor without most of the caffeine.
- Coffee creamer - You can also use your favorite coffee creamer in place of the half-and-half and syrup.
Variations
- Toppings - You can make this into a fancy drink by adding toppings like whipped cream and chocolate chips.
- Kid-friendly - Make an Iced Hot Chocolate for the kids!
- Frozen - Try our Vanilla Coffee Frappuccino Recipe for a frozen version!
- Milk - You can use whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or your favorite plant-based milk instead of half-and-half. Heavy cream works too if you prefer a richer, creamier iced coffee.
Be sure to check out this Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch recipe for another fun flavor! This one tastes more like a dessert.
Equipment
You only need a tall glass or mason jar and a spoon for stirring. If you're making fresh coffee, you'll also need your usual coffee maker.
Storage
It is easy to double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe to enjoy over a few days. For the best flavor, store the coffee separately from the half-and-half and simple syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Mix everything together when you're ready to serve.
If you've already combined the ingredients, keep the iced coffee covered in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 1-2 days. Add fresh ice right before drinking so it doesn't get watered down.
Common Questions
Yes, you can. If you can't wait long enough for the hot coffee to cool down on its own, just pop your coffee mug in the fridge and help the cooling process along. For faster cooling, transfer it to a shallow, heat-safe container before refrigerating.
More than likely, the coffee was originally made using hot water. But no, you don't have to reheat the water or anything like that to make iced coffee.
If you think that the iced coffee has too strong of a coffee flavor, you can always add a little bit more water to the drink or thin it out more with half and half.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
📖 Recipe
Vanilla Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 8 oz strong coffee chilled
- 2 oz half and half
- 1.5 oz simple syrup ***
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in tall glass.
- Add ice. Enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally Published January 30, 2024. Revised and Republished October 21, 2026.
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