Foolproof Ways to Improve Your Iced Coffee at Home

As soon as the sun makes an appearance, people start swapping their standard cup of coffee for something ‘iced’. It’s a refreshing way to get your caffeine kick, and iced coffee is often one of the tell-tale signs that the temperature outside is warmer than usual. (We will resist the urge to get into the science behind how drinking a hot cup of coffee on a warm day can potentially help to cool you down)

While your favourite coffee shop might have your iced coffee order down to a fine art, replicating a café-style iced coffee at home is often something people struggle with. We’re here to tell you that making delicious iced coffee at home is totally doable, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to step up your game. Here are some foolproof tips to get you started. 

Less Isn’t Always More 

When it comes to making iced coffee, you need to remember that ice won’t just cool down your drink; it will affect the overall taste too. Ice will naturally dilute your coffee, and this often results in a bland, watered-down cup that’s incredibly disappointing. 

To get the flavour-packed coffee that you were aiming for, start with something a little bit stronger than you’d normally make. No matter what brewing method you use, tweak your ratios and add a little more ground coffee. This way, when the ice starts to melt, you will still be able to taste the coffee, and it won’t end up sad and watery.

Avoid the Fridge for Chilling 

If you even think about brewing your coffee and putting it in the fridge to cool down, simply put; don’t. You risk losing the flavours FiXX Coffee is known for, and it’s a surefire way to get a dull, depressing cup. The natural oils and aromas that make coffee taste so good will start to evaporate while it slowly cools, and you will never make a barista-level iced coffee this way. 

Instead, brew your coffee as you usually would and then pour it directly over ice to cool it down as quickly as possible. This “flash cooling” will lock in the taste and give you a more enjoyable drink. Everything that makes our coffee special will be right where it belongs: in your glass. 

Experiment with Brew Methods

How you brew your iced coffee will give it a slightly different taste and texture, and it’s worth experimenting to find out which you enjoy the most. The good thing about making iced coffee at home is that you’re in full control, so why not mix it up a little? Especially if what you’re doing currently isn’t quite hitting the spot. 

You can keep it simple by brewing your FiXX the way you normally would, pouring it over a glass of ice and topping it up with your choice of milk or cold water. Or, you can go full barista and try the Japanese-style iced filter coffee method where hot coffee drips onto ice for a ready-to-drink cup that’s sweet, clean and packed full of flavour. 

Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race, and cold brew could be the choice for you. Steeping ground coffee in cold water for hours isn’t the most conventional way to do things, but you will create a super smooth and mellow iced coffee. By changing the extraction process, you’ll get a less acidic flavour, and you can keep cold brew concentrate in the fridge for a couple of weeks. Whenever you want an iced coffee, simply put some concentrate over ice with your choice of milk, water or something like soda if you want to really experiment. 

Upgrade the Ice 

The clue is in the name; the ice is a crucial part of the drink when you’re making an iced coffee. While standard ice cubes are fine, they will melt quickly when you pour the hot coffee onto them. Whereas, bigger cubes will melt slower, keeping your cup flavourful for longer. 

If you want to get really fancy, you could even try making coffee ice cubes to eliminate the issue of your drink being watered down altogether. They’ll melt into your drink, giving you more coffee goodness in every sip. Next time you have some leftover cold brew, try freezing some and see if you notice a difference. 

Adding Milk?

Whenever you’re making coffee, hot or iced, you may wish to add milk. You can do this to your own preferences and adjust the ratio until it hits your sweet spot. If you prefer something dairy-free, try oat or almond milk for a different twist on the traditional flavour; they both work well over ice.

Make Things a Little Sweeter

Once upon a time, coffee was drunk black, with milk, or – if you were feeling wild – with sugar. Fast forward to the 21st century, and coffee syrups play a role in coffee shop menus and home setups, and they can completely transform your iced coffee. 

If you like your iced coffee sweet, make sure you mix in your sugar or syrup while the coffee’s still warm so it dissolves completely. That way, you won’t end up with all the sweetness sitting at the bottom of the glass. 

Get Creative with Added Extras

Why stop at syrups? You could even sneak in a drop of something a little bit stronger if the occasion calls for it. Espresso martini vibes, anyone? We have tried and tested lots of recipes at FiXX, from a Cold Cubano and a White Peruvian to an Oslo Sangria. There is a cold tipple for everyone, turning your standard iced coffee into something more fun. 

So, order a bag of FiXX beans, grab some ice and start testing new recipes today.