When the heat turns up, a hot cup of coffee might not be your first choice. That’s where cold coffee drinks recipes come in handy!
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, working from home, or entertaining guests, these refreshing drinks are the perfect blend of caffeine and chill.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of cold coffee drinks you can easily make at home — from classic iced coffee to creative coffee shakes.
Plus, you’ll learn a few barista-style tips to take your drinks to the next level.
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1. Classic Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
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1 cup of brewed coffee (chilled)
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Ice cubes
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Milk or cream (optional)
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Sweetener to taste
Instructions:
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Brew your coffee and let it cool (or refrigerate for 30 minutes).
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Fill a glass with ice cubes.
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Pour the coffee over the ice.
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Add milk or cream and sweetener if desired. Stir and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Brew your coffee a little stronger than usual to keep it flavorful after the ice melts.
Read More: Delicious Ideas For Mixed Drink Recipes
2. Cold Brew Coffee
Ingredients:
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1 cup coarsely ground coffee
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4 cups cold water
Instructions:
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In a large jar, combine coffee and water.
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Stir, cover, and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
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Strain using a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
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Serve over ice and dilute with water, milk, or a flavored creamer.
Cold brew has a smooth, less acidic taste — perfect for sensitive stomachs!
3. Iced Mocha
Ingredients:
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1 cup brewed coffee or ½ cup cold brew concentrate
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2 tbsp chocolate syrup
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Milk or cream
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Ice
Instructions:
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Mix chocolate syrup with chilled coffee.
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Add ice and top with milk.
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Stir well and drizzle with extra chocolate syrup if desired.
This drink is dessert in a cup — ideal for chocolate lovers!
Related Post: The Perfect Nescafe Gold Espresso Recipe You Can Make at Home
4. Coffee Milkshake
Ingredients:
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1 cup vanilla ice cream
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½ cup strong cold coffee
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¼ cup milk
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream.
This creamy treat is perfect for hot afternoons or weekend indulgence.
5. Iced Caramel Latte
Ingredients:
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1 cup cold milk
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½ cup strong coffee or espresso
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2 tbsp caramel syrup
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Ice
Instructions:
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Add ice to a glass.
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Pour in the milk and coffee.
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Add caramel syrup and stir well.
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Top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle if you like!
6. Dalgona Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp instant coffee
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp hot water
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Cold milk
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Ice
Instructions:
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Whisk the coffee, sugar, and hot water until fluffy (use a hand mixer or whisk).
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Fill a glass with ice and milk.
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Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top.
Stir before drinking or enjoy the layered look for Instagram-worthy vibes.
Tips for Making the Best Cold Coffee at Home
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Use coffee ice cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in trays to keep your drink cold without watering it down.
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Sweeten while hot: If you’re using sugar, dissolve it in hot coffee first for better blending.
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Go dairy-free: Almond, oat, or coconut milk work great in cold coffee drinks and add a unique twist.
FAQs About Cold Coffee Drinks
Q1: Can I make cold coffee drinks with instant coffee?
Yes! Instant coffee is perfect for quick cold coffee recipes like Dalgona or iced lattes.
Q2: What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?
Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled. Cold brew is brewed in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smoother taste.
Q3: How long can I store cold brew in the fridge?
Cold brew concentrate lasts up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
Q4: Can I use flavored syrups in cold coffee?
Absolutely! Vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice can enhance your drink.
Q5: What’s the healthiest cold coffee option?
Cold brew with a splash of milk and no added sugar is one of the healthiest choices.
Q6: Can I make cold coffee drinks without a blender?
Yes, many recipes like iced coffee and iced lattes don’t require blending — just stir and pour!
Q7: How do I make my coffee drink look café-style?
Use clear glasses, layer your ingredients, and top with foam, whipped cream, or syrup designs.
Q8: Is cold coffee less caffeinated than hot coffee?
Cold brew has slightly less caffeine per ounce than hot espresso but is often served in larger quantities.
Q9: Can I add protein to my cold coffee?
Yes! Mixing in a scoop of protein powder or using a protein shake as the milk base works well.
Q10: What’s the best type of milk for cold coffee?
Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but oat and almond milk are great dairy-free options.
Read More: Alcoholic Drinks For A Party
Final Sip
Exploring different cold coffee drinks recipes is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your daily dose of caffeine — especially during warm weather.
Whether you prefer bold and simple or creamy and sweet, there’s a recipe here to match your vibe.
Try them out, customize to your taste, and share your favorite combos with your friends!