It’s official — iced coffee season is HERE! Whether you prefer cold brew, iced lattes, or straight-up black coffee, we’ve got you covered with the healthiest and yummiest recipes. And if time isn’t on your side, we’re sharing the healthiest store-bought iced coffee brands! Think of this as your ultimate guide to everything coffee: DIY recipes, how to make the best non-dairy creamer, ways to spice up your cup, and the easiest tips and tricks so you can sip in good health. We’re buzzing at the thought of all this goodness! Read on for all you need to know.
How to Make The Best DIY Iced Coffee (3 Simple Ways)
Three simple ways to make an iced coffee base recipe that will satisfy all your needs: traditionally brewed, cold-brewed, and instant brewed! You just need three ingredients (if we’re counting water and ice) and 5 minutes or less. The add-ins come later when you’re ready to customize your blend!
You’ll need:
- High-quality coffee beans (or instant coffee)
- Water
- Ice
Cold Brew Coffee Base Recipe
The magic happens overnight with this easy-prep recipe—– all you need are a few simple ingredients. Grab a jar (or French press), and let’s get brewing!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coarse-ground coffee
- 4 cups of water
Directions:
Step #1: If you’re grinding your own coffee beans, you’ll want to grind it on a coarse setting (not fine!). Otherwise, make sure you grab a coarse-ground bag. Then, add your coffee beans to a mason jar or French press.
Step #2: Cover your coffee beans with water and stir until well combined. Then, cover the top with an air-tight jar (or wrapping if you’re using your French Press) and let it steep overnight. Option to steep your brew in the fridge or let it work its magic on the counter!
Step #3: Once your brew has soaked for at least 12 hours, it’s ready to strain. You can strain it into a bowl using a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer. Alternatively, you can use your French press. Store the coffee in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to one week!
Fresh-Brewed Coffee
No need to do anything out of the ordinary for this brewing method! Simply prepare your coffee as normal — use a Pour-Over, French Press, or any method of your choosing!
Step #1: Brew your hot coffee as you normally would, using your favorite method of choice (Pour-Over, French Press, Espresso Maker).
Step #2: Once your coffee is freshly brewed, let it chill. Your coffee should be room-temperature or cold (you can refrigerate it or let it cool on the countertop). If you have a leftover batch of coffee, that works too! (So long as it’s cooled).
Step #3: Refrigerate until cold, or serve your room-temperature coffee over ice!
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee comes together in… an instant. This is a great method for busy mornings when you have no time to make a freshly brewed batch or prepare cold brew!
Step #1: Boil the desired amount of water per serving size (following the instructions on your instant coffee beans of choice).
Step #2: While the water is heating, add your instant coffee grounds to a mug or pitcher. Then, add the boiling water and stir until well combined.
Step #3: Once combined, let it chill. Refrigerate until cold, or let it chill on the countertop and serve over ice.
Spice Up Your Cup: The Best Superfood Coffee Add-Ins
Superfood Coffee Add-Ins For An Added Boost
Superfood coffee is always a good idea. The best part? It’s easy to customize — there are so many add-ins that can benefit your health and support whatever you’re needing!
Here are some of our favorites:
- Reishi: balance the jitters with a calming cup
- Cordyceps: the perfect pre-workout pick-me-up
- Lion’s mane: brain fuel in its most natural state
- Collagen: for an added dose of protein (that won’t change the flavor or taste!)
- Cacao: when you need an all-natural mood-boost
- Turmeric: ease stress and inflammation
- Coconut oil: streamline your energy so that it lasts through the day!
- Cinnamon: when you want to balance your blood sugar and rev your metabolism!
RELATED: 8 Ways to Boost Your Coffee (Including Superfoods For All Your Needs)
The Easiest Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer
DIY Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer
Because what’s coffee without a creamer!? This three-ingredient dairy-free creamer is creamy, dreamy, and blends well with any flavor add-ins.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds or cashews (soaked, rinsed, and drained)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Medjool date or ½ tbsp sweetener of choice, optional
- Dash of sea salt, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Soak nuts of choice (almonds or cashews) overnight, then rinse and drain. Add soaked nuts to a high-speed blender with water, vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and sweetener of choice (we used 1 pitted Medjool date).
Step #2: Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step #3: If using almonds, remove the pulp by straining the liquid through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a jar or bowl. No need to strain with cashews (though option to strain for a thinner consistency).
Step #4: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Note: if you have extra nut milk that won’t be consumed, pour it into ice cubes and store for up to one month.
The Healthiest Iced Coffee Recipes For All Your Cravings
Whether you’re looking for an added protein or flavor boost, here are the yummiest ways to flavor your cup! Use our base recipe and follow with these simple variations.
#1 Protein Iced Coffee (Proffee)
Give your breakfast a satiating protein boost or cool off and aid the recovery process after a strenuous workout. Easy to customize and delicious to enjoy, this “Proffee” recipe will be your favorite summer go-to!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew (or prepared coffee of choice)
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice (or option to use 1 cup protein or favorite store-bought protein drink)
- Ice, to serve
Optional add-ins:
- non-dairy creamer
- sweetener of choice (such as 1 tsp maple syrup or 1 pitted Medjool date)
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Once desired consistency is achieved, pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
#2 Iced Caramel Macchiato
Unlike most caramel macchiatos, this iced coffee drink is low in sugar and made with all-natural ingredients. But trust us, your sweet tooth will be satisfied!
Ingredients:
Iced Caramel Macchiato
- ½ -1 cup cooled or cold coffee of choice
- 1 tbsp caramel date sauce
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Ice
Caramel Date Sauce:
- 8-10 pitted Medjool dates, soaked and drained
- ½ cup non-dairy milk (such as almond, cashew, or oat)
- ½ – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
Note: Soaked and softened pitted Medjool dates yield a better taste and consistency. Soak Medjool dates in water for 12 hours before using.
Directions:
Step #1: To make the caramel date sauce, add the non-dairy milk to a blender or food processor to cover the base. Then, add soaked dates, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed to blend, add 1 tablespoon of liquid at a time. Use immediately or store in an air-tight jar in the fridge.
Step #2: To make the iced coffee, add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test, adjusting ingredients as needed. Pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
#3 Low-Sugar Iced Vanilla Latte
Your classic latte with a subtly sweet upgrade. No sugary syrups or artificial sweeteners!
Ingredients:
- ½ -1 cup (room temperature or chilled) coffee of choice
- ½ cup full-fat non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or cashew milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice, to serve
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice, such as honey or maple syrup, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a blender, including any additional add-ins. Blend until smooth and creamy. Once desired consistency is achieved, pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
#4 Honey Cinnamon Iced Latte
Honey + Cinnamon + Coffee = a match made in heaven. Especially when it’s free of sneaky sugars! We made this using cold brew, but feel free to substitute any chilled coffee in its place!
Ingredients:
- ½ -1 cup (room temperature or chilled) coffee of choice
- ½ cup full-fat non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or cashew milk)
- 2 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a blender, including any additional add-ins. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test, adjusting any ingredients as needed. Pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
#5 Whipped Cinnamon Iced Coffee
This lightened-up whipped iced coffee is perfectly indulgent while still remaining healthy. If you’re ready for PSL season (with an icy twist), feel free to use pumpkin spice as in the original recipe. Or, follow the below recipe and swap out cinnamon in place!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1½ cups oat milk
- 1 handful ice cubes
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Step #1: Simply add the coffee, coconut sugar, boiling water, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer, or hand whisk, whip until frothy — this will take about 3 minutes. Set aside.
Step #2: Add the ice to a serving glass along with the milk. Scoop the whipped coffee on top of the milk and sprinkle with extra cinnamon. If desired, stir the whipped pumpkin spice coffee into the milk before enjoying.
#6 Paleo Coconut Cold Brew
Kickstart your morning with this creamy coconut beverage. Low in sugar and full of healthy fats, keep your blood sugar balanced as you sip away in satisfaction!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (cold or room temperature)
- ¼ – ⅓ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash cinnamon, optional
- 2 tsp maple syrup or raw honey, optional
- Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test and adjust ingredients as needed. Pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
#7 Stress-Busting Iced Mocha
Chocolate lovers — this recipe is for you! Infused with stress-relieving Reishi and mood-boosting cacao, sip your stress away and remain cool, calm, and collected.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of room-temperature coffee of choice
- ½ cup full-fat non-dairy milk (such as cashew, coconut, oat, or macadamia milk)
- ½ – 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
- Ice, to serve 2 cups ice
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
- 1 tsp reishi powder, optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test and adjust ingredients as needed. Pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
#8 Golden Iced Latte
Give traditional golden milk a caffeinated boost! Made with powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, this refreshing dairy-free drink is the perfect way to keep your cool on hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup full-fat non-dairy milk of choice (such as cashew, oat, almond)
- ¼ cup cold brew, chilled
- ½ – 1 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey (or 1 pitted Medjool date)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash black pepper
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test and adjust ingredients as needed. Pour mixture over ice. Serve and enjoy!
Note: turmeric can stain your blender! Be sure to wash right away.
Healthy Store-Bought Iced Coffee Brands
No time to make your own? Head to the store and grab one of these ready-for-you options!
Here are some of our favorites:
- Chameleon Coffee: With a variety of flavors, this is your go-to brand for all cold brew concentrates!
- La Colombe: From cold brew coffee concentrate to ready-to-drink dairy and dairy-free lattes, find everything you need for a quick boost! P.S. They even have coffee beans for your DIY recipes.
- Rise Brewing Co: single-serve and bulk-sized cold brew for all your needs! From plain unsweetened flavors to vanilla and mocha — yum.
- Starbucks Unsweetened Iced Coffee: Keep this 0-calorie 1-ingredient iced coffee on hand! Perfect for any iced coffee recipe.
- Pop & Bottle Oat Milk Latte: When you want a refreshing oat milk latte without the prep work, grab this store-bought option! Made with ingredients like oat milk, coconut cream, and cold brew for a healthy and satiating drink.
- Rebbl Cold Brew Coffee Protein: This dairy-free protein-rich coffee elixir is a yummy option for a post-workout refuel or mid-morning energizing snack. You could even use it in your favorite iced coffee recipe for a creamy boost!
Note: Store-bought cold brew coffee concentrate is stronger than brewed coffee. You may need to dilute it with water for the above recipes — follow the instructions on the bottle!
Bonus Recipe: PB Banana Coffee Smoothie
Energize your morning in a healthy, sustained way! Made with potassium-rich banana and protein-rich PB, this indulgent-tasting smoothie is the perfect way to upgrade your iced coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (or your favorite nut or seed butter of choice)
- ½ cup chilled coffee of choice (traditional or cold brew)
- ½ cup dairy-free milk of choice (such as cashew, almond, or oat milk)
- Ice, as needed
Directions:
Step #1: Add your liquid bases (dairy-free milk and chilled coffee) to your blender. Then, add frozen banana and peanut butter. Blend until smooth. Option to add ice, though it will be less creamy
Step #2: Pour into a glass. Serve and enjoy!
