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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Starbucks makes a mean iced coffee; it’s one of the company’s best sellers, especially during warm, summer days. The thing is, making iced coffee in Starbucks-style is incredibly easy and inexpensive. Really, it costs a few dimes to make.
Still, we all buy ours for several dollars. Well, that ends today. Let’s make our own iced coffee copycat at home!
The best part? When making your own, you get to say how strong and how sweet you like your iced coffee, and you can’t put a price on that.
To make an authentic version, get Starbucks ground coffee, but any Arabica or Arabica-Robusta “Java” blend will work nicely. You want your coffee strong but not charred, so stick to a medium “city” roast at best.
You also need simple syrup. You can buy this one at barista specialty shops or liquor stores. It’s the same syrup used to make cocktails. If you’re feeling crafty, make your own simple syrup with equal parts of warm water and granulated sugar.
Mix until dissolved or heat the ingredients on the stove-top for faster results. Finally, you need ice, and make sure you use fresh ice that’s not too watery.
To make this one Starbucks style, brew the coffee (I use drip coffee) and sweeten it with simple syrup before pouring it over the ice. Make sure the coffee is at room temperature or cold, though, or it will melt the ice, watering down the drink.
You can also taste and adjust the sweetness before pouring the coffee over ice. Leave it a bit sweeter than usual because the ice will balance it out a bit.
Why not make yourself a batch of blueberry muffins inspired by the ones at Starbucks? Or how about a tray of brownies? Once you make your own stuff, you’ll save tons of money and will be able to enjoy your favorite food and drinks at home any time you want.
Brew the coffee and stir in the simple syrup of sugar. Stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness to taste.
Let them cool to room temperature.
Pour the coffee over fresh ice.
Optionally, add your favorite milk or cream.
