Easy Iced Coffee Recipe with Instant Coffee In 1 Minute
Have you ever had one of those days when you just feel lazy and won’t get a quick caffeine kick?
Well, I’ve been there more times than I can count. Some mornings, the thought of grinding beans, waiting for water to boil, and actually making a cup feels like a chore.
That’s when my go-to iced coffee recipe saves the day. It’s fast, it’s easy, and honestly, it’s the only way I can enjoy coffee on those “I’m not lifting a finger” days.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make an iced coffee with instant coffee that takes just one minute. We’ll talk about some quick recipes, the ingredients you need, and a few extra tips to make it taste even better. So let’s start brewing!
Why Make Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee?
First, nothing beats instant coffee’s convenience when you’re rushing around or just want a quick coffee without any hassle.
No need to set up a coffee maker or wait for anything to brew. You just need a spoon, a cup, and a minute of your time—ideal for those chaotic mornings when you’re barely awake enough to stir!
Customizability
Want it sweeter? Add a bit of syrup or a pinch of sugar. Do you prefer plant-based milk? Go for almond or oat milk! I can even switch up the flavor with syrups or just play around with the milk-to-coffee ratio—perfect if you like experimenting like I do.
Affordable
Using instant coffee instead of a pricey coffee shop brew saves so much money, especially if iced coffee is your summer go-to. It’s budget-friendly yet gives you that same refreshing taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Iced Coffee
Equipment
- Spoon for stirring
- Cup or Glass to mix and serve your iced coffee
- Measuring Spoon (optional but handy) to keep your coffee-to-water ratio on point
Ingredients
- Instant Coffee: 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preferred strength.
- Hot Water: A small amount (1-2 tablespoons) to dissolve the coffee.
- Cold Water: About ¼ cup to cool the coffee after dissolving.
- Sweetener (Optional): Sugar, honey, or flavored syrup to adjust sweetness to taste.
- Milk or Creamer: Use dairy or plant-based options, around ½ to 1 cup, depending on preference.
- Ice Cubes: Fill your glass with ice to keep your coffee chilled and refreshing.
Instructions
- Dissolve Instant Coffee and Sweetener: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee to a splash of hot water (about 1-2 tablespoons) and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. If you’re using a sweetener, mix it in now to ensure it blends smoothly with the coffee.
- Cool with Cold Water: Pour in ¼ cup of cold water to bring down the temperature of the coffee mixture. This quick cool-down step is key for an instantly refreshing drink.
- Add Milk or Creamer: Pour in your choice of milk or creamer, using between ½ and 1 cup, depending on your taste preference. This will give your coffee a creamy texture and taste, balancing the coffee’s intensity.
- Fill with Ice and Stir: Add ice cubes to your glass until it’s full. Stir gently to mix the ingredients, letting the ice cool everything down to perfection.
- Enjoy or Customize: Take a sip and adjust as needed—maybe a touch more sweetener or a dash of flavored syrup. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra treat. Enjoy your refreshing iced coffee in a flash!
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Favorite Instant Coffee Brands
I want to share three of my favorite instant coffee brands that I suggest you try:
Mount Hagen: Known for its smooth and rich flavor, Mount Hagen’s organic instant coffee is my top choice. It’s made from 100% Arabica beans and doesn’t have that usual bitterness, making it great for both hot and iced drinks.
Waka Coffee: Waka is another standout for its bold, café-like flavor. They use freeze-dried technology to keep the taste fresh, which I’ve found really makes a difference in the smoothness and depth of flavor, especially for quick iced coffee recipes.
Starbucks VIA: If you like Starbucks, their VIA packets are an easy way to get a similar taste at home. The flavor profile is strong and robust, just like a brewed Starbucks cup, and they offer fun options like Colombia or Italian Roast for a little variety.
Tips for the Perfect Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee
Here are some tips I suggest you experiment:
1 – Choose Quality Instant Coffee
Not all instant coffees are created equal. Brands like Waka and Mount Hagen have smoother, richer flavors that honestly make it hard to tell it’s even instant coffee! A good brand really does better your coffee and makes it taste closer to what you’d get at a café.
2 – Experiment with Flavors
Don’t be afraid to play around with syrups or extracts like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. Just a small splash of one of these can bring your coffee to the next level and give it that cozy coffee-shop vibe.
3 – Add a Pinch of Salt
It might sound strange, but a tiny pinch of salt can actually work wonders in cutting any bitterness from the coffee. You don’t need much—just a tiny dash, and you’ll notice a smoother and more balanced flavor.
Variations to Try with Your Instant Iced Coffee
I personally enjoy trying different coffees. If you ever get tired of the plain simple ice one then experiment with these easy variations:
Iced Mocha
This one’s for the chocolate lovers! Just add a tablespoon of cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup if that’s what you have) and a little extra sweetener if needed.
You get a creamy, chocolatey iced mocha that feels like dessert in a cup but with that coffee kick we all love.
Vanilla Iced Latte
Try adding vanilla syrup or just ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to your iced coffee for a smooth and mellow flavor.
The vanilla adds a nice sweetness and warmth that works perfectly with the coffee’s natural flavors, and it’s honestly a classic combination that never gets old.
Coconut Iced Coffee
Swap out regular milk for coconut milk. It brings a subtle sweetness and a hint of the tropics that makes your iced coffee feel extra refreshing.
Also, it’s dairy-free, which is a bonus for anyone looking for plant-based options.
Last Thoughts
And there you have it—an easy iced coffee recipe that’s as quick as it is refreshing! Whether you’re trying to beat the summer heat or just need a midday refresher, this one-minute iced coffee is all about simplicity and satisfaction.
I’d love to know if you tried it and how it turned out. Got any special twists of your own? Share your favorite iced coffee hacks or tips in the comments, and with that voilà!
