How To Make Iced Coffee At Home

When you’re rushing out the door but still craving a high-quality iced coffee, this recipe delivers the “best homemade” fix in mere seconds. With just cold almond milk, a teaspoon of instant coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of ground cardamom, you can shake up a smooth, fragrant iced coffee in under a minute.

The cardamom adds an elegant twist—borrowed from Turkish coffee traditions—while the instant coffee makes it fast. No brewing, no waiting, no mess. Just pour, twist on the lid, shake, and go.

It’s perfect for morning routines, hot-weather mornings when you want cold caffeine, or those “I need my coffee now” moments. Because the basic ingredients skip gluten-containing components and incorporate almond milk, it also works cleanly for dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-based lifestyles—assuming you verify your instant coffee is free of hidden additives.

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Homemade Iced Coffee

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 serving
Active Time: 1 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Iced Coffee Ingredients

• 16 fluid ounces cold almond milk
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

How to Make Iced Coffee

1. Place all ingredients in a glass bottle, twist on lid, and shake to combine.

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Iced Coffee Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 1 serving). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 drink
Calories	≈ 60 kcal
Protein	≈ 2 g
Carbs	≈ 2 g
Sugar	≈ 0 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 5 g

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Iced Coffee Variations & Tips

• Sweetened version: Add a teaspoon of maple syrup, raw honey or coconut nectar and shake until blended.
• Dairy-free creamer swap: Use coconut milk or oat milk in place of almond milk if you prefer a different base.
• Flavor boost: Try a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder instead of cardamom for different profiles.
• Make a batch: Scale up to multiple servings in a large bottle—just change the ingredient ratios and shake in bulk.
• Ice upgrade: Use frozen coffee cubes (freeze leftover coffee) so your drink stays strong as the ice melts.

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Best Iced Coffee Pairings

• Fresh fruit or berries: A small fruit bowl lightens and balances the strong coffee flavor.
• Almond-flour muffin or gluten-free banana bread: Complements the almond-milk coffee base and offers a satisfying breakfast combo.
• Dark chocolate square (70%+ cocoa): Enhances the rich coffee flavor and cardamom aromatic note.
• Oat or chia pudding cup: A chilled, creamy side that echoes the texture and tone of the iced coffee.
• Gluten-free granola bar or nut-seed snack: A crunchy companion to your drink if you’re on the move.

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When to Make Iced Coffee

• Morning rush days: Perfect for your “grab-and-go” coffee fix when you’re pressed for time.
• Hot weather mornings: A refreshing and fast iced coffee alternative when brewing isn’t an option.
• Office or work-from-home setups: Make it in your travel bottle and keep sipping through calls or tasks.
• Casual brunches or coffee breaks: Serve alongside light bites for friends or guests who want a quick but quality beverage.
• Meal-prep Sundays: Include this recipe in your weekly breakfast lineup for quick access during busy weekdays.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont