Another heatwave has arrived in the UK, with much of the country set to sizzle in the sun this weekend. Because of this, keeping cool is crucial – and sipping on an iced coffee is the perfect way to do this.
Whether you like it black or with oat milk and a splash of caramel, iced coffee is a hugely popular treat. However, with the drinks sometimes costing a pretty penny from your local coffee shop, it’s no surprise that more and more people are choosing to recreate their favourite recipes at home. But if yours tastes watery and bland after five minutes in the sun, you’re making one simple mistake.
According to coffee expert, Jonathan Sitson, founder of beverage tools supplier Quick Whip, the trick to perfect iced coffee isn’t just in the brew – it’s in the cubes.
He said: “Coffee ice cubes are a simple way to keep iced coffee cold without watering it down. Unlike regular ice, they melt into more coffee, rather than weak, flavourless liquid. They’re also a clever way to use up leftover brew.”
Here’s how you can make them at home, and level up your iced coffee skills this summer.
How to make coffee ice cubes
You can use any type of coffee you like for this, though cold brew works especially well because of its smooth flavour and low bitterness. You should also aim for a slightly stronger brew; a 1:14 coffee-to-water ratio holds up well after freezing.
Let the coffee cool before pouring into ice cube trays as this makes it easier to handle and avoids damaging your tray. Don’t add any milk or sugar yet, as plain black coffee freezes best.
Make sure to leave a little space at the top of each mould, especially if your coffee is warm, as it will expand as it freezes.
Leave in the freeezer overnight, or for at least four hours. Once frozen, store the cubes in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid stale taste or bad smells.
To serve, just drop the cubes into a glass and pour your iced coffee over the top.
“If you want them to last even longer in the glass, use a larger cube tray and an insulated cup. You’ll get up to an hour of perfect iced coffee. For extra flavour, try adding a splash of syrup or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before freezing.” Jonathon aded