Iced coffee with ice cream is more than a drink, it’s a dessert, a mood lifter, and a great way to add a little indulgence to your daily routine. It’s the perfect treat for those warm days when you crave something cool, rich, and indulgent.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or someone who enjoys experimenting with cafe-style drinks, this recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and even more enjoyable to drink. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious blend of coffee and ice cream right in your kitchen, with just a few ingredients and simple steps.
Ingredient Notes
- Coffee: Choose a full-bodied medium-to-dark roast or espresso that can stand up to the sweetness of the ice cream. Cold brew is also a fantastic choice for a smoother taste.
- Ice cream: Vanilla is a classic go-to for its ability to complement the coffee’s richness, but I think flavors like salted caramel, mocha, or even pistachio will make an intriguing taste twist.
- Milk: milk can adjust the consistency to your liking. Whole milk gives the drink creaminess, but almond or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives that add their own subtle flavors.
Ice Coffee with Ice Cream Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1. Select and Brew Your Coffee
A strong, dark roast or espresso is ideal because its robust flavor can cut through the sweetness of the ice cream.
Brew about 1 cup of coffee or a double shot of espresso. If you’re using a coffee machine or a French press, make it stronger than you would for a regular cup by adding more coffee grounds to the mix. This is because the ice cream and milk will dilute the coffee’s strength.
Once brewed, place the coffee in the refrigerator to chill. Chilling the coffee ensures that your drink remains cold and refreshing without being watered down by ice.
Step 2. Prepare Your Serving Glass
While your coffee is cooling, place your serving glass in the freezer. This is a simple trick to keep your drink colder for longer. A pre-chilled glass will prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly when it comes into contact with the coffee.
Step 3. Blend the Coffee and Ice Cream
Take one scoop of your chosen ice cream flavor and add it to a blender.
Pour the chilled coffee into the blender. If you like your iced coffee on the creamier side, add a splash of milk. Choose whole milk for richness or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
Secure the lid on the blender and start blending at a low speed. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy; it won’t take long – 30 seconds at most. If you prefer a thicker, more shake-like consistency, add an extra scoop of ice cream and blend again.
Step 4. Assemble Your Drink
Remove your glass from the freezer and, if desired, drizzle the inside with chocolate or caramel syrup for an extra sweet touch.
Pour the blended coffee and ice cream mixture into the chilled glass. The cold glass will help maintain the frosty temperature of your drink, making every sip as refreshing as the first.
Step 5. Add the Finishing Touches
For an extra indulgent treat, top your iced coffee with a fresh scoop of ice cream. This will add a lovely contrast in textures as the ice cream slowly melts into the coffee.
Garnish your iced coffee with your choice of toppings, for example, a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon. Whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a light dusting of finely ground coffee beans also work great, plus your drink will look like it was made by a professional barista.
Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon for stirring and scooping up the delicious ice cream.
Variations
- Affogato twist: Instead of blending, pour hot espresso directly over a scoop of ice cream served in a chilled glass.
- Nutty note: Add a dash of almond or hazelnut syrup to your coffee before blending for a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate: Use chocolate ice cream and a spoonful of chocolate syrup for a decadent mocha twist.
Iced Coffee With Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Serving glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream (or your choice of flavor)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for blending)
- Optional garnishes: chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, whipped cream
Instructions
- Use your preferred method of brewing coffee.
- Chill your brewed coffee in the refrigerator.
- Optionally, chill your serving glasses in the freezer.
- Combine the chilled coffee, one scoop of ice cream, and milk in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass and top with an additional scoop of ice cream.
- Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer your drink less diluted but still cold, freeze some of your coffee in ice cube trays and use these instead of regular ice cubes.
- Ice cream consistency is important. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. A slightly softer ice cream blends more easily and creates a smoother texture in your drink.
- Blending technique matters too. Start blending at a lower speed to mix the ingredients without causing too much froth. Increase the speed as the mixture starts to smooth out for a perfectly combined drink.
- For an affogato-style twist, place the ice cream in the glass before pouring the blended coffee over it to create a beautiful layering effect.
- If you prefer your drink less diluted but still cold, freeze some of your coffee in ice cube trays and use these instead of regular ice cubes.
