🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 149 (from laksa125)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa149.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/","crawl_time":1776721660,"first_indexed_time":1592318697,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,thepioneerwoman!www,\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/ s443","src_root_hash":"18018970936453689549","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Perfect Iced Coffee Recipe","meta_descriptions":["Fuel the day with Ree Drummond's perfect iced coffee. This recipe shows you how to make cold brew concentrate, and how to turn it into creamy iced coffee."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Kristen Finn\nI love hot coffee, cold coffee, and every single one of these scrumptious\ncoffee desserts\n, but when it comes to\ncoffee recipes\n, there's just something about a glass of cool, creamy, strong iced coffee that I love best—and the concentrate in this recipe will make the best one you’ve ever tasted!\nThe cold brew concentrate is easy to make in bulk and you can store it in your fridge so it's there waiting anytime you need it. I’ve also included how I like to make my iced coffee: It's a little sweet, a little naughty, and truly so delicious. (Hint: It calls for sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.)\nI used to make this with 1 pound of coffee per 8 quarts of water, but I’ve graduated to 2 pounds of coffee and I’ll never turn back. This recipe will save you a trip to the coffee shop!\nIf you love iced coffee as much as me, try my\nspicy cowgirl coffee\nnext. Yum!\nHow do you make iced coffee at home?\nIt's easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water, and ice. Oh and lots of cream and sugar, if that's your thing!\nThe key is to brew a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then I strain it, and chill it. I don't add ice until I'm ready to drink my iced coffee; I don't want the ice cubes to melt and dilute it.\nWhat milk is best for iced coffee?\nIt ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I like to use half-and-half for a rich, creamy iced coffee. If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, whole milk works well, as does 2% or skim milk for lighter options. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk, depending on your taste.\nWhat's the best sweetener for iced coffee?\nYou can use regular ol' white sugar if you want, but what I really love is sweetened condensed milk. Just add as much as you like for your desired sweetness!\nCan you make iced coffee with regular coffee?\nSure can! There's no need for any fancy variety of coffee. Any good, rich roast, like a medium to medium-dark roast will do, so just use your favorite.\nWhy is my iced coffee bitter?\nYou may have let the coffee steep for too long. I find that it needs to go at least 12 hours to get nice and strong, but it shouldn’t steep for longer than 24 hours or it can become a little bitter. Bitterness can also come from using a very dark roast—which naturally leans more bitter. A medium to medium-dark roast works well.\nIs iced coffee just coffee poured over ice?\nNo, that will end up tasting watery. Iced coffee is a different thing altogether. You need to brew a nice strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so it still tastes great when you add ice and cream.\nWhy is my iced coffee so watery?\nThe coffee-to-water ratio is important. When making a big batch, I use 2 pounds of ground coffee and 8 quarts of water, and it turns out strong and concentrated, just as it should! Once you add the ice and cream, it will mellow out some, but you don't want your coffee base so weak that it instantly tastes watery. You can play around with the water vs. coffee ratio to suit your own tastes, but I find the amounts in this recipe to be just right.\nHow long does iced coffee concentrate last in the fridge?\nThis usually lasts me two to three weeks, and sometimes a month! Just make sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge.\nRalph Smith\nIced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope.\nIced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results:\n1. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted.\n2. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around.\nGiven the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a\nhuge spread\non the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips.\nThere are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead.\n(Note: I’ve totally adapted\/tweaked coffee\/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.)\nRee Drummond\nI start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there.\nYou can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.)\nRee Drummond\nRip open one to two pounds of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. (Note: Years ago I used one pound but have graduated to two pounds because I like things more concentrated!)\nRee Drummond\nPour in the coffee.\nRee Drummond\nMount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city.\nOr, at the very least, my heart.\nRee Drummond\nPour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water.\nRee Drummond\nGive it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water…\nRee Drummond\nThen cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least twelve hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.)\nRee Drummond\nWhen the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top.\nRee Drummond\nPlace a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer…\nRee Drummond\nAnd slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer.\nRee Drummond\nIt’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?)\nRee Drummond\nUse a spoon to gently press\/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces.\nRee Drummond\nAnd there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.)\nRee Drummond\nYou can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold!\nNote: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge.\nRee Drummond\nNow, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice.\nRee Drummond\nReach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half to 3\/4 full.\nRee Drummond\nSplash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half.\nRee Drummond\nMy goodness.\nRee Drummond\nAdd enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around.\nRee Drummond\nStir it all up…\nRee Drummond\nStick in a straw…\nRee Drummond\nAnd go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there.\nI’m all there.\nVariation: Vietnamese Iced Coffee\nAnd now for something entirely different. Same…but different.\nThis is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff.\nRee Drummond\nFill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk.\nA glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already.\nRee Drummond\nDrizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.)\nRee Drummond\nCome…to…MAMA.\nRee Drummond\nOn top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half.\n(I recommend the latter, of course.)\nRee Drummond\nGlorious.\nRee Drummond\nStir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed.\nI’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half\/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily.\nEither way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. 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[Perfect Iced Coffee](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/)\n# Perfect Iced Coffee\nIt’s strong, rich, and perfectly sweet—just how I like it\\!\n\nBy [Ree Drummond](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/author\/1143543\/pioneerwoman\/ \"Ree Drummond\")\n\nUpdated: Apr 7, 2026\n\n![Star Fill](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)\n\n5\n\n[6 Ratings](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/)\n\n[![Arrow Circle Down Icon](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/arrow-circle-down-fill.3409c9c.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)Jump to recipe](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/)\n\nYields:\n\n24 serving(s)\n\nPrep Time:\n\n8 hrs\n\nTotal Time:\n\n8 hrs\n\n![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000)Save\n\n![print](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/printer-fill.231288c.svg?primary=%2523000000)Print\n\n![the pioneer woman's iced coffee recipe](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/df43b596-7f01-4b6d-a727-bf781d582c0c.jpeg?resize=980:*)\n\nKristen Finn\n\nI love hot coffee, cold coffee, and every single one of these scrumptious [coffee desserts](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/meals-menus\/g60658320\/coffee-desserts\/), but when it comes to [coffee recipes](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/meals-menus\/g43733692\/coffee-recipes\/) , there's just something about a glass of cool, creamy, strong iced coffee that I love best—and the concentrate in this recipe will make the best one you’ve ever tasted\\!\n\nThe cold brew concentrate is easy to make in bulk and you can store it in your fridge so it's there waiting anytime you need it. I’ve also included how I like to make my iced coffee: It's a little sweet, a little naughty, and truly so delicious. (Hint: It calls for sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.)\n\nI used to make this with 1 pound of coffee per 8 quarts of water, but I’ve graduated to 2 pounds of coffee and I’ll never turn back. This recipe will save you a trip to the coffee shop\\!\n\nIf you love iced coffee as much as me, try my [spicy cowgirl coffee](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a35916176\/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-recipe\/)  next. Yum\\!\n\n**How do you make iced coffee at home?**\n\nIt's easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water, and ice. Oh and lots of cream and sugar, if that's your thing\\!\n\nThe key is to brew a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then I strain it, and chill it. I don't add ice until I'm ready to drink my iced coffee; I don't want the ice cubes to melt and dilute it.\n\n**What milk is best for iced coffee?**\n\nIt ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I like to use half-and-half for a rich, creamy iced coffee. If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, whole milk works well, as does 2% or skim milk for lighter options. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk, depending on your taste.\n\n**What's the best sweetener for iced coffee?**\n\nYou can use regular ol' white sugar if you want, but what I really love is sweetened condensed milk. Just add as much as you like for your desired sweetness\\!\n\n**Can you make iced coffee with regular coffee?**\n\nSure can! There's no need for any fancy variety of coffee. Any good, rich roast, like a medium to medium-dark roast will do, so just use your favorite.\n\n**Why is my iced coffee bitter?**\n\nYou may have let the coffee steep for too long. I find that it needs to go at least 12 hours to get nice and strong, but it shouldn’t steep for longer than 24 hours or it can become a little bitter. Bitterness can also come from using a very dark roast—which naturally leans more bitter. A medium to medium-dark roast works well.\n\n**Is iced coffee just coffee poured over ice?**\n\nNo, that will end up tasting watery. Iced coffee is a different thing altogether. You need to brew a nice strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so it still tastes great when you add ice and cream.\n\n**Why is my iced coffee so watery?**\n\nThe coffee-to-water ratio is important. When making a big batch, I use 2 pounds of ground coffee and 8 quarts of water, and it turns out strong and concentrated, just as it should! Once you add the ice and cream, it will mellow out some, but you don't want your coffee base so weak that it instantly tastes watery. You can play around with the water vs. coffee ratio to suit your own tastes, but I find the amounts in this recipe to be just right.\n\n**How long does iced coffee concentrate last in the fridge?**\n\nThis usually lasts me two to three weeks, and sometimes a month! Just make sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge.\n\nRead More\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n## Ingredients\n![print](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/printer-fill.231288c.svg?primary=%2523000000)Print\n\n- **2** **lb.**\n  \n  freshly ground coffee (good, rich roast) - 3 pounds is even more concentrated\\!\n- **8** **qt.**\n  \n  cold water\n- Half-and-half (healthy splash per serving)\n- Sweetened condensed milk (2 to 3 Tbsp. per serving)\n- Skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, syrups (optional)\n\n## Directions\n- 1. Step 1Mix the ground coffee with the water in a large container. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.\n  2. Step 2Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set it over a pitcher or other container. Pour the coffee\/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all the liquid to run through. Discard the grounds.\n  3. Step 3Place the coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.\n  4. Step 4To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill the glass 2\/3 full with coffee liquid. Add a healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (you can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and\/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.\n\n## Love this recipe? Try one of these next\\!\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/iced-coffee-ice-cream-float-recipe-2-648a22fbd3000.jpg?crop=1.00xw:1.00xh;0,0&resize=300:*)Iced Coffee Ice Cream Float 4 hrs 10 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a43841784\/iced-coffee-ice-cream-float-recipe\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-1616524606.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.412xh;0,0.178xh&resize=300:*)Spicy Cowgirl Coffee 10 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a35916176\/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-recipe\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/whippedcoffee-wd0851-preview-maxwidth-1600-maxheight-1600-1617892051.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.758xh;0,0.0935xh&resize=300:*)Whipped Coffee 5 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a35824250\/whipped-coffee\/)\n***\n![iced coffee with milk](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/perfect-iced-coffee-1590788070.jpg?crop=0.689xw:1.00xh;0.158xw,0&resize=980:*)\n\nRalph Smith\n\nIced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope.\n\nIced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results:\n\n1\\. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted.  \n2\\. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around.\n\nGiven the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a [huge spread](http:\/\/www.imbibemagazine.com\/Iced-Coffee-How-To) on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips.\n\nThere are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead.\n\n(Note: I’ve totally adapted\/tweaked coffee\/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.)\n\n![Image (1) 5825898241\\_789098be9c\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nI start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there.\n\nYou can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.)\n\n![Image (2) 5826453502\\_b2b2d0c22c\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nRip open one to two pounds of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. (Note: Years ago I used one pound but have graduated to two pounds because I like things more concentrated!)\n\n![Image (3) 5825898923\\_84529146b3\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nPour in the coffee.\n\n![Image (4) 5826454162\\_b8b439098f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nMount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city.\n\nOr, at the very least, my heart.\n\n![Image (5) 5826454394\\_a19ae5941f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nPour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water.\n\n![Image (6) 5825899927\\_a68178d1a8\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nGive it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water…\n\n![Image (7) 5825900163\\_47e0554a9d\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nThen cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least twelve hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.)\n\n![Image (8) 5826455142\\_6671df733f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nWhen the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top.\n\n![Image (9) 5825900725\\_bcdbcc6ff0\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nPlace a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer…\n\n![Image (10) 5825901015\\_413bdda8d8\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAnd slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer.\n\n![Image (11) 5826456300\\_dd6645eda9\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nIt’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?)\n\n![Image (12) 5825901943\\_e615390064\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nUse a spoon to gently press\/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces.\n\n![Image (13) 5826457014\\_235a0aab5d\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAnd there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.)\n\n![Image (14) 5825902703\\_3b2662f4a5\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nYou can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold\\!\n\nNote: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge.\n\n![Image (15) 5825903123\\_400c5e46a5\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nNow, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice.\n\n![Image (16) 5826458140\\_48b1f23aef\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nReach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half to 3\/4 full.\n\n![Image (17) 5826458338\\_583de58da9\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nSplash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half.\n\n![Image (18) 5826458530\\_6e69ea4533\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nMy goodness.\n\n![Image (19) 5825903919\\_62d279981d\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAdd enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around.\n\n![Image (20) 5825904305\\_46ee440570\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nStir it all up…\n\n![Image (21) 5825904587\\_e14136ab78\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nStick in a straw…\n\n![Image (22) 5825905359\\_60345cf09f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAnd go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there.\n\nI’m all there.\n\n## Variation: Vietnamese Iced Coffee\nAnd now for something entirely different. Same…but different.\n\nThis is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff.\n\n![Image (23) 5826461224\\_580d890ee7\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nFill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk.\n\nA glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already.\n\n![Image (24) 5825906637\\_55bb77f42b\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nDrizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.)\n\n![Image (25) 5825906889\\_053e95496b\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nCome…to…MAMA.\n\n![Image (26) 5826461970\\_d0eb8178f0\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nOn top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half.\n\n(I recommend the latter, of course.)\n\n![Image (27) 5826462162\\_595528b1f6\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nGlorious.\n\n![Image (28) 5826462676\\_2bb2c74280\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nStir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed.\n\nI’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half\/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily.\n\nEither way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) cannot be underestimated.\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n## [Drinks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/drinks\/)\n[![fruit cocktails](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/bcf792bb-f81d-473d-9761-03ca1448ed52.png?crop=0.9853515625xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Fruity Cocktails Made for Sipping In the Sunshine](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/g71025914\/fruity-cocktails\/)\n\n[![alex drummond floral hydrojug](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/6150d323-5219-4fa5-8e63-7a2b968af593.png?crop=0.315xw:0.98xh;0.34xw,0.015xh&resize=360:*)Alex’s New Floral Tumbler Is Leakproof](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a70987431\/alex-drummond-floral-hydrojug-tumbler\/)\n\n[![bowl of pink dip surrounded by fresh vegetables](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/99c556a5-2a17-4a8a-a657-2990bf258611.jpg?crop=0.750xw:1.00xh;0.0481xw,0&resize=360:*)10 Easy Recipes That Only Take 10 Minutes to Make](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/g70482789\/easy-10-minute-recipes\/)\n\n[![easter cocktails](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/easter-cocktails-punch-67ffd4a295863.png?crop=0.957xw:1.00xh;0.0224xw,0&resize=360:*)Easter Cocktails to Make You Hippity Hop](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/g35367079\/easter-cocktails\/)\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n[![the pioneer woman's Easter punch recipe](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/e419d61b-77d7-4b0f-83a5-cb3fc072deeb.jpeg?crop=0.5xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Easter Punch 3 hrs 35 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a64376824\/easter-punch-recipe\/)\n\n[![Two creamy beverages with peach slices and a stirring stick.](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a35e033f-61a9-4dc8-bf9e-679c170f3929.jpg?crop=0.75xw:1xh;0.055xw,0xh&resize=360:*)Whip Up a Tasty Smoothie in Under 10 Minutes](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/g70885667\/quick-smoothie-recipes\/)\n\n[![Alex Drummond carrying baby Sofia in west village while holding an iced coffee.](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/babea5b0-70ba-42dc-88b8-843f9e23f988.jpg?crop=1xw:0.75xh;0xw,0.228xh&resize=360:*)Alex Says Her Coffee Ritual Is a ‘Treat’](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a70711481\/alex-drummond-coffee-ritual-early-pregnancy\/)\n\n[![st patrick's day drinks](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/3e3a88a2-d0e5-4a56-aeb6-aca144aa4f46.png?crop=0.75xw:1xh;0.078xw,0xh&resize=360:*)Raise a Glass to St. Paddy's Day With These Drinks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/g70757534\/best-st-patricks-day-drinks\/)\n\n[![the pioneer woman's shamrock sour martini recipe](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/ba8dbe06-dafe-42fc-8629-f5cb9e9044f4.jpeg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.205xw,0&resize=360:*)Make a Round of Shamrock Sour Martinis 45 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a70609048\/shamrock-sour-martini-recipe\/)\n\n[![the pioneer woman's grasshopper cocktail recipe](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a756bda9-cfdc-4ce0-936b-ea5663119e35.jpeg?crop=0.499937114828xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Shake Up a 3-Ingredient Grasshopper Cocktail 5 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a70701880\/best-grasshopper-cocktail-recipe\/)\n\n[![the pioneer woman's irish coffee recipe](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/tpw-irish-coffee-recipe-1x2-2680-69a758ec28377.jpeg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.208xw,0&resize=360:*)Irish Coffee Is the Ultimate St. Paddy's Day Treat 10 mins ![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a70596309\/irish-coffee-recipe\/)\n\n[![dr pepper and tic tac mints collab](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/dr-pepper-tic-tac-mints-699608d58824f.png?crop=0.460xw:0.648xh;0.274xw,0.266xh&resize=360:*)Dr Pepper Fans, Meet Your New Favorite Candy](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/a70408347\/dr-pepper-tic-tac-collaboration\/)\n\nAdvertisement - 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All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice)[CA Notice at Collection](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[Your CA Privacy Rights\/Shine the Light](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[DAA Industry Opt Out](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_OPT_OUTS)[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-terms-of-use)[Sitemap](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/sitemap\/)\n\n[Cookies Choices](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/ \"Cookies Choices\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"![the pioneer woman's iced coffee recipe](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/df43b596-7f01-4b6d-a727-bf781d582c0c.jpeg?resize=980:*)\n\nKristen Finn\n\nI love hot coffee, cold coffee, and every single one of these scrumptious [coffee desserts](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/meals-menus\/g60658320\/coffee-desserts\/), but when it comes to [coffee recipes](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/meals-menus\/g43733692\/coffee-recipes\/) , there's just something about a glass of cool, creamy, strong iced coffee that I love best—and the concentrate in this recipe will make the best one you’ve ever tasted\\!\n\nThe cold brew concentrate is easy to make in bulk and you can store it in your fridge so it's there waiting anytime you need it. I’ve also included how I like to make my iced coffee: It's a little sweet, a little naughty, and truly so delicious. (Hint: It calls for sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.)\n\nI used to make this with 1 pound of coffee per 8 quarts of water, but I’ve graduated to 2 pounds of coffee and I’ll never turn back. This recipe will save you a trip to the coffee shop\\!\n\nIf you love iced coffee as much as me, try my [spicy cowgirl coffee](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a35916176\/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-recipe\/)  next. Yum\\!\n\n**How do you make iced coffee at home?**\n\nIt's easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water, and ice. Oh and lots of cream and sugar, if that's your thing\\!\n\nThe key is to brew a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then I strain it, and chill it. I don't add ice until I'm ready to drink my iced coffee; I don't want the ice cubes to melt and dilute it.\n\n**What milk is best for iced coffee?**\n\nIt ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I like to use half-and-half for a rich, creamy iced coffee. If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, whole milk works well, as does 2% or skim milk for lighter options. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk, depending on your taste.\n\n**What's the best sweetener for iced coffee?**\n\nYou can use regular ol' white sugar if you want, but what I really love is sweetened condensed milk. Just add as much as you like for your desired sweetness\\!\n\n**Can you make iced coffee with regular coffee?**\n\nSure can! There's no need for any fancy variety of coffee. Any good, rich roast, like a medium to medium-dark roast will do, so just use your favorite.\n\n**Why is my iced coffee bitter?**\n\nYou may have let the coffee steep for too long. I find that it needs to go at least 12 hours to get nice and strong, but it shouldn’t steep for longer than 24 hours or it can become a little bitter. Bitterness can also come from using a very dark roast—which naturally leans more bitter. A medium to medium-dark roast works well.\n\n**Is iced coffee just coffee poured over ice?**\n\nNo, that will end up tasting watery. Iced coffee is a different thing altogether. You need to brew a nice strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so it still tastes great when you add ice and cream.\n\n**Why is my iced coffee so watery?**\n\nThe coffee-to-water ratio is important. When making a big batch, I use 2 pounds of ground coffee and 8 quarts of water, and it turns out strong and concentrated, just as it should! Once you add the ice and cream, it will mellow out some, but you don't want your coffee base so weak that it instantly tastes watery. You can play around with the water vs. coffee ratio to suit your own tastes, but I find the amounts in this recipe to be just right.\n\n**How long does iced coffee concentrate last in the fridge?**\n\nThis usually lasts me two to three weeks, and sometimes a month! Just make sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge.\n\n***\n![iced coffee with milk](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/perfect-iced-coffee-1590788070.jpg?crop=0.689xw:1.00xh;0.158xw,0&resize=980:*)\n\nRalph Smith\n\nIced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope.\n\nIced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results:\n\n1\\. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted.  \n2\\. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around.\n\nGiven the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a [huge spread](http:\/\/www.imbibemagazine.com\/Iced-Coffee-How-To) on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips.\n\nThere are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead.\n\n(Note: I’ve totally adapted\/tweaked coffee\/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.)\n\n![Image (1) 5825898241\\_789098be9c\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nI start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there.\n\nYou can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.)\n\n![Image (2) 5826453502\\_b2b2d0c22c\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nRip open one to two pounds of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. (Note: Years ago I used one pound but have graduated to two pounds because I like things more concentrated!)\n\n![Image (3) 5825898923\\_84529146b3\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nPour in the coffee.\n\n![Image (4) 5826454162\\_b8b439098f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nMount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city.\n\nOr, at the very least, my heart.\n\n![Image (5) 5826454394\\_a19ae5941f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nPour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water.\n\n![Image (6) 5825899927\\_a68178d1a8\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nGive it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water…\n\n![Image (7) 5825900163\\_47e0554a9d\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nThen cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least twelve hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.)\n\n![Image (8) 5826455142\\_6671df733f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nWhen the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top.\n\n![Image (9) 5825900725\\_bcdbcc6ff0\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nPlace a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer…\n\n![Image (10) 5825901015\\_413bdda8d8\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAnd slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer.\n\n![Image (11) 5826456300\\_dd6645eda9\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nIt’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?)\n\n![Image (12) 5825901943\\_e615390064\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nUse a spoon to gently press\/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces.\n\n![Image (13) 5826457014\\_235a0aab5d\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAnd there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.)\n\n![Image (14) 5825902703\\_3b2662f4a5\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nYou can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold\\!\n\nNote: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge.\n\n![Image (15) 5825903123\\_400c5e46a5\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nNow, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice.\n\n![Image (16) 5826458140\\_48b1f23aef\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nReach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half to 3\/4 full.\n\n![Image (17) 5826458338\\_583de58da9\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nSplash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half.\n\n![Image (18) 5826458530\\_6e69ea4533\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nMy goodness.\n\n![Image (19) 5825903919\\_62d279981d\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAdd enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around.\n\n![Image (20) 5825904305\\_46ee440570\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nStir it all up…\n\n![Image (21) 5825904587\\_e14136ab78\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nStick in a straw…\n\n![Image (22) 5825905359\\_60345cf09f\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nAnd go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there.\n\nI’m all there.\n\n## Variation: Vietnamese Iced Coffee\nAnd now for something entirely different. Same…but different.\n\nThis is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff.\n\n![Image (23) 5826461224\\_580d890ee7\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nFill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk.\n\nA glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already.\n\n![Image (24) 5825906637\\_55bb77f42b\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nDrizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.)\n\n![Image (25) 5825906889\\_053e95496b\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nCome…to…MAMA.\n\n![Image (26) 5826461970\\_d0eb8178f0\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nOn top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half.\n\n(I recommend the latter, of course.)\n\n![Image (27) 5826462162\\_595528b1f6\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nGlorious.\n\n![Image (28) 5826462676\\_2bb2c74280\\_z.jpg for post 11061](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=980:*)[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a11061\/perfect-iced-coffee\/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/thepioneerwoman\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=1600:*)\n\nRee Drummond\n\nStir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed.\n\nI’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half\/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily.\n\nEither way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) cannot be underestimated.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Perfect Iced Coffee Recipe
Meta Description	Fuel the day with Ree Drummond's perfect iced coffee. This recipe shows you how to make cold brew concentrate, and how to turn it into creamy iced coffee.
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Boilerpipe Text	Kristen Finn I love hot coffee, cold coffee, and every single one of these scrumptious coffee desserts , but when it comes to coffee recipes , there's just something about a glass of cool, creamy, strong iced coffee that I love best—and the concentrate in this recipe will make the best one you’ve ever tasted! The cold brew concentrate is easy to make in bulk and you can store it in your fridge so it's there waiting anytime you need it. I’ve also included how I like to make my iced coffee: It's a little sweet, a little naughty, and truly so delicious. (Hint: It calls for sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.) I used to make this with 1 pound of coffee per 8 quarts of water, but I’ve graduated to 2 pounds of coffee and I’ll never turn back. This recipe will save you a trip to the coffee shop! If you love iced coffee as much as me, try my spicy cowgirl coffee next. Yum! How do you make iced coffee at home? It's easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water, and ice. Oh and lots of cream and sugar, if that's your thing! The key is to brew a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then I strain it, and chill it. I don't add ice until I'm ready to drink my iced coffee; I don't want the ice cubes to melt and dilute it. What milk is best for iced coffee? It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I like to use half-and-half for a rich, creamy iced coffee. If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, whole milk works well, as does 2% or skim milk for lighter options. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk, depending on your taste. What's the best sweetener for iced coffee? You can use regular ol' white sugar if you want, but what I really love is sweetened condensed milk. Just add as much as you like for your desired sweetness! Can you make iced coffee with regular coffee? Sure can! There's no need for any fancy variety of coffee. Any good, rich roast, like a medium to medium-dark roast will do, so just use your favorite. Why is my iced coffee bitter? You may have let the coffee steep for too long. I find that it needs to go at least 12 hours to get nice and strong, but it shouldn’t steep for longer than 24 hours or it can become a little bitter. Bitterness can also come from using a very dark roast—which naturally leans more bitter. A medium to medium-dark roast works well. Is iced coffee just coffee poured over ice? No, that will end up tasting watery. Iced coffee is a different thing altogether. You need to brew a nice strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so it still tastes great when you add ice and cream. Why is my iced coffee so watery? The coffee-to-water ratio is important. When making a big batch, I use 2 pounds of ground coffee and 8 quarts of water, and it turns out strong and concentrated, just as it should! Once you add the ice and cream, it will mellow out some, but you don't want your coffee base so weak that it instantly tastes watery. You can play around with the water vs. coffee ratio to suit your own tastes, but I find the amounts in this recipe to be just right. How long does iced coffee concentrate last in the fridge? This usually lasts me two to three weeks, and sometimes a month! Just make sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Ralph Smith Iced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope. Iced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results: 1. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted. 2. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around. Given the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a huge spread on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips. There are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead. (Note: I’ve totally adapted/tweaked coffee/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.) Ree Drummond I start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there. You can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.) Ree Drummond Rip open one to two pounds of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. (Note: Years ago I used one pound but have graduated to two pounds because I like things more concentrated!) Ree Drummond Pour in the coffee. Ree Drummond Mount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city. Or, at the very least, my heart. Ree Drummond Pour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water. Ree Drummond Give it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water… Ree Drummond Then cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least twelve hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.) Ree Drummond When the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top. Ree Drummond Place a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer… Ree Drummond And slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer. Ree Drummond It’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?) Ree Drummond Use a spoon to gently press/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces. Ree Drummond And there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.) Ree Drummond You can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold! Note: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge. Ree Drummond Now, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice. Ree Drummond Reach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half to 3/4 full. Ree Drummond Splash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half. Ree Drummond My goodness. Ree Drummond Add enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around. Ree Drummond Stir it all up… Ree Drummond Stick in a straw… Ree Drummond And go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there. I’m all there. Variation: Vietnamese Iced Coffee And now for something entirely different. Same…but different. This is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff. Ree Drummond Fill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk. A glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already. Ree Drummond Drizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.) Ree Drummond Come…to…MAMA. Ree Drummond On top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half. (I recommend the latter, of course.) Ree Drummond Glorious. Ree Drummond Stir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed. I’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily. Either way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) cannot be underestimated.
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[Food and Cooking](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/) 2. [Recipes](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/) 3. [Perfect Iced Coffee](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/) # Perfect Iced Coffee It’s strong, rich, and perfectly sweet—just how I like it\! By [Ree Drummond](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/author/1143543/pioneerwoman/ "Ree Drummond") Updated: Apr 7, 2026 ![Star Fill](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1)![Star Fill](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/star-fill.81d35b4.svg?primary=%2523F3B032&secondary=%2523F3B032&tertiary=1) 5 [6 Ratings](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/) [![Arrow Circle Down Icon](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/arrow-circle-down-fill.3409c9c.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)Jump to recipe](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/) Yields: 24 serving(s) Prep Time: 8 hrs Total Time: 8 hrs ![bookmarks](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000)Save ![print](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/printer-fill.231288c.svg?primary=%2523000000)Print ![the pioneer woman's iced coffee recipe](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/df43b596-7f01-4b6d-a727-bf781d582c0c.jpeg?resize=980:) Kristen Finn I love hot coffee, cold coffee, and every single one of these scrumptious [coffee desserts](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g60658320/coffee-desserts/), but when it comes to [coffee recipes](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43733692/coffee-recipes/) , there's just something about a glass of cool, creamy, strong iced coffee that I love best—and the concentrate in this recipe will make the best one you’ve ever tasted\! The cold brew concentrate is easy to make in bulk and you can store it in your fridge so it's there waiting anytime you need it. I’ve also included how I like to make my iced coffee: It's a little sweet, a little naughty, and truly so delicious. (Hint: It calls for sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.) I used to make this with 1 pound of coffee per 8 quarts of water, but I’ve graduated to 2 pounds of coffee and I’ll never turn back. This recipe will save you a trip to the coffee shop\! If you love iced coffee as much as me, try my [spicy cowgirl coffee](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35916176/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-recipe/) next. Yum\! How do you make iced coffee at home?* It's easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water, and ice. Oh and lots of cream and sugar, if that's your thing\! The key is to brew a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then I strain it, and chill it. I don't add ice until I'm ready to drink my iced coffee; I don't want the ice cubes to melt and dilute it. What milk is best for iced coffee? It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I like to use half-and-half for a rich, creamy iced coffee. If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, whole milk works well, as does 2% or skim milk for lighter options. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk, depending on your taste. What's the best sweetener for iced coffee? You can use regular ol' white sugar if you want, but what I really love is sweetened condensed milk. Just add as much as you like for your desired sweetness\! Can you make iced coffee with regular coffee? Sure can! There's no need for any fancy variety of coffee. Any good, rich roast, like a medium to medium-dark roast will do, so just use your favorite. Why is my iced coffee bitter? You may have let the coffee steep for too long. I find that it needs to go at least 12 hours to get nice and strong, but it shouldn’t steep for longer than 24 hours or it can become a little bitter. Bitterness can also come from using a very dark roast—which naturally leans more bitter. A medium to medium-dark roast works well. Is iced coffee just coffee poured over ice? No, that will end up tasting watery. Iced coffee is a different thing altogether. You need to brew a nice strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so it still tastes great when you add ice and cream. Why is my iced coffee so watery? The coffee-to-water ratio is important. When making a big batch, I use 2 pounds of ground coffee and 8 quarts of water, and it turns out strong and concentrated, just as it should! Once you add the ice and cream, it will mellow out some, but you don't want your coffee base so weak that it instantly tastes watery. You can play around with the water vs. coffee ratio to suit your own tastes, but I find the amounts in this recipe to be just right. How long does iced coffee concentrate last in the fridge? This usually lasts me two to three weeks, and sometimes a month! Just make sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Read More Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## Ingredients ![print](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/printer-fill.231288c.svg?primary=%2523000000)Print - 2 lb. freshly ground coffee (good, rich roast) - 3 pounds is even more concentrated\! - 8 qt. cold water - Half-and-half (healthy splash per serving) - Sweetened condensed milk (2 to 3 Tbsp. per serving) - Skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, syrups (optional) ## Directions - 1. Step 1Mix the ground coffee with the water in a large container. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. 2. Step 2Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set it over a pitcher or other container. Pour the coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all the liquid to run through. Discard the grounds. 3. Step 3Place the coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed. 4. Step 4To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill the glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add a healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (you can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed. ## Love this recipe? Try one of these next\! - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/iced-coffee-ice-cream-float-recipe-2-648a22fbd3000.jpg?crop=1.00xw:1.00xh;0,0&resize=300:)Iced Coffee Ice Cream Float 4 hrs 10 mins ![bookmarks](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43841784/iced-coffee-ice-cream-float-recipe/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-1616524606.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.412xh;0,0.178xh&resize=300:)Spicy Cowgirl Coffee 10 mins ![bookmarks](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35916176/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-recipe/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/whippedcoffee-wd0851-preview-maxwidth-1600-maxheight-1600-1617892051.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.758xh;0,0.0935xh&resize=300:)Whipped Coffee 5 mins ![bookmarks](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%25238B376C)](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35824250/whipped-coffee/) ** ![iced coffee with milk](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/perfect-iced-coffee-1590788070.jpg?crop=0.689xw:1.00xh;0.158xw,0&resize=980:) Ralph Smith Iced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope. Iced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results: 1\. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted. 2\. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around. Given the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a [huge spread](http://www.imbibemagazine.com/Iced-Coffee-How-To) on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips. There are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead. (Note: I’ve totally adapted/tweaked coffee/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.) ![Image (1) 5825898241\_789098be9c\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond I start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there. You can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.) ![Image (2) 5826453502\_b2b2d0c22c\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Rip open one to two pounds of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. (Note: Years ago I used one pound but have graduated to two pounds because I like things more concentrated!) ![Image (3) 5825898923\_84529146b3\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Pour in the coffee. ![Image (4) 5826454162\_b8b439098f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Mount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city. Or, at the very least, my heart. ![Image (5) 5826454394\_a19ae5941f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Pour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water. ![Image (6) 5825899927\_a68178d1a8\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Give it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water… ![Image (7) 5825900163\_47e0554a9d\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Then cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least twelve hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.) ![Image (8) 5826455142\_6671df733f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond When the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top. ![Image (9) 5825900725\_bcdbcc6ff0\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Place a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer… ![Image (10) 5825901015\_413bdda8d8\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond And slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer. ![Image (11) 5826456300\_dd6645eda9\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond It’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?) ![Image (12) 5825901943\_e615390064\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Use a spoon to gently press/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces. ![Image (13) 5826457014\_235a0aab5d\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond And there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.) ![Image (14) 5825902703\_3b2662f4a5\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond You can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold\! Note: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge. ![Image (15) 5825903123\_400c5e46a5\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Now, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice. ![Image (16) 5826458140\_48b1f23aef\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Reach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half to 3/4 full. ![Image (17) 5826458338\_583de58da9\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Splash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half. ![Image (18) 5826458530\_6e69ea4533\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond My goodness. ![Image (19) 5825903919\_62d279981d\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Add enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around. ![Image (20) 5825904305\_46ee440570\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Stir it all up… ![Image (21) 5825904587\_e14136ab78\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Stick in a straw… ![Image (22) 5825905359\_60345cf09f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond And go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there. I’m all there. ## Variation: Vietnamese Iced Coffee And now for something entirely different. Same…but different. This is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff. ![Image (23) 5826461224\_580d890ee7\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Fill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk. A glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already. ![Image (24) 5825906637\_55bb77f42b\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Drizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.) ![Image (25) 5825906889\_053e95496b\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Come…to…MAMA. ![Image (26) 5826461970\_d0eb8178f0\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond On top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half. (I recommend the latter, of course.) ![Image (27) 5826462162\_595528b1f6\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Glorious. ![Image (28) 5826462676\_2bb2c74280\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Stir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed. I’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily. Either way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) cannot be underestimated. 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Readable Markdown	![the pioneer woman's iced coffee recipe](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/df43b596-7f01-4b6d-a727-bf781d582c0c.jpeg?resize=980:) Kristen Finn I love hot coffee, cold coffee, and every single one of these scrumptious [coffee desserts](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g60658320/coffee-desserts/), but when it comes to [coffee recipes](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43733692/coffee-recipes/) , there's just something about a glass of cool, creamy, strong iced coffee that I love best—and the concentrate in this recipe will make the best one you’ve ever tasted\! The cold brew concentrate is easy to make in bulk and you can store it in your fridge so it's there waiting anytime you need it. I’ve also included how I like to make my iced coffee: It's a little sweet, a little naughty, and truly so delicious. (Hint: It calls for sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.) I used to make this with 1 pound of coffee per 8 quarts of water, but I’ve graduated to 2 pounds of coffee and I’ll never turn back. This recipe will save you a trip to the coffee shop\! If you love iced coffee as much as me, try my [spicy cowgirl coffee](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35916176/spicy-cowgirl-coffee-recipe/) next. Yum\! How do you make iced coffee at home?* It's easier than you think. All you need is ground coffee, water, and ice. Oh and lots of cream and sugar, if that's your thing\! The key is to brew a strong coffee concentrate: I let mine steep overnight, then I strain it, and chill it. I don't add ice until I'm ready to drink my iced coffee; I don't want the ice cubes to melt and dilute it. What milk is best for iced coffee? It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but I like to use half-and-half for a rich, creamy iced coffee. If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, whole milk works well, as does 2% or skim milk for lighter options. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like oat milk or almond milk, depending on your taste. What's the best sweetener for iced coffee? You can use regular ol' white sugar if you want, but what I really love is sweetened condensed milk. Just add as much as you like for your desired sweetness\! Can you make iced coffee with regular coffee? Sure can! There's no need for any fancy variety of coffee. Any good, rich roast, like a medium to medium-dark roast will do, so just use your favorite. Why is my iced coffee bitter? You may have let the coffee steep for too long. I find that it needs to go at least 12 hours to get nice and strong, but it shouldn’t steep for longer than 24 hours or it can become a little bitter. Bitterness can also come from using a very dark roast—which naturally leans more bitter. A medium to medium-dark roast works well. Is iced coffee just coffee poured over ice? No, that will end up tasting watery. Iced coffee is a different thing altogether. You need to brew a nice strong concentrate (stronger than hot coffee) so it still tastes great when you add ice and cream. Why is my iced coffee so watery? The coffee-to-water ratio is important. When making a big batch, I use 2 pounds of ground coffee and 8 quarts of water, and it turns out strong and concentrated, just as it should! Once you add the ice and cream, it will mellow out some, but you don't want your coffee base so weak that it instantly tastes watery. You can play around with the water vs. coffee ratio to suit your own tastes, but I find the amounts in this recipe to be just right. How long does iced coffee concentrate last in the fridge? This usually lasts me two to three weeks, and sometimes a month! Just make sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge. *** ![iced coffee with milk](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/perfect-iced-coffee-1590788070.jpg?crop=0.689xw:1.00xh;0.158xw,0&resize=980:) Ralph Smith Iced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope. Iced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results: 1\. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted. 2\. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around. Given the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a [huge spread](http://www.imbibemagazine.com/Iced-Coffee-How-To) on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips. There are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead. (Note: I’ve totally adapted/tweaked coffee/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.) ![Image (1) 5825898241\_789098be9c\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898241_789098be9c_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond I start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there. You can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.) ![Image (2) 5826453502\_b2b2d0c22c\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826453502_b2b2d0c22c_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Rip open one to two pounds of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. (Note: Years ago I used one pound but have graduated to two pounds because I like things more concentrated!) ![Image (3) 5825898923\_84529146b3\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825898923_84529146b3_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Pour in the coffee. ![Image (4) 5826454162\_b8b439098f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454162_b8b439098f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Mount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city. Or, at the very least, my heart. ![Image (5) 5826454394\_a19ae5941f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826454394_a19ae5941f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Pour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water. ![Image (6) 5825899927\_a68178d1a8\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825899927_a68178d1a8_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Give it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water… ![Image (7) 5825900163\_47e0554a9d\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900163_47e0554a9d_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Then cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least twelve hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.) ![Image (8) 5826455142\_6671df733f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826455142_6671df733f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond When the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top. ![Image (9) 5825900725\_bcdbcc6ff0\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825900725_bcdbcc6ff0_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Place a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer… ![Image (10) 5825901015\_413bdda8d8\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901015_413bdda8d8_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond And slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer. ![Image (11) 5826456300\_dd6645eda9\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826456300_dd6645eda9_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond It’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?) ![Image (12) 5825901943\_e615390064\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825901943_e615390064_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Use a spoon to gently press/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces. ![Image (13) 5826457014\_235a0aab5d\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826457014_235a0aab5d_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond And there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.) ![Image (14) 5825902703\_3b2662f4a5\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825902703_3b2662f4a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond You can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold\! Note: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge. ![Image (15) 5825903123\_400c5e46a5\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903123_400c5e46a5_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Now, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice. ![Image (16) 5826458140\_48b1f23aef\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458140_48b1f23aef_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Reach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half to 3/4 full. ![Image (17) 5826458338\_583de58da9\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458338_583de58da9_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Splash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half. ![Image (18) 5826458530\_6e69ea4533\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826458530_6e69ea4533_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond My goodness. ![Image (19) 5825903919\_62d279981d\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825903919_62d279981d_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Add enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around. ![Image (20) 5825904305\_46ee440570\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904305_46ee440570_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Stir it all up… ![Image (21) 5825904587\_e14136ab78\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825904587_e14136ab78_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Stick in a straw… ![Image (22) 5825905359\_60345cf09f\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825905359_60345cf09f_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond And go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there. I’m all there. ## Variation: Vietnamese Iced Coffee And now for something entirely different. Same…but different. This is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff. ![Image (23) 5826461224\_580d890ee7\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461224_580d890ee7_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Fill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk. A glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already. ![Image (24) 5825906637\_55bb77f42b\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906637_55bb77f42b_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Drizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.) ![Image (25) 5825906889\_053e95496b\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5825906889_053e95496b_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Come…to…MAMA. ![Image (26) 5826461970\_d0eb8178f0\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826461970_d0eb8178f0_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond On top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half. (I recommend the latter, of course.) ![Image (27) 5826462162\_595528b1f6\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462162_595528b1f6_z.jpg?resize=1600:) Ree Drummond Glorious. ![Image (28) 5826462676\_2bb2c74280\_z.jpg for post 11061](https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=980:)[![pinterest](https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/&description=thepioneerwoman&media=https://hips.hearstapps.com/thepioneerwoman/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/5826462676_2bb2c74280_z.jpg?resize=1600:*) Ree Drummond Stir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed. I’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily. Either way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) cannot be underestimated.
Shard	149 (laksa)
Root Hash	18018970936453689549
Unparsed URL	com,thepioneerwoman!www,/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/ s443