Thursday, May 2, 2013

How I Make My Iced Coffee!



My sweet instagram friend, Amber was saying that she just couldn't get her iced coffee to taste right and I knew I needed to help her out! 

A few years ago I fell in love with a venti Hazelnut Breve Iced Coffee at Starbucks and just COULD NOT GET ENOUGH. I'd legit dream of them. A few months into my new addiction I KNEW that I could figure this out. I mean, it's coffee not rocket science... right?

Well, I'll let you know what doesn't work: Keurig, Instant coffee, Regular coffee maker....they just aren't the same. I can't put my finger on it but serious iced coffee lovers will know exactly what I mean! 

Right, so what does that leave?

COLD BREW. 

I've touched on this here with a review for the Toddy Cold Brew System. 

But I got bored with the Toddy. It was so big, it took a while to strain and I had to make so much at once that even a coffee addict like myself would find that it would start to taste stale. I needed a quick and easy way to make fresh iced coffee.

One day it clicked! YES! My french press! Same idea. Just smaller.

So here is how I do it! 

What you need:

  • A good coffee - I am only using this one because it's decaf and I was already at Trader Joe's. I prefer Starbucks Iced Coffee Blend found here
  • French Press - it doesn't need to be fancy, I think this one was around $20 
  • Syrup or some sort of artificial sweetener. Sugar will not dissolve since the liquid never gets hot. I buy my hazelnut syrup in a huge bottle for under $10 at my local starbucks (ask for a pump!). 
  • Half & Half 


How to:

Step one:
Fill the french press up with 80% water and 6-8 scoops of coffee - this is not an exact science - some like more, some like less, start with 6 and then move up or down from there. 



Step two:
Use the back of a spoon to press the coffee down. You don't want to stir just get all of the grinds wet. 



Step three:
Put the lid back on but DO NOT PUSH THE PRESS DOWN. Let it sit overnight. 



Step four:
In the morning, press down slowly, you'll need to use some pressure. Pour over ice and add your syrup (I do 4 pumps) and half & half (I just eye it - I'm not shy with it!). Put whatever is left in a mason jar or some other covered container! 




Ta-da! Perfect iced coffee! It's so smooth and refreshing! 

If you make it - I'd love to hear your thoughts! And as always, please let me know if you have any questions!!