Delicious iced coffee is a perfect pick-me-up on a warm summer’s day. The clinking of ice on the glass alongside those rich coffee aromas transports you to a place of pure relaxation, even if just for a moment!
The most amazing thing is that you don’t need to buy any specialist equipment to enjoy rich, iced coffee at home. Any Keurig will do and it doesn’t even need to have an iced setting.
The secret to iced coffee is simply, brew your favorite coffee using your Keurig but brew it into a glass of ice instead of an empty mug. Even better still, use coffee ice cubes to avoid diluting that bold coffee flavor.
To help you really master this drink, here’s how to make iced coffee with a Keurig including all the tips and tricks to avoid bland or watery java. There are loads of options to really personalize this brew method so have a read through, then get experimenting until you have a cup of joe that’s pure perfection.
Why Choose a Keurig Machine?
Keurig coffee makers are extremely user-friendly and a very cost-effective way to brew coffee at home. They use special coffee capsules called my k-cup pods and these come in at a fraction of the cost of competing brands like Nespresso. You can brew all manner of coffee drinks using a Keurig from flavored coffees, mochas, latte-type drinks or you can even use the machine to make hot chocolate or tea.
No matter which type of Keurig you have at home, there’s a way to make iced coffee with it. Here are all the factors you need to consider when making iced coffee with your Keurig, and once you perfect this drink, you’ll never have to order one from a barista again.
How to make Iced Coffee with a Keurig
To make iced coffee with your Keurig machine is not a complicated procedure. All you need to do is brew your regular coffee, but into a glass filled with ice. The ice cools the hot coffee down but can also water down the coffee if you’re not careful. Here are all the tips and tricks so you can customize your iced coffee to suit you.
Equipment
You’ll need your Keurig and a tall glass, or tumbler that’s not too delicate as it needs to be able to handle temperature changes. You will also need an ice cube tray, your coffee pod, and any creamers or sweeteners you enjoy with your brewed coffee.
Ice Cubes
To make a Keurig iced coffee drink you’ll need ice. The form of ice doesn’t really matter, you can go for cubed, crushed, or interesting shapes like pebble iced (these make your coffee way more Instagrammable!).
The issue with using fresh iced cubes and hot coffee is the coffee taste can end up very diluted as the ice melts. A way around this is to use coffee ice cubes. Make these by brewing hot coffee the day before and allowing it to cool before adding it to an ice cube tray. Set in the freezer for several hours (or overnight) and then use these in your iced coffee recipe.
Coffee Pod
To make delicious iced coffee in your Keurig coffee maker you will need a coffee pod that’s up to the challenge. It’s best to use a dark roast or espresso-type pod as the strong flavors will stand up well even over ice. Some coffee pods are designed for iced coffee and these are a great option as well.
Be wary of flavored pods as these tend to do better as hot coffee rather than iced.
Settings
Choose the appropriate cup size for the glass you’re using. If there is a bold setting on your machine then use this. This will help the flavors stand out even when the coffee is cooled. Some models of Keurig like the Keurig K-Elite coffee maker and the K-Supreme actually have an iced coffee setting built into the machine.
Creamer
If you enjoy milk and sugar with your morning java then you can go ahead and add these to your iced brew. Make sure you’re using cold milk and as you add this to the coffee you should notice a lovely swirling pattern as it mixes with the ice. Non-dairy options like almond milk also work extremely well if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. Any sweeteners you enjoy can be added from stevia to sugar.
Why Not Brew The Coffee Cold?
Ground coffee needs heat to extract the full flavor profile. If the water is too cold then the coffee will be weak and under-extracted. The only way to get a good flavor brewing with cold water is to leave the coffee in contact with the water for 12+ hours. This method of brewing is called cold brew coffee.
Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew
You may notice in your local coffee shop that they list cold brew coffee or iced coffee or both on their menu. Although they sound similar, a cup of iced coffee is a different drink when compared to cold brew coffee.
Iced coffee is coffee brewed with hot water that’s then served over ice to cool it down. It boasts all the rich flavors from hot brewed coffee and is a quick and easy way to enjoy a cool coffee drink. It’s easy to make using your single-serve coffee maker.
Cold brew coffee is when the coffee grounds are steeped in cold water overnight or for 12+ hours. The slow extraction yields a coffee that’s sweet in flavor and low in acidity. Cold brew coffee is packed full of flavor and makes a really unique cup of joe but it does take time and preparation.
Keurig K-Cup Pods For Iced Coffee
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Dark Magic
- Very dark roast
- 100% Arabica Beans
- Recyclable Pods
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Brew Over Ice Classic Black
- Medium Roast
- Sweet, Full-bodied flavor
- Keeps its flavor well, even over ice
Starbucks Dark Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods
- Dark Roast
- Twice the Caffeine
- Notes of Dark Cocoa & Caramelized Sugar
The Original Donut Shop
- Medium Roast
- Balanced Flavor Notes
- Extra Bold
Take-Home
It’s pretty easy to make iced coffee with your Keurig coffee maker. All you need is a tall glass, some ice, and your favorite coffee pod. It’s best to use the bold brew button if your machine has one or opt for a darker roast coffee so the flavors stand out. It’s always best to use coffee ice cubes if you have these to hand as this helps maintain that lovely, rich coffee taste.
Let us know if you enjoy Keurig iced coffee and if you have any more tips or tricks not mentioned here, please let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Happy brewing!
Related Reading
Keurig K-Mini Review
Keurig Troubleshooting Guide (Tips To Get Your Keurig Brewing Again)
