The cost-of-living crisis, showing no signs of abating, has also led to a surge in people seeking ways to make iced coffee at home. Searches for ‘how to make iced coffee at home’ have been conducted nearly 3,000 times in May alone, indicating that Britons are becoming more conscious of the price of their daily caffeine fix. A typical iced coffee from a café could cost as much as £153 per month, making home-brewed versions an increasingly attractive option.
Bryan Serwatka, Community Manager at Minor Figures Coffee, notes that the trend for iced coffee is no longer confined to the summer months. “We’ve noticed a big trend of customers wanting iced coffee all year round. Now’s the time to master the art of making iced coffee at home. Not only will you impress your friends with your new skills, but you’ll also get that caffeine hit without the hefty price tag,” Serwatka suggests.
To help coffee lovers perfect their iced coffee game, Serwatka offers a series of tips:
- Start with quality beans: The flavour of your iced coffee hinges on the quality of the beans. Choose a coffee you enjoy hot, as the flavours will be even more pronounced when chilled.
- Ice is key: Use a large amount of ice to ensure your drink stays cool and refreshing until the last sip.
- Milk matters: Add your milk or alternative milk before the coffee for beautifully layered drinks. Serwatka recommends Minor Figures Barista Oat Milk for its creamy texture.
- Sweeten wisely: If you prefer a sweet, iced coffee, mix a couple of teaspoons of maple syrup into your hot coffee. This ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed.
- Stir or not to stir: After adding the brewed coffee to your glass, you can stir for a balanced flavour or leave the layers intact for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Drink immediately: Iced lattes are best enjoyed straight away to prevent the ice from melting and diluting the flavour.
For those looking to create a more Instagram-worthy iced coffee, Serwatka recommends trying an iced Dalgona coffee:
- Whip it up: Combine equal parts sugar, water, and instant coffee in a bowl, and whip the mixture until it becomes fluffy.
- Layer and garnish: Fill a glass with milk, leaving space for the whipped coffee mixture on top. Add garnishes like lemon slices, cinnamon, or rosemary for extra flavour and visual appeal.
- Mix before sipping: Stir the drink before consuming to ensure a consistent flavour throughout.
Serwatka also shares his personal favourite method for making iced coffee at home – a Japanese-style iced filter coffee. This involves brewing a stronger-than-usual pour-over coffee directly onto ice, which cools the coffee while also preventing it from becoming too diluted.
“To achieve the perfect balance, add 80g of ice to your brewing vessel, then brew 16 grams of coffee with 170g of hot water over the ice,” advises Serwatka. “The ice will chill the coffee while melting into the brew, resulting in a cold, refreshing drink.”
For those looking to explore the range of Minor Figures products to elevate their iced coffee experience at home, the company’s website offers a variety of options.