Homemade Vanilla Iced Coffee
I’ve been obsessed with vanilla iced coffee from pretty much any place that sells it. I prefer mom and pop type coffee shops, but I enjoy them from bigger chains as well. The problem is I have no idea what they put in them and it’s not so easy on the budget. Expensive and potentially full of yucky ingredients… not ideal.
When I realized I was spending exorbitant amounts of money on simple iced coffee I knew I needed to find a cheaper (and healthier) way to enjoy this yummy summer drink. That’s when I remembered that years ago (before I spent any time in the kitchen) my husband’s grandma (Meema) made us homemade iced coffee. I remember I was completely blown away how yummy and easy it was. Meema is kind of a genius. One of the wisest women I know.
Meema used coffee creamer from the store so I knew I wanted to change that up a bit, but the same easy principles applied: home brewed coffee, ice, cream, flavor, enjoy :). Thank you, Meema!
How to make homemade vanilla iced coffee
ingredients
- Homemade brewed coffee. I try to source the best coffee possible, but sometimes my budget doesn’t allow for the best of the best. Try to at least get organic coffee grounds or whole beans and grind them yourself. If you have access to good cold brew or prepared cold coffee that would make things even easier!
- Collagen (optional). This will add wonderful protein and nutrients to your drink.
- Pure vanilla extract.
- Pure maple syrup.
- Half and half. If you have access to raw dairy this will be much more nutritional. It’s hard to get raw dairy where I live but there is a local farm that doesn’t process the milk quite as much. I mix half whole milk with half cream to make homemade half and half.
- Ice.
Instructions
Add just a small handful of ice to your cup or jar and let the coffee brew over it. I do not want to dilute my coffee too much just enough to cool the coffee down fast. I add more ice later.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla and about a tablespoon of maple syrup to your cooled brewed coffee. If you prefer it less sweet add less maple syrup. More sweet, add more maple syrup. If you would like to add collagen add it here. Stir until combined.
Add as much ice as you prefer. I like to fill it almost to the top.
Slowly pour half and half or cream over the ice and coffee mixture. Add as much as you would prefer.
Delicious, easy on the budget, and good ingredients you can feel good about :).
Homemade Vanilla Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brewed coffee (about 8-10 ounces)
- 1 scoop Collagen (optional)
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup more or less to taste
- ¼-½ cup Half and Half or Cream
- Ice
Instructions
- Add just a small handful of ice to your cup or jar and let the coffee brew over it. I do not want to dilute my coffee too much just enough to cool the coffee down fast. I add more ice later.
- Add vanilla and maple syrup to your cooled brewed coffee. If you prefer it less sweet add less maple syrup. More sweet, add more maple syrup. If you would like to add collagen add it here. Stir until combined.
- Add as much ice as you prefer. I like to fill it almost to the top.
- Slowly pour half and half or cream over the ice and coffee mixture. Add as much as you would prefer.
- Enjoy 🙂