As someone who loves a good cup of iced coffee, I know how time-consuming it can be to brew the perfect cup, let it cool down, and then prepare it over ice. But sometimes, you just want a quick, refreshing iced coffee without all the waiting. That’s why I’m excited to share this homemade iced coffee recipe with instant coffee that you can make in just 1 minute. It’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. You only need a few basic ingredients, and with instant coffee, you can skip the long brewing process.
What is Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee is a type of coffee made from brewed coffee that has been dried and processed into granules or powder. The main advantage of instant coffee is its convenience—you just add water, and it dissolves quickly, giving you a cup of coffee in seconds without the need for brewing equipment. It’s an excellent choice for busy mornings or for anyone who doesn’t want to spend time brewing coffee.
There are two main types of instant coffee:
- Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee: This is made by freezing brewed coffee and then drying it in a vacuum. The process helps preserve more of the coffee’s flavor and aroma.
- Spray-Dried Instant Coffee: This is produced by spraying brewed coffee into hot air to dry it quickly. While it’s generally less expensive, the flavor may not be as rich or aromatic as freeze-dried coffee.
How Instant Coffee Works
Instant coffee works by utilizing dehydrated coffee that dissolves quickly in hot or cold liquids. The process involves brewing coffee, then removing the water content by either freeze-drying or spray-drying, leaving behind concentrated coffee solids. When you add water to the granules, they rehydrate and dissolve, essentially recreating the flavor of freshly brewed coffee.
Instant Coffee Brands and My Favorite
As for the instant coffee I personally use, I find that Nescafé has a great selection of instant coffee that is perfect for making iced coffee. Their Nescafé Classic offers a smooth, rich flavor that’s bold enough for iced coffee without being too bitter. It’s a popular choice because it dissolves easily and provides a balanced taste.
Here’s a little more about Nescafé Classic:
- Flavor Profile: It has a well-balanced flavor with slight bitterness and a rich, full-bodied taste, which is ideal for both hot and cold coffee beverages.
- Convenience: It’s very quick to prepare and gives a consistent result, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving iced coffee fast.
- Variety: Nescafé offers other instant coffee varieties like Nescafé Gold, which has a slightly smoother and milder flavor if you prefer something less strong.
While Nescafé is my go-to, there are other excellent instant coffee options to explore, including:
- Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee: For those who prefer a stronger and more premium coffee taste.
- Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee: A great organic option for a milder, less acidic taste.
- Taster’s Choice by Nescafé: Another popular line from Nescafé that’s lighter and more aromatic than the classic option.
Quick and Easy Instant Iced Coffee Recipe
Whether you’re at home or in need of a quick caffeine fix at work, this iced coffee recipe will become your go-to. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this perfect iced coffee at home.
Ingredients
The beauty of this iced coffee recipe is that you don’t need a lot of ingredients, and you can customize it to fit your taste. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee – The star of this recipe! You can adjust the amount based on how strong or mild you want your iced coffee to be.
- 1 cup of cold water – Cold water helps keep the coffee refreshing without having to wait for it to cool.
- 1/2 cup of milk – This can be any milk you prefer, from dairy to non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Ice cubes – Ice is essential to making your coffee cold and refreshing.
- Sweetener of your choice – Whether it’s regular sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute, you can sweeten your iced coffee to suit your preferences.
- Optional toppings – If you want to make your iced coffee even more indulgent, you can add whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
How to Make Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee in 1 Minute: Step-by-Step
This recipe is all about speed and simplicity, so let’s go through the process to make your iced coffee in just 1 minute. Don’t worry; it’s really that quick!
Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Coffee
The first thing you need to do is take 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee (depending on how strong you want your coffee) and place it in a glass or mug. Instant coffee dissolves quickly in liquid, so you don’t have to wait long for it to blend. Stir it for a moment to break up any clumps, and you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add Hot Water (Optional for Faster Dissolution)
While this step is optional, I find that adding a small amount of hot water (about 1/4 cup) makes the coffee dissolve much quicker. If you’re in a real hurry, you can skip this step, but the hot water does ensure that the coffee dissolves smoothly without leaving any gritty texture. Stir gently to ensure the coffee is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Mix in Cold Water
Now, pour in 3/4 cup of cold water into the glass. This cools down the coffee mixture and brings it to the right level of refreshment for your iced drink. Stir again to combine everything well.
Step 4: Sweeten Your Iced Coffee
Sweetening your iced coffee is entirely up to you. I personally love using sugar for the classic sweetness, but you can experiment with other options like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of sweetener, and stir until it dissolves completely. You can always adjust this step based on how sweet you like your coffee.
Step 5: Add Ice Cubes
Once the coffee is mixed and sweetened to your liking, it’s time to add ice cubes. Fill the glass about halfway or more with ice. The more ice you add, the colder and more refreshing your iced coffee will be. The ice will also slightly dilute the coffee as it melts, balancing out the strength of the flavor, especially if you made a very strong brew.
Step 6: Pour in Milk
For the creamiest and most satisfying iced coffee, add 1/2 cup of milk or your preferred non-dairy milk. Stir it gently to combine. If you want a more indulgent texture, you can add a bit more milk, or even try half-and-half or heavy cream. For a lighter version, almond or oat milk works beautifully without compromising on flavor.
Step 7: Optional Toppings
To make your iced coffee feel like a special treat, consider adding whipped cream on top for a creamy finish. For an extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate syrup or caramel syrup over the whipped cream. If you like a touch of spice, a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add a unique and comforting flavor. These extras are completely optional but are great for elevating your homemade iced coffee.
Why Instant Coffee Works for Iced Coffee
One of the reasons I love using instant coffee for iced coffee is that it’s incredibly convenient and quick. When you use regular brewed coffee, you often have to wait for it to cool down before adding ice, which can dilute the flavor. But with instant coffee, the granules dissolve almost instantly, which means you can make iced coffee faster and with more control over the strength of your drink.
Additionally, instant coffee comes in various strengths, so you can adjust the amount of coffee you use based on your taste preferences. It also eliminates the need for any brewing equipment like coffee makers or filters.
Tips for the Best Iced Coffee
To ensure you get the best homemade iced coffee every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Use good-quality instant coffee: Not all instant coffees are created equal. If you’re looking for a smoother, richer flavor, try opting for a high-quality brand. It will make a noticeable difference in your iced coffee.
- Make your iced coffee in advance: If you know you’ll be craving iced coffee throughout the day, make a larger batch of instant coffee ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy a cup, you can just add ice and milk for a super quick iced coffee.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract or flavored syrups to customize your iced coffee. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want.
- Make a coffee ice cube tray: If you want your iced coffee to stay strong and not get watered down, consider making ice cubes from leftover coffee. This way, your iced coffee will stay flavorful as the ice melts!
Dietary Information for Homemade Iced Coffee
For your homemade iced coffee with instant coffee, here’s an overview of the dietary information based on the ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount (Basic Recipe) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~78 calories | Based on 1 teaspoon instant coffee, 1/2 cup dairy milk, and 1 tsp sugar. |
| Carbs | ~10.5g | Includes milk and sugar. |
| Sugar | ~4g | For 1 teaspoon of sugar. |
| Fat | ~3g | For 1/2 cup dairy milk (can be lower with non-dairy milk). |
| Protein | ~3g | For 1/2 cup dairy milk. |
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Modifications
If you’re following a Keto or low-carb diet, here’s how to adjust your recipe:
- Non-dairy milk: Swap to unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a low-carb option.
- Sweeteners: Replace sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
- Toppings: Skip or limit high-calorie toppings (whipped cream, syrups). You can opt for sugar-free versions if desired.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Iced Coffee Recipe
Making homemade iced coffee with instant coffee in 1 minute is the perfect way to satisfy your coffee cravings quickly. It’s refreshing, customizable, and so easy to prepare. Whether you’re starting your morning or taking a break in the afternoon, this iced coffee recipe is a great pick-me-up without the long wait.
I personally love how versatile this recipe is – you can change the milk, sweetness, and flavorings to suit your preferences. Plus, with instant coffee, it’s easy to whip up an iced coffee even when you’re in a rush. So, next time you’re craving iced coffee, give this recipe a try, and enjoy your perfect cup in just a minute!
