When the temperature climbs, your coffee routine deserves an upgrade. Iced coffee isn't just hot coffee poured over ice — done right, it's a smooth, refreshing, and deeply satisfying drink that can be just as nuanced as your favorite hot brew. Whether you're a cold brew devotee or an iced latte lover, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your summer coffee game.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?
These terms get used interchangeably, but they're actually quite different drinks.
Iced coffee is brewed hot (usually double-strength) and then poured directly over ice. It's quick to make and has a brighter, more acidic flavor profile. The downside: if you don't brew it strong enough, the ice dilutes it fast.
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–24 hours. Because heat is never involved, the extraction is gentler — producing a naturally sweet, low-acid concentrate that's incredibly smooth and mellow. It's less bitter, easier on the stomach, and stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.
For most people, cold brew wins the summer. Our ready-to-drink Cold Brew Coffee is crafted for maximum smoothness — no brewing required, just pour over ice and enjoy.
How to Make Cold Brew at Home
Making cold brew at home is easier than you think. Here's a simple method:
- Use a coarse grind — similar to raw sugar. A fine grind will make your cold brew cloudy and over-extracted.
- Combine 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold, filtered water in a large jar or pitcher. This makes a concentrate.
- Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate for 16–20 hours.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
- Serve over ice, diluted 1:1 with water or milk, or drink it straight if you like it strong.
The best beans for cold brew are medium to dark roasts with chocolatey, nutty, or caramel notes. Our French Roast and Colombia single origin are excellent choices.
Iced Latte: Simple and Satisfying
An iced latte is just espresso (or strong brewed coffee) over ice, topped with cold milk or a milk alternative. The key is brewing your coffee strong so it doesn't taste watered down once the ice melts.
Our Single Serve Coffee Capsules are perfect for this — they brew a concentrated, espresso-style shot that holds up beautifully over ice. Fill a glass with ice, brew a capsule directly over it, add your milk of choice, and you're done in under two minutes.
Flavored Iced Coffee: Summer's Secret Weapon
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with flavored coffees. A scoop of our Cinnamon Hazelnut brewed as cold brew or iced coffee adds a warm, sweet complexity that pairs beautifully with cold milk. Or try our Cinnabun for a dessert-like treat that tastes like summer in a glass.
Not sure which flavored coffee is your summer match? Our Flavored Coffees Sample Pack lets you try a range of options before committing to a full bag — perfect for finding your new warm-weather obsession.
Pro Tips for Better Iced Coffee
- Use coffee ice cubes. Freeze leftover brewed coffee in an ice cube tray. When your iced coffee melts the cubes, it just gets more coffee-flavored instead of watered down.
- Sweeten while hot. Sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold liquid. Make a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water, stirred until dissolved) and keep it in the fridge for easy sweetening.
- Store cold brew concentrate. Make a big batch on Sunday and you'll have iced coffee ready all week. It keeps in the fridge for up to 14 days.
- Try it with oat milk. Oat milk's natural sweetness and creamy texture complement cold brew beautifully — it's become the go-to pairing for a reason.
Your Summer Coffee Starts Here
Whether you're sipping on a porch, powering through a workday, or cooling down after a workout, great iced coffee makes summer better. Explore our full lineup of coffees and find the beans that will carry you through the season.