I have always been a fan of coffee, especially when it’s cold and refreshing. There is something about a chilled cup of iced coffee that invigorates me and satisfies my taste buds. One of my favorite brands for iced coffee is International Delight. Their iced coffee is rich, creamy, and has the perfect balance of sweetness. I often find myself craving their delicious concoction, but sometimes I don’t want to leave the comfort of my home to get it. So, I decided to figure out how to make iced coffee like International Delight right in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
Gather your ingredients
The first step to making iced coffee like International Delight is to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– Strongly brewed coffee
– Milk or cream (I like to use whole milk for a creamier texture)
– Sugar or a sweetener of your choice
– Ice cubes
– Optional: flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel
Brew a strong pot of coffee
The key to a flavorful iced coffee is a strong base. You want your coffee to shine through even when mixed with milk and ice. I suggest using a French press or a coffee machine that allows you to control the strength of your brew. Use a good quality coffee bean and grind it to a coarse consistency. Add the desired amount of coffee grounds to your French press or coffee machine, pour in hot water, and let it steep for a few minutes.
Chill your coffee
Once your coffee is brewed, transfer it to a pitcher or a carafe and let it cool completely. You can leave it at room temperature, but I prefer to chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Cold brewing the coffee instead of using hot water is another option for a smoother, less acidic flavor.
Add milk or cream
Now it’s time to add the creamy element to your iced coffee. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour milk or cream of your choice over the ice. The amount of milk or cream depends on your personal preference. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, use less milk. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more milk. Stir the milk and ice together until well combined.
Sweeten to taste
International Delight iced coffee has a subtle sweetness that enhances its flavor without overpowering it. To achieve a similar taste, add sugar or your preferred sweetener to your milk and ice mixture. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Remember to stir well after adding sugar to ensure it dissolves evenly.
Optional: Get creative with flavors
One of the things I love about International Delight is the variety of flavors they offer. You can easily recreate this by adding flavored syrups to your iced coffee. Vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with any flavor that tickles your taste buds. Just a small pump or drizzle of flavored syrup can elevate your homemade iced coffee to a whole new level.
Assemble your masterpiece
Now that you have all the elements ready, it’s time to put them together. Take a glass and add a handful of ice cubes. Pour your chilled coffee over the ice, leaving some space at the top for milk. Next, pour the milk and ice mixture into the glass, stopping just before it overflows. Give it a gentle stir to mix all the flavors together. And voila! You have made iced coffee like International Delight right in your own home.
Final Thoughts
Iced coffee is the perfect treat to beat the summer heat or enjoy any time of the year. With just a few simple steps, you can create a refreshing and delicious cup of iced coffee that rivals the flavors of International Delight. By brewing a strong pot of coffee, chilling it, adding milk or cream, sweetening to taste, and getting creative with flavors, you can enjoy this delightful beverage without leaving the comfort of your home. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself? Once you master the art of making iced coffee like International Delight, you’ll never have to wait in line at a coffee shop again. Cheers to homemade refreshment!