- Dark roast K-cups are ideal for iced coffee: they boast a stronger flavor that can stand up to ice.
- If your machine lacks an iced option, choose the "strong" setting for a bold, dilution-proof brew.
- Avoid a watered-down drink by letting the coffee cool before adding ice, or using coffee ice cubes.
While your local coffeehouse may brew a tasty iced coffee, there's a far more budget-friendly, convenient alternative that can save both time and money: making your own iced coffee with a Keurig machine.
In fact, Perfect Brew partnership manager and barista Melissa Collins says there are lots of perks to making iced coffee in a Keurig. For one, the Keurig machine is perfect when you're brewing for one, as it allows you to brew a single cup of coffee at a time.
Many Keurig machines also have a special "iced" setting, and there are countless K-cups to choose from, no matter your personal tastes and preferences.
Making iced coffee in a Keurig machine does require some special considerations, though. Below, experts share some helpful guidance on how to brew flavorful iced coffee in a Keurig that rivals your local café's.
Step 1: Select the K-cup
There's no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a K-cup for iced coffee, but Quenchlist founder and coffee expert Fanny Surjana advises opting for one labeled "dark roast."
Although light roasts usually have a higher caffeine content, dark roast coffee beans have been roasted for a longer period of time, yielding a stronger flavor. That means dark roasts are less likely to taste watered down than lighter roasts when ice is added.
Surjana also recommends seeking out K-cups that contain at least 8 grams of coffee and blend Robusta and Arabica beans.
"The Robusta beans give the coffee more caffeine and body, while the Arabica beans give it a smoother flavor," she explains.
Step 2: Prep the machine and cup
Once you've chosen a K-cup, insert it into the machine's compartment, and make sure there is plenty of water in the reservoir to brew.
Before brewing, place a heatproof mug or glass under the spout.
Step 3: Brew the coffee
Now it's time to select the cup size and brew settings.
Some Keurig machines feature an iced coffee setting. According to Surjana, this setting is designed to brew a smaller and more concentrated cup of coffee — that way it won't get too diluted when you add ice. If your machine doesn't have this setting, selecting the "strong" button will have the same effect.
As for the cup size, Surjana suggests choosing the 6 or 8-ounce setting so you have ample room to add ice, milk, or any flavorings. A larger pour will also have more water, resulting in a weaker taste once you add ice.
After you close the lid on the machine and select your desired cup size, hit the brew button.
Once the coffee has finished brewing, you may be eager to start sipping — but Collins says the longer you can wait the better. Allowing your coffee to cool down for at least 20 to 30 minutes, ideally in the refrigerator, will prevent the ice from melting and diluting your drink. If you're in a hurry, adding cold milk or cream to your coffee will also help to cool it down faster.
When the coffee has cooled somewhat, pour it slowly over a tumbler, Thermos, or glass filled with ice.
Step 4: Add some flavor
Once you've brewed and chilled your coffee, you can amp up the taste with sweeteners, syrups, extracts, and spices. Here are a few of experts' favorite flavor enhancers.
- Caramel or chocolate syrup: The rich taste of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup can instantly give iced coffee a dessert-worthy flavor boost — and all you need is 1 to 2 tablespoons of either to sweeten up your drink.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk is a key component of Vietnamese-style iced coffee. Since water has been removed from the milk, it has a thicker consistency. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons while the coffee is still hot, before pouring over ice.
- Flavored syrups: From French vanilla to cinnamon, dolce to hazelnut, coconut, and lavender, there are countless flavored syrup options for taking your iced coffee up a notch.
- Salt: Salt can bring out the sweetness of the cocoa beans in your coffee while canceling out the bitterness for a smoother taste, says Collins. A pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) should do the trick.
- Natural sweeteners: Liquid natural sweeteners blend well into beverages, as they're less likely than granulated sugars to create a gritty texture. Surjana suggests adding a teaspoon of honey or agave while the coffee is still hot. For a sugar-free option, consider a natural substitute like stevia.
- Spices: Add spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom into your iced coffee for a more complex flavor profile, Surjana says. If you want to blend the spices throughout your beverage, whisk them into the milk you plan to add to the coffee, or combine them with the milk or cooled coffee in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
- Peanut butter: Collins recommends stirring 2 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter into your coffee while it's hot for a rich and nutty twist.
- Eggnog: For a festive holiday beverage, try topping your iced coffee with a splash of creamy eggnog and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Insider's takeaway
Making a single-serve iced coffee in a Keurig is super easy. Some machines even have a special "iced" setting designed to brew a stronger cup that won't get too diluted once you add ice — but if yours doesn't, selecting the "strong" option is just as effective.
For the most flavorful results, opt for dark roast K-cups with at least 8 grams of coffee, and select a smaller-sized brew.
