Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe with Instant Coffee

There’s something so refreshing about a glass of iced coffee on a warm day. The bold flavor of coffee, chilled to perfection, can instantly lift your mood and energize your morning—or give you that much-needed afternoon boost. While coffee shops make amazing iced coffee, the truth is that you don’t have to spend money every time you crave one. With this easy homemade iced coffee recipe using instant coffee, you can enjoy a café-quality drink right from your kitchen in just minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or whenever you want a cold, refreshing coffee fix without brewing a full pot. Instant coffee makes it quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly simple, while milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative adds a smooth, creamy finish. Plus, you get to control the sweetness and flavor, making it completely customizable.
Making iced coffee at home isn’t just convenient; it’s also a great way to experiment with your favorite add-ins. From flavored syrups and spices to whipped cream toppings, your kitchen becomes your own personal coffee shop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No fancy brewing equipment is needed—just instant coffee, water, and ice.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the expensive café drinks and make a refreshing glass at home.
- Customizable: Choose your milk, adjust sweetness, and add fun toppings.
- Perfect for Any Time: Great for morning energy, mid-day refreshment, or a cool evening treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon sugar or sweetener (optional)
- ½ cup cold water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or flavored syrups for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dissolve the Coffee
- Instant coffee and sugar should be mixed with hot water in a glass or mug until fully dissolved.
- Add Cold Water or Milk
- Pour in cold water or your preferred milk to cool it down. Stir well.
- Fill with Ice
- A tall glass should be filled with ice cubes, then the coffee mixture over the top.
- Customize and Enjoy
- For extra flavor, drizzle with chocolate or caramel syrup, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or top with whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Iced Coffee
- Use filtered water for a smoother flavor.
- Chill your glass in the freezer beforehand to keep your drink colder longer.
- Make a stronger coffee base by adding an extra teaspoon of instant coffee for a bolder flavor.
- Experiment with flavored creamers or syrups for a café-style treat.
- Freeze leftover coffee into ice cubes to prevent your drink from getting watered down.
A Quick, Refreshing Pick-Me-Up

This homemade iced coffee with instant coffee is proof that delicious coffee drinks don’t need to be complicated. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a refreshing, barista-worthy drink without leaving your home. Whether you like your coffee sweet and creamy or bold and black, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste.
Next time you feel like grabbing an iced coffee, try making this simple version instead. You’ll save time, money, and have the satisfaction of sipping a drink you made yourself—exactly the way you like it.

Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe with Instant Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon sugar or sweetener optional
- ½ cup cold water or milk dairy or non-dairy
- Ice cubes
- Optional toppings: whipped cream chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, or flavored syrups
Instructions
- In a mug or glass, dissolve the instant coffee and sugar in hot water.
- Add cold water or milk and stir well to cool the coffee.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over the top.
- Customize with your favorite toppings or syrups.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing iced coffee!
Notes
Tips
- Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray for stronger iced coffee.
- Add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Adjust coffee strength by adding more or less instant coffee.
- For a creamier drink, use half-and-half or sweetened condensed milk.
