Vegan Cold Coffee | This vegan iced coffee is creamy, perfectly sweet, and slightly bitter. Cold coffee is a super refreshing beverage for the summer, and it’s ready in just a few minutes with my easy method.
Cold coffee was like the gateway to my coffee drinking habit. I started drinking iced coffee when I worked the opening shift at a restaurant, and I’d drink it throughout my shift. I even brought my own plant based oat creamer to work. If that doesn’t tell you what lengths I’ll go to for my iced coffee, I don’t know what will.
That’s why I promise I’ve perfected the ratio for iced coffee. With 1 1/2 cups of coffee, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of dairy-free creamer, this coffee is a little sweet, with a hint of bitterness, and the creaminess balances it all.
Vegan iced coffee is one of the most refreshing and easy to make drinks. Not only is cold coffee simply enjoyable to drink, but it’s also convenient to have in the fridge, ready to go for a pick me up.
Iced Coffee Variations
Instead of plain plant based cream, try flavoured plant cream. My current favourite flavoured cream is Silk Salted Caramel Brownie Creamer.
Try flavoured syrups in your coffee, or different sweeteners.
My simple syrup calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar, which is a perfect starting point. 1 tablespoon makes the coffee sweet and pretty mild in terms of bitterness. You can customize the sweetness to your liking.
What Kind of Coffee Should I Use for Cold Coffee?
The kind of coffee you use depends on your taste preferences and how much time you have.
Cold brew coffee
Cold brew is concentrated coffee, so it tastes much stronger and more bitter than the average drip coffee. You can customize how strong the finished iced coffee is by diluting the cold brew with as much water as you want. Cold brew also takes time to make, ideally between 8 and 24 hours. I make cold brew coffee when I want a stronger iced coffee.
Drip coffee
Drip coffee is quick and easy to make. Make the coffee in your drip machine, then let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. There are several types of coffee grounds for a drip machine, ranging from ultra light roasts to dark roasts, that will affect how strong it is.
Instant coffee
Instant coffee is the fastest way to make coffee and is usually my go-to in the morning. Instant coffee is usually quite mild and doesn’t have much depth, but it can be made stronger by simply using more of it. Instant coffee can be dissolved in hot or cold water. The recommended ratio of instant coffee to water is usually one teaspoon of instant coffee to one cup of water.
Other methods
You can make drip coffee ‘manually’ using a pour-over carafe. Or, a French press for a deep and dark flavour. These methods produce hot coffee, which will need to be cooled before making cold coffee.
What Plant Milk is Best for Iced Coffee?
It all comes down to personal preferences. There are a number of plant milks and creamers to choose from. Plant based creamer is usually thicker than plant based milk. I always use oat creamer because it is slightly thicker than almond creamer, and I like the taste.
My favourite plant based creamer is Silk Oat and Coconut Half & Half.
You can also find plant based milk made specifically for coffee, like Earth’s Own Barista, which is higher in protein and good for frothing.
Ingredients
More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.
Instructions
In a small bowl combine the sugar and hot water, and whisk until the sugar dissolves.
Add 4-5 ice cubes to a glass and add the simple syrup.
Add the coffee, leaving an inch from the top of the glass.
Then add your choice of plant based cream or milk. Add more or less depending on your personal preference.
Taste the cold coffee and add more simple syrup or cream if needed.
Tips for making vegan iced coffee
What to Serve With Cold Coffee
Pair coffee with a little treat, like cookies and pastries. Try my Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies or my Cashew Cream Cheese Danish.
Spruce up your standard iced coffee by trying my Iced Strawberry Latte or Iced Chocolate Latte.
Substitutions
Storage
Brewed coffee will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in a sealed container, making iced coffee easy to make.
FAQ’s
The best vegan milk for coffee is plant-based creamers or barista milks, which are creamier and easier to steam or froth than regular plant based milk.
Iced coffee can be made vegan by using plant based milk or cream instead of dairy.
Vegan Cold Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups coffee room tempurature or cold
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 tablespoon vegan cream I use oat based cream for coffee
- ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
- Add ice cubes to a glass and then add the syrup.
- Add the coffee and the cream, and stir.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
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Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
