Iced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a daybut I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results:
1. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted.
2. The iced coffee isnt as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around.
Given the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. Its an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhileuntil I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a huge spread on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips.
There are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I dont, Im just going to show you instead.
(Note: Ive totally adapted/tweaked coffee/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.)
You can use a big bowl, a large pitchereven a really clean bucket will work if youre going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.)
Or, at the very least, my heart.
My friend Julie is there right now.
Hi, Julie!
Oh. Guess she didnt hear me.
Note: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge.
Im all there.
VARIATION: VIETNAMESE ICED COFFEE
And now for something entirely different. Samebut different.
This is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee (also recommended by Imbibe), which actually does begin with a hot brewbut Im using the cold stuff.
A glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you dont already.
(I recommend the latter, of course.)
Ive tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if youre not willing to go there daily.
Either way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) can not be underestimated.
Love,
Pioneer Woman
Heres a link to the printable recipe:
Printable Recipe: Perfect Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Coffee (good, Rich Roast)
- 8 quarts Cold Water
- Half-and-half (healthy Splash Per Serving)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (2-3 Tablespoons Per Serving)
- Note: Can Use Skim Milk, 2% Milk, Whole Milk, Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners, Syrups...adapt To Your Liking!
Preparation Instructions
(Adapted from Imbibe Magazine)
In a large container, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature eight hours or overnight.
Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds.
Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed.
To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
Posted by Ree | The Pioneer Woman on June 13 2011
Iced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed
Perfect Iced Coffee Recipe : Ree Drummond : Food Network
easy-to-follow Perfect Iced Coffee recipe from Ree Drummond. Get the recipe for Perfect Iced Coffee via @FoodNetwork: The Pioneer Woman;
Perfect Iced Coffee The Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree Drummond
Perfect Iced Coffee The Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree Drummond; Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond Iced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often
Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree ...
HerScoop > Drinks > Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond. At Perfect
Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond
Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond | See more about iced coffee, coffee and pioneer woman.
pioneer woman iced coffee
pioneer dj pioneer woman iced coffee recipe pioneer france Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Perfect Iced Coffee recipe from Ree Drummond. http
Perfect Iced Coffee The Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree Drummond ...
Perfect iced coffee | pioneer woman cooks | ree drummond, Iced coffee is my life. when i wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just
Perfect Iced Coffee The Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree Drummond
Perfect iced coffee | tasty kitchen: happy recipe community!, Cheesy mushroom herb muffins. gabriela wells. sauteed onions mushrooms savory muffins perfect brunch.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks - Ree Drummond
This looks so perfect, Ree! Ree, your iced coffee and frappuccino are MUCH better than any Starbucks drink and I have them The Pioneer Woman | Ree Drummond.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree Drummond | Full HD Movie
Tres leches cake | the pioneer woman cooks | ree drummond, Perfect Iced Coffee | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond. Food Network Pioneer Woman. 6361871.jpg.