Every year iced coffee is reinvented with new flavors and mixtures, and this iced French vanilla coffee is no exception. A delightful and refreshing twist on the classic favorite of iced coffee, it combines the smoothness of French vanilla with the rich flavor of coffee, creating a satisfying and sweet coffee. Our iced French vanilla coffee recipe will give you all the steps and ingredients you need to make this amazing drink at home so you can save money and enjoy it whenever you feel like it!
You can also check out this peanut butter latte too!
What is French Vanilla Coffee?
French Vanilla Coffee is known for its luxurious and indulgent flavor profile. It goes beyond the traditional notes of a regular cup of joe, infusing the essence of vanilla, resulting in a velvety smooth and creamy taste that adds a touch of sweetness and sophistication to your coffee experience.
One of the key ingredients that contribute to French Vanilla Coffee is the use of vanilla beans or vanilla-flavored syrup. Vanilla beans are derived from the orchids of the genus Vanilla, and they are highly noted for their natural sweetness and aromatic properties. The beans are carefully harvested and undergo a meticulous curing process to bring out their rich and distinctive flavors.
Alternatively, vanilla-flavored syrup can be used to replace the beans and add essence of vanilla into the coffee. This syrup is typically made by combining natural or artificial vanilla extract with a sweetener, creating a convenient and more affordable way to make the iced french vanilla coffee.
The hallmark of French Vanilla Coffee lies in its creamy and sweet characteristics. The addition of vanilla elevates the coffee’s flavor profile, providing a delightful balance between the richness of the coffee and the subtle sweetness of the vanilla.
Iced French Vanilla Coffee
Equipment
- 1 Chilled Glass
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Straw
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Coffee Bean Grinder
- 1 Coffee brewing device
Ingredients
- 18 Grams Coffee beans or grounds. Dependant on brewing method.
- 1 Glass Milk or cream. Dependant on how big your glass is.
- 1-2 Tbsp Vanilla extract or syrup. Dependant on how sweet you want it.
- 1 Tsp Sweetener optional.
- 5 Cubes Ice Cubes.
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Vanilla Beans
Instructions
Brewing the Coffee
- Start with High-Quality Coffee Beans: The foundation of any exceptional coffee lies in the beans themselves. Choose freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preferences. Look for beans with notes that complement the creamy and sweet characteristics of French Vanilla, such as chocolate, caramel, or nutty undertones.
- Grind the Beans: For optimal extraction and flavor, grind the coffee beans just before brewing. Aim for a medium-coarse grind size, which allows for a balanced extraction and prevents over-extraction that can lead to bitterness. Adjust the grind size according to your brewing method.
- Measure the Coffee and Water: Follow the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for your chosen brewing method. As a general guideline, use approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 6 ounces of water. Adjust the ratio based on your taste preferences and the desired strength of your coffee. You want to try and aim for 1 Cup as a measurement for the coffee.
- Brew with Precision: Prepare your brewing equipment according to the specific method you’ve chosen. Whether it’s a French press, pour-over, or another technique, carefully follow the instructions to ensure proper extraction and a full-bodied flavor profile.
- Pay Attention to Water Quality and Temperature: Use filtered water for the best results. Water quality plays a significant role in the taste of your coffee. Ensure that the water temperature is within the appropriate range for your chosen brewing method. Generally, water between 195°F (90°C) and 205°F (96°C) works well for most brewing techniques.
- Brew Time and Technique: Each brewing method has its own recommended brewing time and technique. For example, with a French press, allow the coffee to steep for around 4 minutes before plunging the filter. With a pour-over, follow a steady and controlled pour, allowing the water to interact with the coffee grounds evenly.
Homemade Vanilla Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the empty vanilla bean pods to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the syrup to thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool. Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the vanilla bean pods and any residue.
- Transfer the syrup to a bottle or jar for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Store-Bought Vanilla Syrup: If you prefer a more convenient option, store-bought vanilla syrup is readily available at most grocery stores or online retailers. Look for high-quality brands that use natural ingredients and provide a rich and authentic vanilla flavor. Be sure to check the label for any additional additives or preservatives if you prefer a more natural option.
Serving the Drink
- Start with Ice Cubes: Fill a glass or mason jar with a handful of ice cubes. The ice will chill the coffee and create that wonderfully refreshing sensation. (Extra Tip: Refrigerate your glasses before to keep the drink extra cold).
- Pour the Brewed Coffee: Slowly pour the freshly brewed coffee over the ice cubes, allowing it to cool further and interact with the ice for a perfectly chilled beverage. Adjust the amount of coffee based on your preferred strength and the size of your glass.
- Add Milk or Cream: Pour in your desired amount of milk or cream to achieve the desired level of creaminess. You can use dairy or non-dairy alternatives based on your preference. Stir gently to combine the coffee and milk.
- Add the French Vanilla Syrup or Vanilla Extract: Add a generous drizzle of the homemade French Vanilla syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract. Adjust the quantity based on your personal taste preference.
- Optional Sweetener: If you prefer your iced coffee on the sweeter side, now is the time to add a sweetener of your choice. Whether it’s a teaspoon of sugar, a drizzle of honey, or your preferred sweetener, stir it into the mixture until dissolved.
- Garnish and Enjoy: To take your Iced French Vanilla Coffee to the next level, consider garnishing it with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients
To create the delectable Iced French Vanilla Coffee, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients:
- Coffee: Choose your preferred coffee beans or grounds to brew a strong and flavorful coffee base. Opt for a medium or dark roast to complement the rich and creamy flavors of French Vanilla.
- Milk or Cream: Select your desired dairy or non-dairy milk to add a creamy touch to your iced coffee. Whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well. The choice depends on your personal preference and dietary needs.
- Vanilla Extract or Syrup: You have two options for infusing that irresistible vanilla flavor. Use high-quality vanilla extract for a pure and authentic taste, or go for vanilla-flavored syrup, which offers convenience and a touch of sweetness.
- Sweetener (optional): If you prefer a sweeter profile, consider adding a sweetener of your choice. Options include granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, agave syrup, or even flavored syrups like caramel or hazelnut. Adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for transforming your coffee into a refreshing iced beverage. Prepare a handful of ice cubes to chill and balance the flavors.
Brewing the Coffee
To create a strong and flavorful coffee base, follow this iced French vanilla coffee recipe. Feel free to use your preferred brewing method, such as a French press, pour-over, or any other method that suits your taste and equipment. It is recommended to use 1 Cup of brewed coffee, but you can adjust this to more or less, depending on how much you want to taste the coffee.
- Start with High-Quality Coffee Beans: The foundation of any exceptional coffee lies in the beans themselves. Choose freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preferences. Look for beans with notes that complement the creamy and sweet characteristics of French Vanilla, such as chocolate, caramel, or nutty undertones.
- Grind the Beans: For optimal extraction and flavor, grind the coffee beans just before brewing. Aim for a medium-coarse grind size, which allows for a balanced extraction and prevents over-extraction that can lead to bitterness. Adjust the grind size according to your brewing method.
- Measure the Coffee and Water: Follow the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for your chosen brewing method. As a general guideline, use approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 6 ounces of water. Adjust the ratio based on your taste preferences and the desired strength of your coffee. You want to try and aim for 1 Cup as a measurement for the coffee.
- Brew with Precision: Prepare your brewing equipment according to the specific method you’ve chosen. Whether it’s a French press, pour-over, or another technique, carefully follow the instructions to ensure proper extraction and a full-bodied flavor profile.
- Pay Attention to Water Quality and Temperature: Use filtered water for the best results. Water quality plays a significant role in the taste of your coffee. Ensure that the water temperature is within the appropriate range for your chosen brewing method. Generally, water between 195°F (90°C) and 205°F (96°C) works well for most brewing techniques.
- Brew Time and Technique: Each brewing method has its own recommended brewing time and technique. For example, with a French press, allow the coffee to steep for around 4 minutes before plunging the filter. With a pour-over, follow a steady and controlled pour, allowing the water to interact with the coffee grounds evenly.
Extra Tip: Brew your coffee ahead of time and refrigerate to ensure it’s cold and compliments the temperature of the other ingredients.
Preparing the French Vanilla Syrup
To add that irresistible French Vanilla flavor to your Iced French Vanilla Coffee, you have two options: creating a homemade French Vanilla syrup or using store-bought vanilla syrup. This is the homemade option:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 vanilla beans (or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the empty vanilla bean pods to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the syrup to thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool. Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the vanilla bean pods and any residue.
- Transfer the syrup to a bottle or jar for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Store-Bought Vanilla Syrup: If you prefer a more convenient option, store-bought vanilla syrup is readily available at most grocery stores or online retailers. Look for high-quality brands that use natural ingredients and provide a rich and authentic vanilla flavor. Be sure to check the label for any additional additives or preservatives if you prefer a more natural option.
The homemade syrup offers the opportunity to tailor the intensity of the vanilla flavor to your liking, while the store-bought syrup provides convenience without compromising on taste. The choice is yours.
Now that your French Vanilla syrup is ready, it’s time to assemble the refreshing iced French vanilla coffee.
Serving the Drink
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together and create a delightful glass of Iced French Vanilla Coffee:
- Start with Ice Cubes: Fill a glass or mason jar with a handful of ice cubes. The ice will chill the coffee and create that wonderfully refreshing sensation. (Extra Tip: Refrigerate your glasses before to keep the drink extra cold).
- Pour the Brewed Coffee: Slowly pour the freshly brewed coffee over the ice cubes, allowing it to cool further and interact with the ice for a perfectly chilled beverage. Adjust the amount of coffee based on your preferred strength and the size of your glass.
- Add Milk or Cream: Pour in your desired amount of milk or cream to achieve the desired level of creaminess. You can use dairy or non-dairy alternatives based on your preference. Stir gently to combine the coffee and milk.
- Add the French Vanilla Syrup or Vanilla Extract: Add a generous drizzle of the homemade French Vanilla syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract. Adjust the quantity based on your personal taste preference.
- Optional Sweetener: If you prefer your iced coffee on the sweeter side, now is the time to add a sweetener of your choice. Whether it’s a teaspoon of sugar, a drizzle of honey, or your preferred sweetener, stir it into the mixture until dissolved.
- Garnish and Enjoy: To take your Iced French Vanilla Coffee to the next level, consider garnishing it with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Give your iced coffee a final gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Remember that with this iced French vanilla coffee recipe, you can adjust ingredients for sweetness and coffee strength.
Conclusion
This simple and tasty iced French vanilla coffee recipe is perfect for those who don’t want to spend money at coffee chains like Starbucks but still want to enjoy the sweet and refreshing flavors of an iced coffee. Consider exploring with different flavored milks and alternatives to find new recipes that suit your taste buds.
