Iced Coffee Nirvana The PitcherPerfect Batch
Ditch the coffee shop queues This iced coffee by the pitcher recipe is easy delicious and perfect for a crowd Learn my secret to a smooth neverbitter cold brew ... Quick & Easy Recipes
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever found yourself craving a really good iced coffee recipe ? Let's dive into making iced coffee by the pitcher . The best part? It's smooth, strong, and tastes amazing.
Brief Overview
Iced coffee by the pitcher is perfect for sharing or enjoying all week. This cold brew coffee method originated as a way to get smooth flavor without bitterness.
It's an easy iced coffee recipe that takes just 5 minutes to prep, plus some steep time. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This iced coffee delivers a fantastic caffeine kick. It is also way less acidic than hot brewed coffee. Serve it at your next brunch or keep it in the fridge for daily pick-me-ups.
This homemade iced coffee is special because it's so simple and tastes incredible.
Ready for ingredients? You'll need:
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 6 cups cold, filtered water
- Sweetener of your choice (optional)
Honestly, this recipe is so easy. You practically can't mess it up. One time, I forgot about my coffee concentrate steeping for almost 36 hours.
Guess what? It was still delicious, just extra strong. So, don't sweat the exact timing too much.
I remember once trying to make this recipe with pre-ground coffee (mistake!). The iced coffee turned out bitter. Use coarsely ground coffee! You can use a French press grind, for the best flavor.
Make this delicious large batch iced coffee and be prepared for the next coffee rush you feel.
Iced Coffee Nirvana The PitcherPerfect Batch Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Want to make the best iced coffee by the pitcher ? It's all about quality ingredients and having the right tools. Let's dive in!
Main Ingredients for Your Pitcher of Dreams
- 1 cup (115g) coarsely ground coffee: Go for a medium-dark roast. Think something like Colombian, known for its rich flavor. Quality matters here, folks! Freshly ground is always best.
- 6 cups (1420ml) cold, filtered water: Filtered water makes a HUGE difference. It keeps your cold brew coffee crisp and clean.
- Optional: Sweetener of your choice, to taste. I usually go for simple syrup or agave, but honey works too!
Seriously, the coffee you choose can make or break your iced coffee recipe . I once tried using some super cheap stuff.
My large batch iced coffee tasted like burnt rubber. Never again!
Seasoning Notes: Amp Up the Flavor!
- Essential Spice Combinations: Cinnamon and nutmeg are amazing, especially during autumn. A tiny pinch goes a long way.
- Flavor Enhancers: Vanilla extract! Just a teaspoon will transform your homemade iced coffee . You know, I once accidentally added almond extract instead. Whoops! Don't do that.
- Quick Substitutions: No vanilla extract? A tiny splash of almond extract in easy iced coffee recipe is fine, but go sparingly and be careful with it, or you can add a dash of maple syrup instead.
These little things can really elevate your pitcher coffee .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large pitcher (at least 64-ounce capacity): This is essential. I use a glass one so I can see how the coffee concentrate is steeping.
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag or fine-mesh sieve or French Press: For straining. Honestly, I prefer cheesecloth. It's cheap and easy.
- Measuring cups and a spoon: Pretty self-explanatory!
Don't sweat it if you don't have fancy equipment. I made iced coffee concentrate recipe for ages with just a basic sieve and some muslin cloth.
We have a tip to use filter paper here.
Now you're all set to create some seriously delicious iced coffee by the pitcher . Remember, this make ahead iced coffee is perfect for coffee for a crowd or just a caffeine fix throughout the week.
Enjoy!
Iced Coffee Nirvana: The Pitcher-Perfect Batch
Honestly, who has time for complicated coffee rituals? Not me. That's why I'm obsessed with this iced coffee by the pitcher recipe.
It’s a game-changer. It’s the lazy person's guide to cold brew coffee goodness. Say goodbye to weak, watery iced coffee! This easy iced coffee recipe delivers a rich, smooth, and seriously refreshing pitcher.
Perfect for lazy weekend brunches or keeping you energized all week long.
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before we dive in, let's get organised. We're talking essential mise en place . Measure out your 1 cup (115g) coarsely ground coffee and 6 cups (1420ml) cold, filtered water.
Got a massive pitcher? Great. Grab your cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or fine-mesh sieve for straining. Trust me, a little prep saves you a world of mess later.
Step-by-Step to Iced Coffee Perfection
This large batch iced coffee is ridiculously easy.
- Combine: Mix coarsely ground coffee and cold water in your pitcher. Stir gently.
- Steep: Cover and refrigerate for 12- 24 hours . The longer, the stronger!
- Strain: Use cheesecloth, nut milk bag or a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the grounds.
- Dilute: This is a coffee concentrate , so dilute with water to your liking. I start with 1:1.
- Sweeten: Add simple syrup, agave, or whatever tickles your fancy. To taste, of course!
- Chill: Make sure it's thoroughly chilled before serving.
Pro Tips: Secrets to the Best Brew
Want to take your homemade iced coffee to the next level? Use high-quality, freshly ground coffee. Coarsely ground is key.
Finer grind will make it bitter. Avoid accidentally making a coffee for a crowd bitter.
Common mistake to avoid? Using too little coffee. Don’t be shy! You can also make ahead iced coffee . It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
A good iced coffee concentrate recipe can be a life saver.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Iced Coffee Game
Right then, let's talk recipe notes. Honestly, this is where the magic happens and you can make this iced coffee by the pitcher truly your own.
Think of these as my little secrets, shared just with you! I've made a shed load of cold brew coffee and iced coffee recipes over the years.
Trust me, I've learned a thing or two.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond Just a Glass
Okay, first impressions matter. Ditch the boring glass! Think mason jars, cute mugs, or even fancy wine glasses for that "I've got my life together" vibe.
A sprig of mint or a cinnamon stick adds a little somethin' somethin'. If you're feeling fancy, layer your homemade iced coffee with a splash of cream or a scoop of ice cream for an iced coffee float.
As for sides, pitcher coffee pairs perfectly with pastries like croissants or a slice of cake. Or, for a boozy brunch, add a splash of Baileys or Kahlua – just for the grown-ups, mind.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right, so you've made a large batch iced coffee . Now what? Well, the good news is it keeps well. Store your coffee concentrate in the fridge for up to a week.
This make ahead iced coffee is perfect for busy bees.
- Refrigeration: Keep it in an airtight container, that's key.
- Freezing: Yep, you can freeze iced coffee concentrate recipe ! Pour it into ice cube trays for easy single servings.
- Reheating: Don't! It's iced coffee, darling.
Variations: Your Coffee, Your Rules
This is where you get to play! Fancy a vanilla iced coffee recipe ? Chuck in a teaspoon of vanilla extract after straining.
Want something more decadent? Add cocoa powder before steeping for a mocha twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of water for a creamy easy iced coffee recipe .
- Seasonal Swaps: In winter, use spices like cardamom or cinnamon during the steeping process for a cosy vibe.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Glass
Let's be real, we're not drinking iced coffee by the pitcher for the vitamins. But hey, it's low in calories (around 2-5 per serving of diluted coffee) and gives you a caffeine kick.
It has very few calories. But remember, this is just an estimate. Any additions like milk and sweeteners will affect the nutritional info.
Honestly, making iced coffee by the pitcher is a total game-changer. It's easy, delicious, and saves you a fortune on coffee shop trips.
So go on, give it a go. You might just surprise yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
I keep hearing about cold brew, but is making iced coffee by the pitcher the same thing?
Pretty much, yeah! This recipe for iced coffee by the pitcher uses the cold brew method. Instead of brewing hot coffee and then chilling it (which can make it bitter), we steep the coffee grounds in cold water for a long period. This extracts the flavour slowly, giving you a smoother, less acidic, and more naturally sweet iced coffee. Think of it as the slow and steady wins the race approach to coffee!
My iced coffee by the pitcher always tastes weak and watery. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded watery coffee! Firstly, make sure you're using enough coffee grounds to water. The recipe calls for a 1:6 ratio of coffee to water. Secondly, remember that the strained coffee is a concentrate! Don't forget to dilute it with water (or milk!) to your desired strength before serving over ice. Start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water and adjust as needed. You wouldn't drink undiluted squash, would you?
How long will iced coffee by the pitcher last in the fridge, and how should I store it?
Your homemade iced coffee concentrate will happily keep in the fridge for up to a week, maybe even longer! Store it in an airtight container (the original pitcher with a lid works fine) to prevent it from absorbing any rogue fridge odours – no one wants coffee that tastes like last night's curry! Just give it a good stir before pouring, as some settling might occur.
Can I use pre-ground coffee for making iced coffee by the pitcher, or do I need to grind my own beans?
While you can use pre-ground coffee, freshly ground beans will give you a noticeably better flavour. The coarser grind is important to avoid over-extraction, and pre-ground coffee can sometimes be too fine. If you're using pre-ground, opt for a coarser grind if possible. If you have whole bean, and no grinder - try using a mortar and pestle to crack the beans into a coarse grind!
I don't have cheesecloth. What else can I use to strain my iced coffee by the pitcher?
No worries, mate! If you don't have cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, a fine-mesh sieve works perfectly well. For an extra layer of filtration, line the sieve with a coffee filter. You could even use a French press – just pour the steeped coffee into the press and slowly push the filter down. Whatever you use, just make sure you get rid of those coffee grounds!
Is iced coffee by the pitcher healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
On its own, iced coffee is very low in calories, fat, and sugar, so you can put those worries to bed. It does contain caffeine, so be mindful of your intake, especially if you're sensitive to stimulants. Of course, adding milk, sugar, syrups, or cream will increase the calorie and sugar content, so adjust accordingly. Think of it as a blank canvas for your caffeine cravings!
