French Vanilla Iced Coffee

There’s something invigorating about a sip of refreshing iced coffee on a sweltering summer day. That’s why I absolutely love making French Vanilla Iced Coffee at home. It’s a personal favorite that brings back memories of leisurely mornings spent at my favorite café, enjoying the perfect blend of rich coffee and sweet vanilla syrup. The best part? You can create this delightful drink right in your kitchen, experimenting with flavors and adjusting sweetness to your preference. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to make a deliciously smooth iced coffee that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and create a drink that’s perfect for any summer gathering or a quiet afternoon at home!

Everything You Need for French Vanilla Iced Coffee

To create the perfect cup of French Vanilla Iced Coffee, selecting the right ingredients is vital. Each component plays a significant role in crafting that delightful flavor combination. The key players include fresh coffee, sugar, and a homemade vanilla syrup that infuses richness and sweetness. By using quality ingredients, you ensure that your iced coffee is not only refreshing but also satisfying.

• 1 1/2 cups water – Essential for creating the base of your syrup, water is the foundation of your French Vanilla Iced Coffee.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – This white sugar will sweeten your syrup, balancing perfectly with the coffee’s bitterness.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar – The molasses in dark brown sugar adds depth and richness to your syrup.
• 1 vanilla bean, split down the middle – Real vanilla bean elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level of luxuriousness.
• 1/2 tablespoon real vanilla extract – This enhances the vanilla flavor in your syrup.
• 1/8 cup homemade vanilla syrup – Made from the above ingredients, this syrup is the heart of your iced coffee.
• 1/4 cup Lactaid whole milk – This creamy milk adds richness and smoothness to your drink.
• 1 cup strongly brewed coffee, chilled – The star of the show, your coffee determines the overall taste of your iced drink.
• 2 cups ice – Essential for making your iced coffee refreshingly cool.

Step by Step Instructions for French Vanilla Iced Coffee

Making your own French Vanilla Iced Coffee is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the process of creating this delicious drink from scratch.

1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and the split vanilla bean. Stir these ingredients together until the sugars are dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it; you want to see those bubbles forming and breaking on the surface. This boiling action helps meld the flavors beautifully.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. You want this mixture to gently bubble, allowing the flavors to infuse. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll start to notice that the syrup thickens slightly, and the wonderful aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. It should be warm but not too hot to handle.
6. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of real vanilla extract. This adds an extra layer of vanilla flavor that permeates your syrup.
7. Once cooled, store the syrup in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last up to 1 to 2 weeks, but I doubt it will stick around that long!
8. When ready to serve, pour 1 cup of chilled strongly brewed coffee over a glass filled with 2 cups of ice.
9. Add 1/8 cup of your homemade vanilla syrup to the coffee and stir well, allowing the sweetness to blend throughout the drink.
10. Finally, splash in 1/4 cup of Lactaid whole milk for creaminess, stir again, and enjoy your refreshing French Vanilla Iced Coffee!

Recipe Variations about French Vanilla Iced Coffee

There are so many ways to enjoy your French Vanilla Iced Coffee. Here are some fun variations you might consider!

• Change the milk: Try using almond milk or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
• Ice cream version: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of milk for a decadent treat.
• Cold brew option: Use cold brew coffee as a base for an even smoother taste.
• Flavored syrups: Experiment with other flavored syrups, like caramel or hazelnut, for a twist on the classic.
• Chocolate touches: Drizzle some chocolate syrup on top or blend in chocolate milk for a mocha-style iced coffee.
• Spiced variations: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.

Best Served With

Pairing French Vanilla Iced Coffee with the right treats can elevate your drinking experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

• Pastries: Enjoy it alongside flaky croissants or buttery danishes for a delightful breakfast.
• Cookies: Pair it with chocolate chip cookies or shortbread for an afternoon snack.
• Brunch: It’s perfect for brunch occasions, complementing a variety of breakfast foods.
• Summer picnics: Bring it to picnics or barbecues as a refreshing drink option.
• Homemade cake: Serve it with a slice of vanilla cake or cheesecake for a sweet combination.
• Seasonal fruits: Pair it with fresh fruits like strawberries or peaches for a refreshing twist.
• Smoothies: Enjoy a smoothie bowl topped with fresh fruit as a light pairing.

FAQ

Conclusion

The French Vanilla Iced Coffee is a delightful beverage that combines rich coffee flavor with sweet vanilla notes, making it a perfect refreshment for hot days. It’s simple to make and customizable to suit your taste, whether you prefer it sweeter or creamier. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special in your own kitchen. You won’t regret it—your summer afternoons will never be the same!

French Vanilla Iced Coffee

The ultimate summer refreshment, French Vanilla Iced Coffee combines the rich flavors of coffee with a sweet, homemade vanilla syrup. Perfect for hot days, this delightful beverage is easy to make and will satisfy your caffeine cravings. Treat yourself to this creamy drink that's perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 1 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 vanilla bean split down the middle
• 1/2 tablespoon real vanilla extract
• 1/8 cup Homemade Vanilla Syrup see above
• 1/4 cup Lactaid Whole Milk
• 1 cup strongly brewed coffee chilled
• 2 cups ice

Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and the split vanilla bean. Stir these ingredients together until the sugars are dissolved.
• Bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it; you want to see those bubbles forming and breaking on the surface. This boiling action helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. You want this mixture to gently bubble, allowing the flavors to infuse. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll start to notice that the syrup thickens slightly, and the wonderful aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. It should be warm but not too hot to handle.
• Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of real vanilla extract. This adds an extra layer of vanilla flavor that permeates your syrup.
• Once cooled, store the syrup in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last up to 1 to 2 weeks, but I doubt it will stick around that long!
• When ready to serve, pour 1 cup of chilled strongly brewed coffee over a glass filled with 2 cups of ice.
• Add 1/8 cup of your homemade vanilla syrup to the coffee and stir well, allowing the sweetness to blend throughout the drink.
• Finally, splash in 1/4 cup of Lactaid whole milk for creaminess, stir again, and enjoy your refreshing French Vanilla Iced Coffee!

Notes

Storage: Keep your homemade vanilla syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Freezing: You can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for individual servings. Pairing: This iced coffee is perfect with pastries, cookies, or enjoyed on its own.

Keyword Chilled Coffee Recipes, French Vanilla Iced Coffee, Homemade Vanilla Syrup, Refreshing Summer Drinks

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!