Maple Iced Coffee
A refreshingly smooth iced coffee sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of processed sugar. The natural maple flavor enhances the coffee’s richness while providing a clean, nuanced sweetness that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 8 oz strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup not pancake syrup
- ¼ cup milk or cream of choice dairy or plant-based
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Pinch of salt optional, enhances flavor
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish optional
Instructions
- Brew your coffee slightly stronger than you normally would, as the ice will dilute it. If using hot coffee, allow it to cool to room temperature first to prevent all your ice from melting immediately.
- Add maple syrup to your glass and pour in 2 tablespoons of the coffee. Stir until the syrup is completely dissolved – this creates a concentrate that mixes more easily.
- Add the pinch of salt and vanilla (if using) and stir to incorporate. These subtle additions enhance the maple and coffee flavors without being detectable on their own.
- Fill your glass with ice cubes, leaving about an inch of space at the top for the milk.
- Pour the remaining coffee over the ice, allowing it to chill as it flows through the cubes.
- Add your milk or cream slowly, creating a beautiful layered effect if desired, or stir immediately for a uniform color.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a bit more maple syrup. The flavor should be balanced, with the maple complementing rather than overpowering the coffee.
- Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra special version, make coffee ice cubes ahead of time so your drink doesn’t get diluted as they melt.
- If you prefer a blended version, combine all ingredients in a blender with ice for a frappuccino-style drink.
- Grade B or dark maple syrup offers a more robust flavor than lighter grades.
- Cold brew coffee works beautifully in this recipe and creates a smoother, less acidic result.
- For a festive fall version, add a tiny dash of pumpkin pie spice to the mix.