How To Make Coffee Ice Cubes
Sometimes, a steaming cup of coffee just won’t cut it. Whether the weather is too warm for a hot drink, or you prefer the cooled version of coffee, there are plenty of iced coffee fans out there.
However, if you don’t drink it quickly, you’ll be left with a watered-down version of your favorite beverage. Regular ice cubes dilute your coffee as they melt, and let’s face it, the watery version doesn’t taste all that great.
This is why I want to show you how to make coffee ice cubes. By using the same ratio of ground coffee and water as your freshly brewed java — it keeps your beverage tasting like coffee all the way to that last sip. Hence, you’ll never be disappointed with watered-down coffee again!
What Are Coffee Ice Cubes and Why Do You Need Them?
There are days when you need caffeine, but you don’t fancy hot coffee. Iced java is a great alternative, particularly on warmer days. However, regular ice cubes eventually melt and water down your cup of joe. And, if you’re someone who likes to savor your java, this could pose a coffee crisis.
The solution?
Coffee ice cubes. Literally, coffee, the same kind you intend to drink, is frozen into mini blocks. Since these cubes are made from the same coffee you’re drinking, they’ll make your iced coffee last longer. And, you won’t experience any flavor dilution either.
Moreover, making these java ice cubes is easier than you might think!
What You Will Need To Follow This Tutorial
Before you get started, make sure you have all your supplies within easy reach. Don’t worry, the list isn’t extensive!
- Ice tray — we prefer silicone trays, as they’re easier to empty.
- Brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature. For reference, each well of an ice tray usually holds around 1 ounce of liquid.
- A freezer.
How to Make Coffee Cubes Step by Step Instructions
Once you have everything you need, it’s a simple process.
Step 1: Brew coffee as you normally would, then set it aside to cool down to room temperature. Expect to wait anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: Wash the ice tray with warm, soapy water and dry completely.
Step 3: Pour coffee into the ice tray. Again, each well in an ice tray will hold approximately 1 ounce of coffee.
Step 4: Now, freeze for around 3-4 hours.
Step 5: Remove your iced cubes of coffee from the tray. They can either be used immediately in a fresh brew, or they can be stored in a sealed container or plastic bag in the freezer.
Pro Tips
Even though it’s super simple to make coffee ice cubes, here are a few tips to make the process run a little smoother. I’ve also thrown in some ways you can use them to create a new twist to iced coffee.
- Once frozen, you can safely store your coffee cubes in a sealed bag or container for up to two weeks. So you don’t have to use them immediately.
- Wash the ice tray with warm soapy water before using it. Like anything else that’s exposed to air or moisture, ice trays can get rather yucky.
- Make sure your freshly brewed cup of joe is the same as your iced cubes of coffee. While you could discover the next great blend by mixing and matching, it’s more likely not to taste so great.
- Are you partial to an iced latte? Pour milk over your cubes, rather than coffee. As the ice melts, the flavors will mix.
- If you prefer sweetened coffee, add sugar to brewed coffee before filling your ice tray.
Wrapping It Up
If you enjoy drinking iced coffee, then you understand the dilemma that comes with using ice cubes made from water. All too often, you end up with a watery and unappetizing cup of java.
Coffee ice cubes are a clever solution. While the ice will still melt in a hot beverage, it will taste the same as your coffee — and you’ll be able to savor every sip.
It’s as easy to make as it sounds — the hardest part is waiting for the coffee to freeze. Yet, once you know how to make coffee ice cubes, you’ll never look back!
How to Make Coffee Ice Cubes FAQs
What Is a Coffee Ice Cube?
There’s no trick question here. It’s literally frozen coffee. Brewed coffee, cooled and poured into an ice tray, and frozen. Voila! Coffee ice cubes.
Can I Just Make Coffee and Put Ice in It?
Of course, and that’s what many people do. Providing you drink it quickly, you won’t notice any issue. However, when that ice melts, you will end up with too much water in your coffee, and it won’t taste the same.
Do Coffee Ice Cubes Work?
Yes. They keep your brewed beverage cold without any loss of flavor.
How Fast Does Coffee Freeze?
It takes around 3-4 hours for coffee to freeze in an ice tray. However, this depends on your freezer capabilities. Some may take longer than that.
How Long Do Coffee Ice Cubes Last in Freezers?
Inside a sealed bag or container — and left in the freezer — coffee ice cubes can be used up to two weeks after they’re first frozen.
Do You Put Ice Cubes in Iced Coffee?
You can put ice cubes in iced or hot coffee, whichever is your preference.
Can You Use Espresso as Coffee Ice Cubes?
You can, although it’s a little trickier because of the crema that develops with an espresso shot. However, the process for how to make espresso ice cubes is the same. And, you may have to forego that crema, as it usually ends up mixing with the liquid.
What’s the Difference Between Using Coffee Ice Cubes and Regular Ice?
Coffee ice cubes will help your beverage maintain its flavor all the way through. In contrast, regular ice will dilute the flavor of your coffee, unless you adjust the coffee/water ratio when brewing.
For more info on how to make iced coffee and how it compares to how to make iced coffee with coffee ice cubes, check out this article.
