5 Iced Coffee Mistakes You're Probably Making

It's hot out. Like, REALLY HOT. And the only thing that may be more unbearable than this heat is the thought of drinking hot coffee in it. In the immortal words of Cher Horowitz, as if. That's why it's time to read up on a few genius iced coffee tips to help you cool down in the best way possible. If you've already sampled all six of Starbucks' new Frappuccinos and want a new summer staple, keep reading... because your iced coffee game is about to get real.

Even if you drink iced coffee year-round or consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, you may be making these mistakes. I know that I'm guilty of pouring lukewarm coffee over ice only to discover a watery mess where my "iced coffee" should have been. Rookie move, I know.

The good news is that I'm a journalist, and that requires being pretty great at doing research. So through my own trial and error and the recipes of some awesome food bloggers, I've discovered these iced coffee hacks that will have even the most devout hot coffee drinker changing their tune.

Here's what you're probably not doing when it comes to your iced coffee (and how to fix it):

1. You're not making coffee-flavored ice cubes

Freeze leftover coffee into an ice cube tray, and pop 'em into your iced coffee the next morning. The best part? When they melt, they add flavor instead of diluting it. Check out the full instructions from The Kitchn.

Bonus points if you drizzle some chocolate or sprinkle a little cinnamon into your coffee cubes.

2. You're pouring hot coffee over ice

Melted ice waters down that heavenly brown liquid we like to call "coffee." Don't do that nonsense. Cold brew your coffee the night before and pour over ice.

3. You're not flavoring it

Iced coffee is great on its own, but add in some caramel, chocolate, or cinnamon? Go ahead and stick a fork in me, because I am DONE. Cream and sugar are so five minutes ago. Here's a handy guide from How Sweet It Is on how to make flavored simple syrup.

4. You're not using the right tools

If you're like me (aka wayyyy too impatient to cold brew coffee days in advance), go ahead and brew hot coffee like you normally would. Then, shake it in a martini shaker full of ice. BOOM. Did I just blow your mind? Next time you go to Starbucks, ask for your brew shaken, not stirred, 'cause you're the James Bond of iced coffee.

5. You're still buying your iced coffee

Millennials waste way too much money on coffee (guilty). Make your iced coffee at home with the fancy tricks I just taught you. Invest in some good coffee beans, and go to town.

Images: Ren Kuo/Flickr; The Kitchn; Giphy (4)