DIY Iced Coffee

Now that the heat is on (aka Spring, Summer, and Autumn) the desire for a hot cup of coffee to cuddle with in the morning is transitioning to a refreshing, iced coffee to cool you down. My coffee spending money always went up during the summer time because I skipped my morning hot coffee so that I could grab and iced latte in the Starbucks drive-through on my way to work. After a month of that and a look at our bank account, I realized there needed to be a better way.

Iced coffee may be one of the easiest things to make at home but it wasn't my first thought. I had made my own iced coffee on occasion in the past where I just added ice to my coffee pot brewed drink and it just was watered down and pretty yuck. So when I set out to make it again, I decided to create a strong coffee that would benefit from being watered down a bit. The recipe I use takes 5 minutes tops and can easily use a fresh press instead of cafe VIA. The point is a small about of hot water for maximum concentration - so however you want to achieve that will substitute perfectly!

WHAT YOU NEED
- 1 package of VIA (or use a french press to brew one cup)
- Ice
- Water
- Rice Milk (Almond or Coconut for a sweeter flavor, regular Milk for thinker feel)

HOW TO
1. Add coffee to cup. Pour boiling water into cup (or french press) to just cover the coffee to let it brew and dissolve. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add cold water to fill up to the top (make sure to leave room for cream)
4. Pour in milk of choice!
5. Enjoy!

Do you make iced coffee at home? How do you do it? I hate to admit that I am addicted to Starbucks VIAs after working in a coffee shop during college but I am all about the convenience! Do you still drink hot coffee in the summer or do you switch over to iced only?

PS: Save 10% on select Starbucks(R) VIA Instant Coffees. Valid 3.17 - 3.30.15.