Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Brew strong coffee ahead of time and let it cool completely — warm coffee melts the ice into a watery cup. You'll need about 1 cup cooled coffee (or cold brew).

2. 2

   Put 1–2 tablespoons sugar in a tall glass, then pack the glass with ice. Coffee ice cubes (frozen leftover coffee) keep it bold as they melt.

3. 3

   Pour the cooled coffee over the ice, then add about ⅔ cup cold milk. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the drink looks creamy and even.

4. 4

   Taste and sweeten more if you like. Serve right away. For a pitcher, multiply the ratios and keep refrigerated up to a day; stir before pouring. You want a cold, creamy iced coffee that tastes bold and lightly sweet — not diluted brown water or a glass of melted ice with a coffee aftertaste.