How to make iced coffee without a machine

When temperatures soar, few drinks rival the refreshing satisfaction of iced coffee. But if you don’t have a coffee machine, don’t worry, you can still enjoy a delicious, energising glass of iced coffee at home. With simple tools and the right method, your DIY brew can taste just as good as anything you'd buy at a cafe.

This guide will walk you through how to make iced coffee without a machine, explore different methods, and even highlight the surprising benefits of this cool caffeine fix.

Why choose iced coffee?

Besides being the perfect antidote to summer heat, iced coffee brings several potential perks:

1. Energy Boost – Just like hot coffee, iced coffee contains caffeine, which can improve mental alertness, mood, and performance.
2. Hydration-Friendly – When made with ice and milk or water, it contributes to your fluid intake, especially refreshing during warmer months.
3. Antioxidant-Rich – Coffee contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acids, which may support cell health and reduce inflammation.
4. Lower Acidity – Iced coffee is less acidic than traditional hot coffee, which is gentler on your stomach and teeth.
5. Customisable and Cost-Effective – Making iced coffee at home is cheaper and allows you to control sugar, milk type, and flavours.

How to make iced coffee at home without a machine

Whether you have fresh coffee grounds or only instant coffee, here are two easy methods:

Method 1:

What you need:

• Fresh ground coffee (we recommend a bag of our Colombia Ice)
• Hot water
• Ice
• Milk or water
• Optional: sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, syrups

Instructions:

1. Brew it strong: Use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 oz of hot water. Let it steep for 4–5 minutes in a French press or pour-over cone, then strain.
2. Cool it quickly: Pour the hot coffee over a glass filled with ice. This flash-cools the coffee and creates a refreshing, balanced drink.
3. Customise: Add milk, sweeteners, or flavoured syrup to taste. Coconut or oat milk adds a smooth, tropical twist.

Colombia Ice cold brew recipe (no machine needed)

Colombia Ice is our go-to for iced coffee, bright, sweet and perfectly balanced when chilled. This cold brew method keeps it simple: no machines, no fuss, just a jug, a filter, and a bit of patience.

What you’ll need

• 60g Colombia Ice coffee (see grind note below)
• 1 litre cold, filtered water
• A large jar, jug or cafetière
• A fine sieve and either a muslin cloth, tea towel or paper coffee filter
• A second jug or bowl for straining

Grind note: what does 'coarse' mean?

If you're buying whole beans, you'll need to grind them yourself — a coarse grind is similar in texture to raw sugar or sea salt. It's essential for cold brew to avoid over-extraction, which can make the coffee taste bitter or muddy.

No grinder? No problem — select the ‘cafetière’ option on our product page. This is coarse enough for cold brew too.

Step-by-step method

1. Grind your coffee
Use a coarse grind — if you're unsure, our cafetière grind is perfect. You’ll need 60g of coffee for every 1 litre of water.

2. Mix with cold water
In your jar or jug, combine the coffee and cold water. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are wet.

3. Cover and steep
Pop a lid or plate on top and place it in the fridge. Leave it to brew slowly for 16–18 hours.

4. Strain well
Pour the brewed coffee through a fine sieve lined with muslin, a tea towel or a coffee filter into a second container. For a cleaner result, strain it twice.

5. Serve over ice
That’s it. Pour over ice and enjoy straight, or add a splash of milk, syrup or citrus. Keep any extra in the fridge — it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Tips and tweaks

• Want a stronger brew? Use up to 75g of coffee per litre.
• Try adding a slice of orange or a dash of vanilla extract for a refreshing twist.
• For a café-style drink, mix with oat milk and top with ice for a chilled flat white vibe.

Bonus brew hack

Try making a Colombia Ice concentrate for iced coffee tonics or mocktails. Brew a strong batch and mix it with soda water and citrus for a sparkling coffee cooler — perfect for sunny afternoons.

Ready to cool down with Colombia Ice?
Shop Colombia Ice Now »

Method 2: Instant Cold Coffee Recipe (No Brewing Needed)

Perfect for a quick fix or minimal cleanup.

What You Need:

• Instant coffee
• Hot water
• Cold milk or water
• Ice
• Sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dissolve and mix: In a shaker or jar, mix 1–2 tsp of instant coffee with a splash of hot water and sugar.
2. Shake or blend: Add ice and cold milk or water. Shake well or use a blender for a frothy finish.
3. Serve: Pour into a tall glass and enjoy immediately.

Fun Iced Coffee Variations

• Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Add sweetened condensed milk to strong coffee over ice.
• Iced Mocha: Mix in chocolate syrup before shaking.
• Iced Coffee Smoothie: Blend with a frozen banana, oat milk, and a scoop of protein powder.

Why not try our speciality coffees for a fun, tasty twist? Explore here.

The Bottom Line

Now you know how to make an iced coffee without a machine and it’s easier than you thought! From instant hacks to cold brew elegance, homemade iced coffee is affordable, customisable, and a genuinely satisfying way to cool down while keeping your energy up.

So next time the sun’s blazing and you're craving caffeine, skip the café. You’ve got everything you need to brew the perfect cold coffee recipe right at home.