The Ina Garten Vanilla Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee is smooth, bold, and gently sweet with a touch of vanilla warmth. Inspired by the elegant simplicity of Ina Garten, this recipe proves that great coffee doesn’t need complicated equipment.
1 cup coarsely ground coffee
4 cups cold filtered water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Ice cubes
Milk, cream, or half-and-half (optional)
Place the coarsely ground coffee into a large jar or pitcher. Pour cold filtered water over the grounds. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are fully saturated.
Make sure the coffee grounds are evenly submerged. Uneven soaking can lead to weak spots in flavor.
Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours. Longer steeping creates a stronger concentrate.
This step is where flavor develops. No rushing. The slow extraction removes bitterness while keeping richness intact.
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. This removes all grounds and prevents sediment in your drink.
For extra clarity, strain twice if needed. The result should be a smooth, dark coffee concentrate.
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves completely. Do not let it boil vigorously.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour cold brew concentrate halfway up the glass. Add water or milk to dilute to your desired strength.
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, adjusting to taste.
Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution as needed.
The final drink should be smooth, slightly sweet, and refreshing without sharp bitterness.