This fresh mint iced coffee will solve your summer coffee cravings! It’s simple to make at home with any coffee maker. This drink will be on repeat all summer in our house. I’m actually drinking a glass of it right now while I write!

over head shot of an iced coffee with mint leaves

This fresh mint iced coffee is part of our Summer Table Series here on the blog! Each week this summer, I’m sharing three recipes that belong on your summer table.

This series is full of fun drinks like southern fruit tea, fresh supper recipes like my sweet pepper sheet pan chicken, and seasonal sourdough baked goods like sourdough peach scones.

First, let’s make some coffee!

To get started with this mint iced coffee recipe, we’re going to need some coffee. To do this, you can use any coffee maker or machine; just ensure it’s a strong brew.

If you use a light roast, be sure to double the amount of coffee grounds you usually use but keep the same water measurements. When I make this recipe with a 16-ounce French press, I use 5 tablespoons of coffee grounds that are medium-dark roasted.

You can use a French press, pour-over, instant, Keurig, or any other type of coffee you have. You don’t need an espresso machine to enjoy this recipe.

But if you do have an espresso machine, you can use two shots of espresso.

iced coffee on a wooden coaster with mint leaves garnished on top

Now let’s chat about mint syrup!

I have the easiest recipe for homemade mint simple syrup that’s perfect for this iced coffee. You simmer cane sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves in a saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes.

It makes the most delicious mint syrup you’ve ever had. Sure, you could buy a mint-flavored syrup at the grocery store, but let me tell you, it won’t taste anything like homemade.

If you really want to treat yourself, take the extra few minutes to whip it up from scratch. You won’t be disappointed! Plus, you’re keeping this recipe wholesome without harmful ingredients.

We can’t forget the milk!

In any good iced coffee recipe, you can’t forget to pay a little attention to the milk. Whether you choose a dairy or plant-based milk, make sure it’s creamy. If you use a watery option like store-bought almond or cashew milk, it’ll be way too runny for this recipe.

I like to use my homemade cashew cream. It makes this mint iced coffee so creamy and smooth!

cup of iced coffee on a wooden coaster with a green towel by it

Put together your own iced coffee kitchen tool kit

If you love iced coffee during the summer, you’ve got to put together a little tool kit. This will make making them at home simple. Here’s what’s in mine:

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16-oz french press to make strong coffee without an espresso machine
stainless steel saucepan to make your simple syrups
bamboo spoon for stirring simple syrups
cute drinking glasses to enjoy your iced coffees in style

Fresh mint iced coffee: Frequently asked questions

Can I make this as hot coffee instead of iced coffee?

Sure! If you want to make this hot coffee, just skip the cool-down period and use a mug instead of a glass. Of course, with no ice. You can check out my vanilla latte recipe to see how I make a creamy latte at home.

What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

Iced coffee is just cooled-down hot coffee. Cold brew is coffee that’s been brewed in cold water over a long period of time, usually 18–24 hours in the fridge. Cold brew also has a deeper flavor and is less acidic.

Can I use mint extract instead of making the syrup?

I don’t recommend using mint extract for this iced coffee. It will be bitter. I highly recommend making the mint simple syrup at home.