Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee
- Brew coffee at double strength (use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 oz water), then cool completely. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or prepare the night before. Alternatively, use cold brew coffee by steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12-18 hours, then strain for a smoother, less acidic base.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
- Fill a 16 oz glass with ice cubes, leaving about an inch of space at the top. If you have them, use coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution as they melt. Chill your glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before making your drink to keep your iced coffee colder longer.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Flavoring
- Pour your chosen flavoring syrup (vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut) and liquid sweetener directly over the ice. For the classic McDonald's French vanilla iced coffee, use 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup. Adjust sweetness to personal preference – start with less, as you can always add more.
Step 4: Add Coffee
- Slowly pour your cold coffee over the ice and syrup mixture, filling the glass about 3/4 full. The slow pour helps incorporate the sweetener and prevents it from settling at the bottom. For extra bold flavor, use a cold brew concentrate at a 1:1 ratio with water instead of pre-diluting it.
Step 5: Add Milk
- Add milk to fill the remaining space in the glass, leaving just enough room for stirring. Pour slowly along the inside edge of the glass for a layered effect. Use approximately 1 part milk to 2 parts coffee to match McDonald's ratio.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
- Gently stir everything together until well combined and the color is uniform throughout. Stir from the bottom up to properly mix the syrup that may have settled. For the full McDonald's experience, add a straw.