Homemade Vanilla Iced Coffee

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Last Updated on October 6, 2025 by Toya

This easy homemade vanilla iced coffee takes just 2 minutes to make and tastes like something straight from your favorite café! It’s smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet with a hint of vanilla and it’s the perfect little pick-me-up to start (or save) your day!

Truly, there’s nothing quite like a cold, creamy glass of vanilla iced coffee on a warm day. And this recipe is great if you’re trying to skip the drive thru or if you’re craving that cafe flavor without actually leaving home.

The best part is, it’s made with easy to find ingredints and is perfect any time of day!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Iced Coffee

• It’s easy to make: You only need a few ingredients and about 2 – 3 minutes.
• It’s budget-friendly: You skip the $6 café run as this version costs just a few cents per glass.
• It’s customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and vanilla flavor exactly to your liking.
• It tastes like a Starbuck drink— but better: This coffee is smooth, balanced, and perfectly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For one tall glass:

• 1 cup brewed coffee or cold brew
• 3 tablespoons of half-and-half (or creamer)
• 2–3 tablespoons vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup Ice cubes

**** Homemade Vanilla Syrup

You can use storebought vanilla syrup. But, if you can make you own syrup to save money! To make it, combine:

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Bring the sugar and water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir it until dissolved. Then remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let that cool completely. You can store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.

How to Make Vanilla Iced Coffee at Home

1. Start by pouring the cold coffee in a tall glass. If using home brewed coffee, make sure it’s strong so it isnt water down by the ice. Also, let it cool of regrigerate before using it.
2. Next, stir in the vanilla syrup until fully dissolved to sweeten.
3. Stir in the half-and-half or creamer.
4. Finally, fill the glass with ice cubes and enjoy!

Extra Tips & Tricks

• Chill your coffee ahead of time to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
• Consider using cold brew for an extra smooth flavor that is less acidic.
• Try making this vanilla iced coffee with flavored ice cubes. Just freee any leftover coffee into cubes for zero dilution.
• Make it dairy free by using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of half-and-half or creamer.

This Coffee Pairs Well With:

• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes from Scratch
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Soft Buttermilk Biscuits

These togther are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or your afternoon “me time.”