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Blended Iced Coffee: Smoothie-Style Cold Brew Recipe

Blend cold brew into a creamy iced coffee smoothie. The recipe, the history of ice-blended drinks, troubleshooting, and creative variations.

By Online Coffee Guide Editorial TeamPublished Updated 3 min read
Blended iced coffee with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle in a glass mug
On This Page8 Sections

What Is Blended Iced Coffee?

A blended iced coffee is coffee, milk, sugar, and ice blended into a smooth, frozen, smoothie-like drink. Creamy and slushy in texture, it is the café-style frozen coffee popularized by chain menus, refreshing and sweet with a thick, drinkable consistency.

Key Takeaways

  • 1A blended iced coffee is coffee, milk, sugar, and ice blended into a smooth, frozen, smoothie-like drink.
  • 2This recipe makes one 12 oz (350 ml) blended iced coffee.
  • 3The practical detail to notice: TRADEMARK + ORIGIN: the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 'Ice Blended' (mid-1980s) is the template; note the Frappuccino trademark distinction; frozen-slush texture.

Drink Snapshot

Drink
Blended Iced Coffee
Category
Iced espresso, iced coffee and cold drinks
Page role
Variant Guide
Page type
Cold drink variant

Flavor And Tasting Notes

A blended iced coffee is coffee, milk, sugar, and ice blended into a smooth, frozen, smoothie-like drink. Creamy and slushy in texture, it is the café-style frozen coffee popularized by chain menus, refreshing and sweet with a thick, drinkable consistency.

  • Chilled & creamy: A blended iced coffee tastes like a coffee smoothie, creamy and refreshing with a pleasant thickness.
  • Coffee-forward: Using cold brew concentrate or strong coffee ensures the drink still tastes like coffee even when blended with ice and milk.
  • Versatile: You can keep it simple with milk and cold brew, or build in flavors like chocolate, caramel or spices. Protein powder or cream liqueur can turn it into a breakfast shake or dessert drink.
  • Finish: Smooth and slightly frothy, leaving you refreshed and caffeinated.

Preparation And Recipe

Blended iced coffee ingredients with cold brew, milk, coffee ice cubes, cocoa, and sweetener
Cold coffee, milk, and ice are the base; coffee ice cubes or cold brew concentrate keep the drink from tasting watery.

This recipe makes one 12 oz (350 ml) blended iced coffee.

  1. Prepare ice cubes: Freeze some cold brew concentrate or strong coffee in an ice cube tray. This prevents dilution later.
  2. Assemble: In a blender add about 8 coffee ice cubes, ⅓ cup (80 ml) chilled cold brew concentrate and ¼ cup (60 ml) milk or cream. Sweeten with sugar, honey or flavored syrup to taste.
  3. Blend: Blend on high until the cubes break down and the drink becomes thick and frothy. Let the cubes soften for a few minutes before blending if your blender struggles.
  4. Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel if desired.
Blended iced coffee mixing with milk and coffee ice cubes inside a blender
Blend until the ice breaks down into a thick, smooth texture, then stop before the drink turns thin and foamy.

Dialing In And Troubleshooting

  • Too thick: Add a splash more milk or water to achieve a drinkable consistency.
  • Too thin: Use more coffee ice cubes or add a scoop of ice cream for extra body.
  • Lacking flavor: Increase the ratio of cold brew concentrate; strong concentrate is key for a rich coffee flavor.
  • Blender struggles: Let frozen cubes soften slightly or break them up; high-powered blenders work best for crushing ice.
  • Extra customization: Blend in protein powder, spices or nut butter for a more filling drink.

History And Culture

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Editor's Take

Practical Detail

Common Questions

What is a blended iced coffee?
A blended iced coffee is coffee, milk, sugar, and ice blended into a smooth, frozen, smoothie-like drink, the café-style frozen coffee popularized by chains. It is creamy, slushy, and sweet.
What is the difference between a blended iced coffee and an iced coffee?
A blended iced coffee is whipped in a blender with the ice for a thick frozen texture. A plain iced coffee is liquid coffee poured over ice cubes, thinner and not blended.

Sources And Further Reading

  • sustainablecooks.com

    sustainablecooks.com

    Reference used for drink identity, preparation, taste, or cultural context.

  • coffeebean.com

    coffeebean.com

    Reference used for drink identity, preparation, taste, or cultural context.