Iced coffee is a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot summer's day, and it's easy to make at home07:45, 06 Jul 2026As hot weather looks set to make its return, it comes as little surprise that iced coffee has surged in popularity.‌Yet, as coffee shop prices continue to climb, a growing number of people are seeking to recreate this refreshing drink at home.‌Speaking to the Express.co.uk, Jack Ellis, Cafédirect's expert Barista Trainer says: "The most important part is the espresso. You need to nail the extraction to get a truly great iced coffee."‌Meanwhile, Emily Burkinshaw, Senior Brand and Communications Executive at The Ice Co, believes that getting the right ice is every bit as crucial as the coffee itself.She says: "The secret to a great iced coffee is starting with plenty of quality ice. It cools your drink quickly without compromising the flavour, helping you create refreshing café-style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen.‌"Whether you're recreating a viral Dalgona coffee or giving a classic latte a twist, ice is the ingredient that brings everything together."For those without specialist equipment, Emily suggests using a cocktail shaker to achieve the perfect iced coffee."If you want that silky, barista-style froth at home, simply add your coffee, milk and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds before pouring into a glass. It's a simple trick that creates a beautifully smooth, frothy texture and gives homemade iced coffees a professional finish."‌For a more expert perspective, Jack stresses the importance of using an espresso machine and nailing the espresso extraction.He says: "The sweet spot for espresso extraction typically falls between 24 to 30 seconds. Go beyond that, and you're likely to over-extract - resulting in a bitter, ashy, and weak-tasting coffee. Visually, it'll look pale and watery, with a translucent brown hue."On the other hand, if your shot pulls in under 22 seconds, it's under-extracted. You'll taste it instantly: sharp, sour, and unbalanced."‌Alongside this, selecting the right bean is crucial, with Jack recommending: "When picking the right beans for iced coffee, you want bold flavours that stand up perfectly to ice and milk. Cafédirect's Mayan Gold beans are perfect for the job with their smooth caramel and vanilla notes that come with a hint of citrus and honey."Sourced from Chiapas, Mexico's top coffee region, these high-quality beans deliver complex flavours, ensuring your iced coffee is beautifully balanced without bitterness or dullness."‌How to make an iced coffee at home?Begin by following Jack's advice on pulling the perfect espresso shot, then set it aside."If you like your iced coffee sweet, add your syrup or sweetener directly to the espresso before pouring in the milk," says Jack. "This helps the flavour mix evenly throughout the drink."While the espresso is set aside, fill a glass with generous amounts of ice.Article continues belowThen add your preferred milk, leaving sufficient space at the top for your espresso.Jack concludes: "Take your freshly brewed espresso and gently pour it over the milk and ice. Watch as it cascades through the layers, creating a beautiful marbling effect. And there you have it - a perfectly layered iced coffee that looks as good as it tastes. Coffee shop vibes, made at home."