By Allcoffee Team, Miami FL | Last updated: May 2025
Iced coffee is one of the fastest-growing coffee formats in the United States, with cold coffee drinks now accounting for over 75% of Starbucks beverage sales — but you don't need a coffee shop to make a premium version at home. This recipe uses Café Real Premium Ground Coffee, a bold Caribbean-style espresso blend, to deliver a rich, creamy iced coffee in three easy steps.
Essential Ingredients
- Café Real Premium Ground Coffee
- Ice cubes
- Milk or condensed milk
- Sugar (optional)
Equipment
- Moka pot or espresso machine
- Tall glass
- Spoon
Instructions
- Brew a strong espresso. Brew 2–3 shots of Café Real Premium Ground Coffee using a moka pot or espresso machine. Brew it stronger than usual — the ice will dilute it slightly as it melts.
- Sweeten while hot. If you prefer it sweet, stir in sugar while the coffee is still hot so it dissolves completely. For a richer, creamier result, use condensed milk instead of sugar.
- Pour over ice and serve. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the hot espresso directly over them. Top with cold milk or condensed milk, stir, and enjoy immediately.
Pro tip: For an extra-smooth iced coffee, brew your espresso the night before and refrigerate it. Pouring cold coffee over ice prevents dilution and keeps the flavor bold and clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Café Real product for this recipe?
Yes. Both Café Real Ground Coffee and Café Real Whole Bean work well. Ground coffee is more convenient for a moka pot; whole bean is ideal if you have a grinder and want maximum freshness.
Should I let the coffee cool before pouring it over ice?
No — pouring hot espresso directly over ice is the secret to a quick, well-chilled iced coffee. The rapid temperature drop creates a smoother, less bitter flavor. If you're concerned about dilution, use coffee ice cubes made from leftover brewed coffee.
What's the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?
Iced coffee is brewed hot and poured over ice — it's fast and bold. Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours, producing a smoother, less acidic result. This recipe is iced coffee — ready in under 10 minutes with no waiting required.
Can I make a Cuban-style iced coffee with this recipe?
Absolutely. To make a Cuban iced coffee, follow Steps 1 and 2 from our café cubano guide to create the espumita (sugar foam), then pour over ice. The result is a sweet, frothy iced espresso with authentic Miami flavor.
Where can I buy Café Real Premium Ground Coffee?
Café Real is available online at allcoffee.com with free shipping on orders over $100. New customers receive 10% off by signing up online.
