Absolutely Perfect Homemade Iced Coffee

Before you get started

•          This recipe makes a huge batch – nearly 2 gallons – of coffee concentrate.  The idea is to make it, keep it in the fridge for super-quick iced coffee.  Simply halve or quarter for smaller batches.
•          To make the amount shown below, you will need two 10-quart containers.  I use food-grade storage containers from a restaurant supply store – square work best so you have a corner for pouring.  You’ll also need a mesh strainer and cheesecloth, muslin or paper towels if that’s all you have.
•          To make small batches, a French press will make the whole process much easier, quicker and you won’t need any of the equipment listed above.  But you’ll have to make it much more often!

Ingredients

•          1 pound Ground Coffee (a good quality, Rich Roast)
•          8 quarts (that’s 2 gallons) Cold Water
•          Any of the following to make your drink:  Skim Milk, 2% Milk, Whole Milk, Half & Half, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners, Flavored Syrups, etc... adapt to your liking!

Instructions

1.       In a large container (or French press), dump in ground coffee with add the water. Give a little stir to ensure all the coffee grounds are wet.  Cover and allow to sit at room temperature eight hours or overnight.
2.       Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over your other large container. Pour coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds. (If using a French press, simply plunge.)
3.       Transfer coffee concentrate to a pourable container (or an iced tea jar w/ spigot), place in the fridge and allow to chill.
4.       To make iced coffee, fill a glass about 1/2 full with coffee concentrate. Add your milk/dairy choice – about a 1/4 of the glass. Add 1-3 teaspoons of your sweetener of choice and stir vigorously to combine. Top off with lots of ice.  Taste and adjust milk and sweetener as needed.

·         Hint: if you drink slowly and don’t like ice cubes melting and watering down your drink… in step 3 above fill ice cube trays with your coffee concentrate and freeze.  Then in step 4, use your coffee cubes to make your drink!

·         Variations:

o   To make even more special, top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel. 

o   To flavor an entire batch, use flavored coffee such as French Vanilla, Cinnamon, etc.