Iced coffee is a favorite for summers and this best cold coffee recipe is plant-based and lactose-free. This homemade coffee turns out creamy and frothy without dairy milk (its sugar-free too). It tastes amazing and will save your money and trip to Starbucks.
Whether your cutting on dairy or looking for a healthy preservative-free alternative to store bought cold coffee, this vegan cold coffee recipe is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Iced Coffee?
- Dairy-free – If milk makes you bloat, this lactose-free coffee will not trigger your tummy. Instead its gut friendly and is perfect for vegan diet too.
- No added preservatives – This recipe does not use any store-bought non-dairy milk, except the coffee powder, its all homemade goodness.
- Naturally sweetened – Just one date adds enough natural sweetness along with the fibers.
- Smooth frothy texture – Without any milk products, the coffee still feels like a frothy Starbucks dream on a budget!
- Easy to make – The process is minimal and you need a handful of pantry ingredients. Plus, no fancy equipment is needed.
Ingredients Needed & Smart Swaps
- Almonds – For our creamy dairy free base and adds healthy fats too! If you are having blanched almonds you can use them too! For more options you can get soaked cashews (to make it more creamy) or oats for a budget-friendly and nut-free option.
- Date – For the natural sweetness. Maple syrup, Agave or Coconut sugar can be used too.
- Coffee Powder – Instant or cold brew is your preference. If short on time? then you can opt for instant coffee powder.
- Cinnamon – Just a little will add a warm aromatic punch.
- Water – Is needed for making a smooth blend. Skip this, if already using almond, cashew, soy or oat milk
- Ice cubes – So our iced coffee stays cold!
Exact ingredient measurements are given in the recipe card.
How to make dairy-free Iced coffee: step by step
This Perfect Vegan Iced Coffee recipe is best for busy mornings and easy to make!
Prep the Almonds
- For prep, I had soaked the almonds overnight. The next morning, I drained the water and peeled off the skins.
If you are short on time, instead take almonds and water in a bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds or a minute. Rinse under cold water, peel and use them.
BLEND
- Toss the almonds along with a pitted date, coffee powder (whether espresso or decaf? its your choice, I personally use decaf), cinnamon powder and 1/2 cup water.
- Now, blend everything until smooth and blend again with more water until it gets light and frothy.
serve
- Fill the serving glass with a lot of ice cubes and pour your frothy coffee into it and enjoy this dairy-free sugar-free coffee treat!
Tips To Make it Better
- Soaking the almonds for at least 3 hours or overnight brings a difference in the texture and easy blending.
- Yes, popping the skin can feel a little extra but its better to avoid grittiness and get a silky finish.
- Always add water in portions and blend in stages to get a better idea of consistency
- You can strain the entire blend in a fine mesh or nut milk bag to get an ultra smooth texture.
Fun Twists to Try!
- Mocha Mood – Toss in some cacao powder for a choco boom.
- Protein Power – You can blend your favorite plant based protein powder to make it work harder for you!
- Nutella Dream – Just swap the almonds with Hazelnuts, along with cocoa.
Prep and Store Like a Pro
- You can make the coffee ahead (minus the ice) and chill it in the refrigerator for upto 3 days. Just shake and pour when going to use.
- If you have leftovers, pour into ice tray and freeze. Use these cold coffee cubes for future frozen frappes.
FAQs
Is this Kid-friendly?
Just opt for decaf and cut the coffee in half.
Which is better? Instant or ground
For a fuller flavor ground and when “no time” instant powder is your friend!
Do I need A high speed blender?
It would be surely better! but a regular blender is also okay too, just blend longer for the smoothness.
Can I double the batch and store it?
Yes! it can last for 3 days. When using, shake it or stir well before pouring. A bit of natural separation is totally normal.
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Vegan Cold Coffee
This creamy, frothy cold coffee is 100% vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free—perfect for summer. Made with clean, plant-based ingredients and no preservatives. A healthy iced coffee that’s better than Starbucks and easy on the wallet!
- 1/3 cup almonds soaked overnight, peeled for smoothness
- 1 date pitted, for natural sweetness
- 1 tsp coffee powder espresso or decaf, based on preference
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder adds warmth and subtle spice
- 1 cup water start with ½ cup for blending, add 1/2 to adjust frothiness
- Ice cubes enough to fill serving glass to the top, for serving
Prep the Almonds
-
For prep, I had soaked the almonds overnight. The next morning, I drained the water and peeled off the skins.
Blend
-
Toss the almonds along with a pitted date, coffee powder (whether espresso or decaf? its your choice, I personally use decaf), cinnamon powder and 1/2 cup water.
-
Now, blend everything until smooth and blend again with more water until it gets light and frothy.
Calories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 433mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 144mgIron: 2mg