Iced Coffee Keto: Is It Possible To Enjoy Both?

Iced coffee can be made keto-friendly by using sugar-free syrup, heavy cream, and ice. The coffee should be brewed stronger than usual to prevent it from tasting watered down when the ice melts. Sugar-free syrup can be replaced with a liquid sugar substitute or granulated sugar substitute, and heavy cream can be replaced with coconut milk or almond milk.

How to make keto iced coffee

Ingredients

You will need:

• Ice cubes
• Coffee (strong, room-temperature, or cold brew)
• Heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Sugar-free syrup (optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Method

• Brew your coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature.
• Fill a glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the coffee.
• Add your desired amount of heavy cream.
• Add sugar-free syrup and/or vanilla extract to taste (optional).
• Stir and serve.

Tips

• If you like your coffee sweet, use a liquid keto-friendly sweetener or a powdered low-carb sweetener.
• For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
• To save time, use cold brew coffee or previously cooled coffee.
• To prevent your drink from becoming watered down, use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes.

What to serve with keto iced coffee

There are many delicious treats you can serve with keto iced coffee. Here are some ideas to complement your refreshing, low-carb beverage:

Breakfast and Brunch Options:

• Keto scrambled eggs or egg white wraps are a great savoury start to your day and go well with the rich flavour of the coffee.
• For something sweet, try a keto donut or a slice of crustless quiche.
• For a real treat, serve your coffee with a scoop of ice cream for an affogato.
• If you're after something more substantial, a keto croissant with a melty chocolate hazelnut centre or a fathead cinnamon roll will satisfy your cravings.

Baked Goods:

• Cookies are a classic coffee companion. Try peanut butter or coconut flour cookies, or go for a simple almond flour variety.
• For a more indulgent option, serve your coffee with a brownie or a slice of cake, such as chocolate cake, coconut cake, flourless cake, or red velvet cake.
• If you're after something a little lighter, a muffin or cupcake is a good choice.

Desserts:

• For a real sugar-free feast, pair your coffee with a chocolate dessert, such as brownies, chocolate mousse, chocolate pie, or a chocolate tart.
• If you prefer your desserts to be a little nuttier, go for a peanut butter cookie or a flourless cake.
• For a refreshing dessert, try an affogato with a scoop of coconut milk, almond milk, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream.

Drinks:

• If you're serving your keto iced coffee as a refreshing summer drink, why not offer some low-carb strawberry limeade or a keto green smoothie?
• For something a little stronger, a keto Irish cream or a homemade shamrock shake will go down a treat.

Customisations:

You can also customise your keto iced coffee by adding vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel sauce for a touch of luxury. For a frozen coffee drink, simply add ice and blend.

Dairy-free variations

• Coconut cream: This variation uses the firm part of a can of coconut milk, resulting in 1.3g net carbs per serving.
• Vietnamese iced coffee: This variation uses 2 tablespoons of dairy-free sugar-free condensed milk, resulting in 1.4g net carbs per serving.
• Almond milk: Choose unsweetened almond milk for this variation. You may need to double the amount of almond milk as it is quite watery. This variation has 0.1g net carbs per serving.

For those who like their coffee with milk, heavy whipping cream is often used in keto iced coffee as it is lower in sugar than regular dairy milk. However, there are plenty of dairy-free alternatives that can be used to create a delicious and creamy keto iced coffee.

When ordering keto iced coffee at a coffee shop, simply ask for unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream and sugar-free syrup. This will help you stay within your macros and avoid unwanted sugar.

How to order keto iced coffee at a coffee shop

Ordering keto iced coffee at a coffee shop is simple. Here are the steps and some considerations to keep in mind:

• Start with Black Coffee: Ask for black coffee, either hot or cold brewed. If you prefer stronger coffee, request a double shot of espresso or ask them to brew the coffee stronger than usual to compensate for the ice dilution.
• Choose the Right Milk: Opt for heavy whipping cream, heavy cream, or double cream instead of regular milk. These options are lower in sugar and add a rich, creamy texture to your drink. Alternatively, you can choose unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut cream for dairy-free options, but be aware that almond milk is quite watery, so you may want to use a larger amount.
• Sweeten It Up (Keto-Style): Most coffee shops offer sugar-free syrup options, such as vanilla, cinnamon dolce, or hazelnut. Ask for a pump or two of your favorite flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth without the carbs. You can also bring your own sugar substitute, like stevia packets, to sweeten your drink.
• Get Creative with Add-Ins: If you want to enhance your keto iced coffee even further, consider adding ingredients like peanut butter, almond butter, cocoa powder, or cinnamon. These add-ins can give your drink a unique twist while keeping it keto-friendly.
• Ice It Down: Don't forget the ice! Coffee shops will usually add ice to your iced coffee, but you can also ask for coffee ice cubes to prevent your drink from becoming watered down as the ice melts.

Remember, when ordering keto iced coffee, it's essential to be mindful of hidden sugars and carbohydrates. Customizing your drink with the right ingredients will ensure it aligns with your keto diet.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to order keto iced coffee like a pro! Enjoy your refreshing and delicious beverage, knowing it fits perfectly within your dietary preferences.

How to make cold brew coffee

Cold brew coffee is easy to make at home and only requires coffee and water. Here is a step-by-step guide to making cold brew coffee:

Step 1: Grind Coffee Beans

Firstly, grind your coffee beans. It is best to use coarsely ground coffee for cold brew. If you don't have a coffee grinder, you can grind the beans at the store or buy freshly ground beans from a local coffee shop or roaster.

Step 2: Combine Coffee and Water

Place the ground coffee in a large jar or pitcher. Pour filtered water over the coffee grounds. A common ratio is 1:2 for coffee to water, or 1 1/2 cups of ground coffee for every 3 cups of water. However, you can adjust the ratio to your taste preferences. Stir to combine the water and coffee grounds.

Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit

Cover the jar or pitcher and let the coffee steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger the coffee will be.

Step 4: Strain the Coffee

After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. You can use a fine-mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Alternatively, you can use a French press to strain the coffee.

Step 5: Refrigerate and Serve

Store the strained coffee in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, pour the cold brew over ice. You can dilute it with water or milk to your desired taste. You can also add simple syrup or sweetener if you like your coffee sweet.

Tips:

• Freshly ground coffee beans are best for cold brew as they produce a fresher taste.
• Adjust the ratios of coffee to water to suit your taste preferences.
• You can make a large batch of cold brew and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently asked questions