Emulsifier Free Herbal Iced Coffee with Fresh Herbs
Cold coffee drinks from cafés and bottled aisles are notorious for sneaking in additives — stabilizers, thickeners, and emulsifiers that have no business being in your morning cup. This homemade version keeps things beautifully clean: strong brewed coffee, milk, ice, and a fragrant herb-infused simple syrup made from nothing but water, sugar, and fresh herbs. The syrup is the real star here — steeping mint, basil, or rosemary in hot sugar water coaxes out an aromatic depth that makes every sip feel a little fancy without any fuss. Once strained and poured over ice, it layers into the coffee and milk in a way that looks as good as it tastes. You control every single ingredient, which means no mystery additives and no label-reading anxiety. It's the kind of refreshing, garden-fresh drink that makes you wonder why you ever paid five dollars for the café version.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk or dairy free milk
- 2 cups ice cubes
For the herb simple syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves (or fresh basil or fresh rosemary sprigs)
For serving
- 2 fresh herb sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 2
Add the fresh mint (or your chosen herb) to the hot syrup and press the leaves gently with a spoon to submerge them. Let steep for 20–30 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant and lightly tinted.
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