For those following a ketogenic diet, finding refreshing and energizing beverages can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, iced coffee can be easily adapted to fit a keto lifestyle. This article explores various keto-friendly iced coffee recipes, offering a range of flavors and customizations to satisfy your coffee cravings while keeping your carb intake in check.
Why Keto Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee provides a refreshing alternative to hot coffee, especially during warmer months. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure it aligns with your ketogenic goals. A homemade keto iced coffee is easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and offers a delicious way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix without the added sugars and carbs found in many store-bought versions.
Basic Keto Iced Coffee Recipe
This simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients:
- Strong brewed coffee (filtered, cold brew, or instant coffee)
- Heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk
- Sugar-free sweetener (such as sugar-free maple syrup, liquid stevia, or monk fruit sweetener)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature. You can use leftover coffee from the morning.
- Fill a glass with ice. You can also freeze coffee in ice cube trays to prevent your coffee from tasting watered down as the ice melts.
- Add heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk to the glass.
- Add your preferred sugar-free sweetener to taste.
- Stir well and enjoy!
Customizing Your Keto Iced Coffee
One of the best things about making your own keto iced coffee is the ability to customize it with different flavors and additions. Here are some ideas to try:
- Flavored Syrups: Add sugar-free syrups in flavors like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or mocha.
- Extracts: Enhance the flavor with a dash of vanilla extract or cinnamon.
- Nut Butter: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Whisk in ½ tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a mocha variation.
- Protein Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of whey protein powder and blend until smooth for a thicker, creamier drink.
- Whipped Cream: Top with sugar-free whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Caramel: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sugar-free caramel sauce.
Dairy-Free Keto Iced Coffee Options
If you're avoiding dairy, there are several alternatives you can use to make your keto iced coffee:
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- Coconut Cream: Use the firm part from a can of coconut milk for a creamy texture.
- Almond Milk: Opt for unsweetened almond milk, but you may need to use more as it is quite watery.
- Coconut Milk: Use unsweetened coconut milk from a carton.
Vietnamese Keto Iced Coffee
For a unique twist, try making a Vietnamese-inspired keto iced coffee. This recipe combines strong dark coffee with keto-sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients:
- Strong dark coffee (using the pour-over method or French press)
- Keto sweetened condensed milk (made with coconut milk or dairy)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Make keto-sweetened condensed milk.
- Set a coffee filter over a glass (if using the pour-over method).
- Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee to the filter.
- Slowly pour hot water over the grounds, allowing the coffee to drip into the glass.
- Add 2 tablespoons of keto condensed milk to the bottom of the glass.
- When all the coffee has dripped through, stir to mix with the condensed milk.
- Add ice to fill the cup and enjoy!
Keto Iced Coffee at Starbucks
Ordering a keto iced coffee at Starbucks is possible with a few simple modifications:
- Order an iced coffee (any size).
- Ask for a splash of heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Request a few pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup or sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup.
- Ensure they don't add any classic syrup.
Sweetener Options for Keto Iced Coffee
Choosing the right sweetener is crucial for keeping your iced coffee keto-friendly. Here are some options:
- Sugar-free syrups (such as Lakanto maple syrup or liquid allulose)
- Liquid stevia drops
- Powdered sweeteners (such as monk fruit sweetener, allulose, or Bocha Sweet)
Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew
It's important to note the difference between iced coffee and cold brew. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled, while cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period. Cold brew tends to be less acidic and have a smoother flavor.
Storing and Freezing Keto Iced Coffee
- To Store: Iced coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- To Freeze: Pour the coffee into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. You can then blend the frozen coffee cubes for a frappuccino or coffee slushie.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your keto iced coffee on its own or pair it with a keto-friendly treat. Some suggestions include:
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- Keto donuts
- Sugar-free brownies
- Keto scrambled eggs
- Keto egg white wraps
- Keto crustless quiche
- Instant Pot sous vide keto egg bites
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