The McDonald’s menu is iconic. Sure, it’s mostly known for its BigMac, Egg McMuffins and what very well may be the most addictive French fries in all of recorded history. You wouldn’t expect anyone to tell you their favorite menu item is McDonald’s iced coffee, yet it’s something millions of people drink every single morning. Just because this caffeinated pick-me-up isn’t buzzed about doesn’t mean it’s not a secret star of the McDonald’s menu!
If you can’t get yourself out of the house to get to the Golden Arches, you’ll be happy to know you can make a copycat McDonald’s iced coffee in your kitchen with four simple ingredients: coffee, ice, cream and simple syrup.
What makes McDonald’s iced coffee taste so good?
The secret behind the signature taste of McDonald’s iced coffee isn’t just the chain’s proprietary Arabica beans—it’s the ratio of bitter coffee to sweet simple syrup and luscious light cream. You can ask for your coffee black or without the syrup, of course, but if you order McDonald’s iced coffee straight off the menu, you’ll get something to sip that’s served light and sweet. It’s just as delicious first thing in the morning as it is for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Copycat McDonald’s Iced Coffee Ingredients
- Strongly brewed coffee
- Light cream or full-fat, non-dairy creamer
- Simple syrup, or a flavored simple syrup like caramel, hazelnut or French vanilla
- Ice
Directions
Step 1: Make the coffee base
Pour the cream, simple syrup and about 1/2 cup of coffee into a 16-ounce glass. Stir well until fully combined.
Step 2: Add ice
Add enough ice cubes to fill the cup almost all the way.
Step 3: Add the coffee
Pour in the rest of the coffee until the glass is almost full, then gently stir with a spoon or straw.
McDonald’s Iced Coffee Variations
McDonald’s offers five different flavors of simple syrup to flavor its iced coffee: classic, caramel, hazelnut, French vanilla and sugar-free vanilla. You can make McDonald’s coffee your own by adding your favorite flavor of store bought syrup, or try making your own! We love this recipe for sweet butter pecan syrup, and we like using this gingerbread syrup in our iced coffee during the holidays.
McDonald’s Iced Coffee Tips
Can you make copycat McDonald’s iced coffee ahead of time?
In a word, yes. To make a large batch that will last for days, simply mix the following in a pitcher. You can scale this recipe up or down as needed, depending on the size of your container.
- 6 cups strongly brewed coffee
- 3/4 cup light cream or full-fat, non-dairy creamer
- 1/4 cup simple or flavored syrup
Once thoroughly mixed, the coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve, fill your glass up halfway with ice, pour the pre-made coffee in, add a straw and enjoy.
How do you store McDonald’s iced coffee?
Keep McDonald’s iced coffee in the refrigerator in a sealed container, like a pitcher or lidded carafe.
