McDonald’s Iced Coffee Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Skip the drive-thru line and create McDonald’s refreshing iced coffee right in your kitchen! This beautifully simple recipe captures that signature sweet, creamy taste that made McCafe iced coffee a favorite among coffee lovers everywhere. With just brewed coffee, homemade rich simple syrup, and cream, you’ll save money while enjoying a consistently perfect cup every time. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required, just basic ingredients that deliver that familiar McDonald’s flavor you crave.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to McDonald’s rick coffee flavor lies in understanding the perfect ratios and using the right sweetener. Rich, simple syrup dissolves completely in cold coffee, unlike granulated sugar, which can leave a gritty texture. McDonald’s uses premium Arabica beans to create a full-flavored base that holds up beautifully when diluted with ice and cream. Some locations use double-strength coffee to compensate for ice dilution, ensuring every sip delivers consistent flavor.

Why You Should Try This Recipe? 

This is a basic recipe that requires no fancy equipment or brewing techniques. It is inexpensive and pretty much foolproof to make. Mix up a big batch and keep it in your fridge, and you’ll always be able to satisfy your iced coffee craving. You can save a ton of money making your iced coffee at home. You aren’t limited to what flavors you want to add to this coffee to customize to your preference.

Is the McCafe Brand Coffee Sold in the Grocery Store the Same as What You Get at McDonald’s?

The overwhelming online opinion is that the Premium McCafe Roast available in grocery stores is similar but not the same as the coffee McDonald’s serves. McDonald’s uses high-quality Arabica beans, so they are full of flavor.

Copycat McDonald’s Iced Coffee Recipe Ingredients

For the Rich Simple Syrup:

• Granulated sugar – Creates a sweet base that dissolves perfectly in cold beverages
• Water – Combines with sugar to form smooth, pourable syrup

For the Iced Coffee:

• Brewed coffee, cooled – Use quality medium roast for authentic McDonald’s flavor profile
• Rich simple syrup – Provides consistent sweetness that blends seamlessly
• Half and half – Creates the signature creamy texture and rich mouthfeel
• Ice cubes – Chills the drink and provide the perfect serving temperature

Some people claim that McDonald’s uses double-strength coffee for their iced coffee. Try making it both ways and taste and see which one you prefer. 

How to Make McDonald’s Iced Coffee

To prepare the rich simple syrup:

1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves fully. 
3. Let the rich simple syrup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge.

Note: This recipe makes multiple servings of rich, simple syrup. The extra will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  

To brew the coffee for McDonald’s Iced Coffee:

1. Brew a pot of coffee as usual, or make a double-strength brew by using twice the coffee grounds for the same amount of water.
2. Let the coffee cool on the counter and then chill in the fridge before using. 

To prepare the copycat iced coffee from McDonald’s:

1. Put ice cubes in a 16-ounce serving glass.
2. Add a tablespoon of the rich simple homemade syrup.
3. Fill the glass with cold coffee, leaving enough room for half & half.

4. Add as much half & half as you want. 

5. Stir and serve with a straw.

What To Serve It With 

Iced coffee from McDonald’s is a refreshing drink to sip while eating a light snack like a bagel or pastry. Enjoy it as a basic iced coffee, or experiment with some of the variations below. 

Recipe Variations For McDonald’s Iced Coffee Recipe

Making this recipe at home means you really can have it your way. Here are a few suggestions to customize your iced coffee:

• Make the recipe with different types of coffee, including decaf and flavored roasts. 
• Use non-dairy milk or heavy whipping cream in your coffee. Try adding sweetened condensed milk to create Thai Iced Coffee.
• For lighter versions, use light cream, whole milk, 2%, 1%, or nonfat milk.
• Go with cold-brewed coffee for a beverage with much less acidity.
• Choose your favorite flavored syrup like vanilla syrup or spike your drink with Bailey’s Irish Cream or Rum Chata.
• Add some chocolate syrup to make it an iced mocha coffee.
• Make a pitcher by brewing a strong pot of coffee with your coffee maker and letting it cool. Pour 1 cup of simple syrup, 5 to 6 cups of cooled coffee, and 1 cup half and half into an ice-filled pitcher. Use a large spoon to stir and the coffee mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald’s Iced Coffee

See our recommended coffee products to make coffee-house quality drinks at home.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Simple Syrup Storage: Store homemade simple syrup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Label with a date for tracking freshness.
• Coffee Storage: Brewed coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container to prevent the absorption of other flavors.
• Prepared Drinks are best consumed immediately for optimal taste and temperature. Once assembled, they are not recommended for storage.
• Make-Ahead Base: Prepare large batches of coffee and syrup for quick weekly assembly.

More McDonald’s Copycat Recipes

• Caramel Cappuccino
• Hot Apple Pie
• McDonald’s Sweet Tea
• Oreo McFlurry
• Shamrock McFlurry
• Shamrock Shake

Favorite Iced Coffee Drinks

• Dunkin Brown Sugar Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Dunkin Butter Pecan Iced Coffee
• Dunkin Caramel Iced Coffee
• Dunkin Iced Caramel Coffee
• Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
• Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
• Starbucks Vanilla Iced Latte

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat McDonald’s recipes on CopyKat!