Easy Fast Dairy-Free Iced Coffee!
Creamy dairy-free iced coffee made with Nescafé Gold Espresso, plant-based milk, honey, and cinnamon. A simple homemade coffee shop favorite!
“Learn this quick hack for homemade & budget-friendly dairy-free iced coffee in minutes! “
Hi! I’m Julie, a military spouse, mom of three, and the blogger behind Our Beautiful Chaos.
If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know that most of what I share comes from real life in our home. Busy days, military family life, feeding my boys safely, and finding ways to still put good, comforting food on the table without spending my whole day in the kitchen.
In our family, dairy-free living isn’t a choice or a trend. It’s something we navigate every single day because one of my boys has a life-threatening dairy allergy. That means everything I make has to be safe, but it also has to feel normal, filling, and something everyone actually enjoys eating!
That’s why I care so much about recipes like this one. They make it possible for all of us to enjoy the same food together, without worry.
I have always loved coffee. Back when I worked full-time at a clinic in San Diego, stopping at Starbucks on my way to work was part of my routine. Monday through Friday, I would order an upside-down iced caramel macchiato and head into the office.
Then we moved to JBLM and I quickly discovered Washington coffee culture. If you’ve lived in Washington, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Coffee stands are everywhere, and before long I found my favorite little coffee hut. To this day, I still stop by a couple of times a week for a 16-ounce iced americano with white chocolate and cream. If I’m feeling a little extra, I add coconut too!
As much as I love grabbing coffee, it adds up fast. Between the cost and the extra calories, it isn’t something I want to do every day. That’s what led me to start making iced coffee at home more often. After a lot of experimenting, this version has become my go-to.
Since we homeschool, I usually make myself a coffee before we start our school day. It takes just a few minutes, uses ingredients I already have at home, and gives me that coffee shop feel without leaving the house.
And I’m partial to an iced coffee to start the day off in a bougie manner (mom’s needs her treats too!) Here’s. My favorite simple go-to recipe – perfect for those warmer morning in spring and summer, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up!
If you’re looking for dairy free recipes that are budget-friendly, this is another simple one to add to your routine. All of these ingredients can be found at the commissary, and if you’re a military family trying to save money while still enjoying your favorite treats, this homemade iced coffee is worth trying.
Now let’s head into the kitchen and make this together!
Our Beautiful Chaos – Recipe Disclaimer
All recipes are shared as a guide based on what works in my home kitchen. Results may vary.
It is your responsibility to check all ingredients for allergies, intolerances, or dietary needs before cooking. Our Beautiful Chaos is not responsible for any reactions or outcomes from the use of these recipes.
Nutritional information is an estimate only.
– Julie from Our Beautiful Chaos
Equipment
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- Drinking glass or coffee cup
- Metal straw
- Kettle
- Measuring spoon
Ingredients
Serves 1
- 3 teaspoons Nescafé Gold Espresso
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- Ice, to your liking
- Almond milk
- Honey, to taste
- Ground cinnamon, for topping
Optional:
- Oat milk instead of almond milk
I usually buy our almond milk at Costco, but oat milk is also delicious in this recipe and gives it a creamy coffee-shop texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Water
Heat water in your kettle.
If you don’t have a kettle, simply heat water in a microwave-safe mug.
Step 2: Dissolve the Espresso
Add the Nescafé Gold Espresso to your cup.
Pour in 3 tablespoons of hot water and stir until the espresso powder has completely dissolved.
You only need a small amount of hot water to melt the espresso.
Step 3: Add Ice
Fill the cup with ice to your liking.
I like a lot of ice so the coffee stays cold while I’m working through our homeschool lessons.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Pour in your almond milk or oat milk.
Use as much or as little as you like depending on how strong you want your coffee.
Stir well.
Step 5: Finish and Enjoy
Drizzle honey over the top.
Sprinkle with a little cinnamon.
Give everything one final stir and enjoy.
Quick Tips & Variations
- Use oat milk for an extra creamy coffee.
- Add a splash of coconut milk for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the honey depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
- Add extra espresso if you prefer a stronger drink.
- Use a reusable metal straw to keep it extra cold.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- Dissolving the espresso completely before adding ice prevents clumps.
- Oat milk creates a creamier texture than almond milk.
Troubleshooting
Coffee tastes too strong?
Add a little more plant-based milk.
Coffee isn’t sweet enough?
Add additional honey and stir well.
Espresso isn’t dissolving?
Make sure the water is hot enough before mixing.
Coffee tastes watered down?
Use less ice or add an extra teaspoon of espresso.
Storage
This coffee is best enjoyed fresh.
If needed, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the flavor and texture are best immediately after making.
Stir before drinking if it has been sitting.
Join our community!
It’s so important to be part of a community that not only understands you but that champions you, encourages, challenges and cheers you on. We couldn’t find one – so we created it instead!
Join the Side Hustle Homemaker’s team Sam, Mona and I over at the Recipes, Homesteading & More! Facebook group for Food Blogging Tips, Homesteading and Homemaking content and encouragement!
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We created the group to share real life around recipes, food blogging, homemaking, military life, homesteading and more. Head on over, say Hi, share your recipes, homemaking tips and gain some friends and knowledge along the way!
Serving Ideas
- Dairy-free banana honey pancakes
- Dairy-free cinnamon rolls
- Breakfast scramble with eggs, chorizo, and potatoes
- Fresh fruit
- Toast with peanut butter
- Homemade muffins
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Dairy-free
- Budget-friendly
- Made in minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- Easily customizable
- Coffee shop flavor at home
- Perfect for busy mornings
- Great for homeschool moms and work-from-home days
FAQ’s
Yes, but espresso powder gives a stronger coffee flavor.
Almond milk and oat milk are both great choices.
Absolutely. Use your preferred sweetener or leave it unsweetened.
Yes, as long as you use a dairy-free milk.
Yes. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed.
Easy Fast Dairy Free Iced Coffee!
Equipment
- 1 Cup
- 1 Metal straw
- Kettle
- Measuring spoon 1 (TSP)
Ingredients
- 3 TSP Nescafé Gold Espresso
- 3 TBSP Hot Water
- Ice To your liking
- Almond Milk As much as your heart desires
- Honey Drizzle as much as you want
- Cinnamon As much as you like
Instructions
- Heat water in a kettle.
- Add Nescafé Gold Espresso to a cup.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons hot water and stir until dissolved.
- Add ice.
- Pour in almond milk.
- Stir well.
- Drizzle honey on top.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Stir again and enjoy.
Notes
- Oat milk can be substituted for almond milk.
- Adjust sweetness and milk to taste.
- Best served immediately.
The Takeaway
This homemade dairy-free iced coffee uses just a handful of ingredients and comes together in minutes. The Nescafé Gold Espresso creates a strong coffee base while the almond milk adds creaminess without any dairy.
The honey and cinnamon give it a little sweetness and flavor without needing flavored syrups or creamers. If you prefer a richer coffee, oat milk works beautifully too.
For me, this is the coffee I make before we start our homeschool day. It saves money, takes almost no time to make, and gives me that iced coffee shop flavor right at home!
What To Make Next?!
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