Iced Coffee Canning Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of iced coffee on a warm day. But what if you could enjoy it straight from your pantry, ready to pour over ice at any time? That’s where this iced coffee canning recipe comes in handy. By preparing and canning your iced coffee concentrate, you can enjoy a café-quality drink at home—without the daily trip to the coffee shop.

This recipe is perfect for coffee lovers who prefer to prepare ahead of time. With canning, you’ll have jars of rich, smooth coffee concentrate waiting for you whenever the craving strikes. Just open a jar, pour it over ice, add milk or sweetener, and enjoy.

The best part? It’s customizable. You can adjust the strength of the coffee, the sweetness, and even infuse flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa. Plus, it makes for a great homemade gift for coffee enthusiasts.

Cooking Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Canning Time: 15 minutes (water bath canner)
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 6 pint jars (each jar = 2–3 servings of iced coffee concentrate)

Ingredients

• 8 cups freshly brewed strong coffee (use medium or dark roast)
• 1 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor twist)
• 6 pint-size canning jars with lids and bands

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

1. Brew Coffee:
   • Prepare 8 cups of strong coffee. Use a French press, espresso machine, or drip coffee maker. Let it cool slightly.
2. Sweeten (Optional):
   • While the coffee is still warm, stir in sugar until dissolved. You can skip this if you prefer unsweetened concentrate.
3. Flavor It (Optional):
   • Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor. Stir well.
4. Prepare Jars:
   • Wash canning jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Keep jars warm until ready to use.
5. Fill Jars:
   • Pour coffee into jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean. Place lids and bands on securely but not overly tight.
6. Canning Process:
   • Place jars in a water bath canner. Ensure water covers jars by at least 1 inch.
   • Process for 15 minutes.
7. Cool & Store:
   • Remove jars and let them cool for 12–24 hours. Check seals before storing.
   • Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
8. Serve:
   • To make iced coffee, pour concentrate over ice and dilute with milk, water, or cream as desired.

Notes

• For stronger coffee, use a dark roast or increase coffee grounds.
• Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or flavored syrups can be used instead of sugar.
• Add a splash of flavored extract (hazelnut, almond, caramel) for variety.
• Always check jars for proper sealing before storage.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, you can brew decaf and follow the same process.

Q2: How long does canned iced coffee last?
Properly sealed jars last up to 6 months in a cool, dark pantry.

Q3: Can I add milk before canning?
No. Dairy is unsafe for water bath canning. Add milk or cream only when serving.

Q4: Do I need to refrigerate sealed jars?
No. Sealed jars can be stored at room temperature. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 5–7 days.

Q5: Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, just skip the sugar or use a sugar substitute when serving.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 1 cup concentrate without milk)

Adding milk, cream, or syrups will change the nutrition values.

Disclaimer

This recipe is for homemade iced coffee concentrate. Always consume in moderation, as caffeine intake should be managed responsibly. If you have allergies (such as to cinnamon or flavor extracts), adjust accordingly. Canned coffee should not include dairy products, as they are unsafe for home canning.