Your Keurig can do more than hot coffee. Iced coffee from a Keurig is easy: you brew a concentrated or strong cup over ice, or use a machine’s iced setting if it has one. This guide walks you through the best ways to make iced coffee with your Keurig so you get a cold, refreshing drink without watering it down too much.

Use the Iced Setting If Your Keurig Has It

Many Keurig models have an “Iced” or “Over Ice” button. That setting usually brews a smaller, stronger shot (e.g. 4 or 6 oz) so that when it hits the ice, it doesn’t get diluted as much. You fill your cup with ice first, then run the iced cycle. The hot coffee melts some of the ice and chills quickly, and the stronger brew holds up to the dilution. If your machine has this, use it—it’s the simplest path to good Keurig iced coffee. Check your manual or the machine’s menu to see if it’s available.

No Iced Setting? Brew Strong and Small

If your Keurig doesn’t have an iced mode, brew the smallest cup size (4 or 6 oz) with your chosen pod. Smaller volume means more concentrated coffee. Use a strong or dark roast pod if you have one—see our how to make a strong cup of coffee with Keurig for more on strength. Brew that small, strong cup directly over a cup full of ice. The ice will cool it and dilute it a bit; the stronger brew keeps the flavor from turning weak. You can also brew two small cups (two pods) over one large glass of ice if you want a bigger, still-bold iced coffee.

Pod Choices for Iced Coffee

Dark roast and “bold” or “strong” pods tend to work best for iced because they hold up to dilution. Light roasts can taste thin once the ice melts. Some brands make pods labeled for iced coffee—they’re often roasted and blended to taste good over ice. Try a few and see what you like. If you use a reusable pod with your own ground coffee, use a fine-to-medium grind and pack it full, then brew at the smallest size over ice. For more on single-serve options, see our best Keurig coffee maker and best single-serve coffee makers guides.

Add-Ins and Tips

Milk or cream: Add after the coffee has cooled over the ice so it doesn’t curdle. Sweetener or syrup: Stir in while the coffee is still warm so it dissolves. Make a batch: Brew several strong small cups into a pitcher, let them cool, then pour over ice when you’re ready. Store the pitcher in the fridge for a day or two. Ice: Use plenty of ice so the drink chills quickly; the less time the coffee is hot on the ice, the less dilution before it’s cold. If you want to go beyond Keurig for iced coffee, cold brew is another option—see our best coffee for cold brew for beans and method.

Conclusion

To make iced coffee with your Keurig: use the iced setting if you have it, or brew small and strong (4–6 oz, dark or bold pod) over a full cup of ice. Choose pods that hold up to dilution, and add milk or sweetener after it’s cooled. Simple and refreshing.

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