Low Calorie Iced Coconut Vanilla Coffee
Highlighted under: Daily Favorites
I absolutely love starting my day with a refreshing cup of Low Calorie Iced Coconut Vanilla Coffee. The combination of coconut milk and vanilla not only gives this drink a tropical twist, but it also keeps the calorie count low. I enjoy it especially during warm summer days when I crave something cold and invigorating. With just a few simple ingredients, I feel like I'm indulging in a gourmet coffee shop experience right at home. It’s a delightful pick-me-up that fuels my morning without the guilt!
When I first tried making iced coffee at home, I was amazed at how easily I could tailor it to my taste. Using coconut milk instead of regular milk has dramatically enhanced the flavor. I found that the lightness of the coconut complements the coffee beautifully, allowing me to enjoy it guilt-free. Adding a splash of vanilla extract gives it an extra flavor boost that really transforms the drink.
It took a few trials to perfect the balance between sweetness and creaminess, but now I can whip one up in no time. I use a touch of stevia or a dash of agave syrup to keep it low-calorie without sacrificing taste. This drink has become a personal favorite, especially when I want to stay refreshed!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy coconut flavor without the added calories
- Perfectly sweetened for a refreshing treat
- Quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes
The Role of Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is the star ingredient in this Low Calorie Iced Coconut Vanilla Coffee. Not only does it provide a creamy texture, but it also imparts a subtle sweetness that complements the coffee beautifully. When choosing coconut milk, always opt for the unsweetened variety to maintain low calorie counts, allowing the natural flavors to shine through without added sugars.
If you're looking for a dairy substitute, coconut milk offers a great alternative due to its rich, velvety consistency. However, if you're sensitive to coconut or looking for a different flavor profile, almond milk or oat milk can also work well. Just be sure to select the unsweetened options to keep your drink guilt-free.
Customizing Your Sweetness
The sweetness of this iced coffee can be adjusted based on your personal taste preferences. I recommend starting with one teaspoon of stevia or your chosen sweetener and then tasting the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter drink, slowly add more until it meets your liking. Remember, certain sweeteners vary in potency, so always check the conversion recommendations for your specific product.
For those who might enjoy a different flavor twist, consider using flavored syrups in place of or in addition to sweeteners. A splash of caramel or hazelnut syrup can elevate the overall experience, offering a unique variation of flavors. Just be cautious as flavored syrups often come with added calories.
Serving and Enjoying
Serving this iced coffee in a tall glass filled with ice maximizes the cold, refreshing experience. If you're preparing this for a group, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings desired and mix in a larger pitcher. This way, you can serve everyone at once, ensuring their drinks stay cold and flavorful.
For an eye-catching presentation, add a garnish of toasted coconut on top. This not only enhances the drink's visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You can easily toast coconut flakes by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
Ingredients
For the Coffee
- 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons stevia or your preferred sweetener
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee
Brew your coffee and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can pour it over ice to cool quickly.
Combine Ingredients
In a glass, combine the chilled coffee, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
Serve
Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the coconut vanilla coffee mixture over it, and stir gently to combine.
Garnish (Optional)
For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor twist!
Make Ahead Tips
One of the best features of this iced coffee is that it can be prepared in advance, making your mornings even smoother. Brew a larger batch of coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. This way, you’ll always have chilled coffee ready at your fingertips, allowing you to whip up your favorite drink in no time.
If you find that the flavors of vanilla and coconut intensify over time, consider almost like a coffee concentrate. You might also want to prepare this iced coffee base the night before and letting it chill overnight. The next morning, simply combine it with ice, and you’ll have an invigorating drink ready to go.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, store your coffee mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This mixture should last for up to three days; however, keep in mind that the flavor may evolve. To refresh it, simply shake or stir before serving, and reintroduce some ice to chill it back down. Avoid reheating if you prefer the cold format.
When it comes to freezing, this drink may not fare well due to the coconut milk separating once thawed. However, you can freeze the brewed coffee in ice cube trays. This way, you can blend these cubes into a smoothie-like consistency, offering a different but equally delightful twist on your iced coffee.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can use any milk of your choice, but it will change the flavor and calorie content.
→ Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! The recipe is completely vegan-friendly due to the use of coconut milk.
→ How can I make this coffee sweeter?
You can add more stevia, agave syrup, or even a splash of flavored syrup to enhance sweetness.
→ Can I make this coffee ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge for a quick coffee fix later!
Low Calorie Iced Coconut Vanilla Coffee
I absolutely love starting my day with a refreshing cup of Low Calorie Iced Coconut Vanilla Coffee. The combination of coconut milk and vanilla not only gives this drink a tropical twist, but it also keeps the calorie count low. I enjoy it especially during warm summer days when I crave something cold and invigorating. With just a few simple ingredients, I feel like I'm indulging in a gourmet coffee shop experience right at home. It’s a delightful pick-me-up that fuels my morning without the guilt!
Created by: Seraphina Moore
Recipe Type: Daily Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 serving
What You'll Need
For the Coffee
- 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons stevia or your preferred sweetener
- Ice cubes
How-To Steps
Brew your coffee and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can pour it over ice to cool quickly.
In a glass, combine the chilled coffee, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the coconut vanilla coffee mixture over it, and stir gently to combine.
For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor twist!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g