Look, I’m not saying this frozen maple coffee drink will replace your $7 cold brew habit but I’m not, not saying that either. Because once you try this, it becomes pretty hard to justify handing your money over to a coffee chain that can’t even spell your name right.
This ridiculously easy frozen maple coffee recipe uses only three ingredients, takes 5 minutes to make (plus freezing time), and delivers major flavour with zero pretension. It’s creamy, sweet, caffeinated, and unapologetically Canadian. We’re talking a full cup of maple syrup here, which as any good Canuck will tell you is the nectar of the gods.
Let’s Talk Coffee Costs for a Second
Now I’m not going to try and convince you that the reason you can’t buy a house is because of your coffee habit, but it might be costing you a nice holiday. Not to go full math teacher on you, but do you know how much your daily iced coffee habit is costing you? (Spoiler: it’s a lot.)
Even at a “reasonable” $5 per cup, grabbing one a day adds up to over $1,800 a year. That’s before you get into the artisanal maple cold brew foam or whatever nonsense they’re charging extra for this week.
Need a Midday Pick-Me-Up Without the Caffeine?
Try my fresh mint iced tea — it’s light, refreshing, and tastes like summer in a glass. Bonus: you can sip it all afternoon and still sleep at night.
This recipe? You’ll spend about $8 on the main ingredients for about 10 iced drinks — and that includes a full cup of real maple syrup. Try finding that kind of value at a drive-thru.
If you’re trying to spend less, this frozen maple coffee drink is the perfect gateway to cutting back without feeling like you’re sacrificing joy. (And if you’re deep in your own financial rebrand, here’s how I handled the first few months of a No Buy Year. Spoiler: I survived. And I still drink coffee.)
What This Frozen Maple Coffee Drink Actually Costs
If you’ve been handing over $7 to a coffee chain that’s about as Canadian as a Florida snowstorm, it’s time for a little perspective:
| Ingredient | Cost per Batch | Cost per Serving (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Coffee | $1.97 | $0.22 |
| Maple Syrup | $3.99 | $0.44 |
| Milk (avg.) | $1.30 | $1.30 |
| Total | $1.96 CAD |
That’s right — less than two bucks for a sweet, caffeinated treat that tastes better, costs less, and doesn’t fund an international coffee empire with no actual ties to this country.
I’d say that deserves a small round of applause… or at the very least a reusable tumbler and a smug smile.
But Does It Taste Good?
Let’s not let the money become the main focus here, because let’s be honest, if this frozen maple coffee drink tasted awful, you’d still be back at the drive-thru tomorrow, dropping $7 without blinking. Taste matters. And I’m happy to report: this one delivers.
I’ve tried a lot of homemade iced coffee recipes over the years, and this is the version my entire family loves. It’s sweet (but not cloying), bold (without the bitterness), and just creamy enough to feel indulgent without being heavy. So yes, you’ll save money — but you’ll also:
- actually look forward to drinking your DIY iced coffee
- skip the bitterness that some frozen coffee drinks have
- feel like you’ve nailed the perfect maple syrup latte at home
It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel smug in the best way. Like, “I could serve this at brunch and people would ask for the recipe” kind of smug.
Frozen Maple Coffee Drink
A frozen maple coffee drink made with instant coffee, hot water, and a full cup of real maple syrup — whipped, frozen, and scooped into milk over ice. Sweet, strong, and unapologetically Canadian. Perfect for hot days or your no-buy era.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Instant Coffee
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup milk of your choice
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant coffee and hot water. Stir until the coffee dissolves.
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Add the maple syrup and beat the mixture until thick and foamy. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or sheer willpower — but you’ll want it fluffy, like whipped cream’s caffeinated cousin.
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Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or container with a lid. Freeze overnight (or at least 6–8 hours).
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When you're ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and milk (I use about a cup of milk per glass).
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Scoop in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the frozen coffee mixture. Stir, sip, and enjoy the highly patriotic buzz.
Something for Later in the Day?
When the sun starts to dip, grab my hibiscus margarita recipe. It’s tart, floral, and just boozy enough to say, “I survived today.”
Frozen Maple Coffee Drink FAQ
Start with 2 to 3 tablespoons per glass of milk and ice. Want more punch? Add more. Want it sweeter or milkier? Adjust as needed. This isn’t baking, you’re allowed to wing it.
Taste-wise? Sometimes, yes. Instant coffee hits fast and hard, especially with no milk or sugar to cushion the blow. But in terms of caffeine, a teaspoon of instant coffee has less caffeine than a brewed cup, unless you’re using the high-octane stuff.
No. And I say that with love. Brewed coffee won’t whip properly and your frozen maple cloud of goodness will turn into a sad little puddle. Instant coffee is the magic here, and frankly, this might be the best thing it’s ever been used for.
It keeps for at least 2 weeks in the freezer (if you can make it last that long). Store it in an airtight container and scoop as needed. It’s the caffeinated version of having emergency cake in the freezer.
Absolutely. Just use a plant-based milk when serving — oat, almond, soy, coconut, cashew, whatever gets you out of bed in the morning.
Grade A – Amber, Rich Taste. This grade has the perfect balance of that deep maple flavour without being overpowering. It holds up well against the coffee and still adds that warm sweetness you’re after.
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