Cold Coffee with Sugar Syrup
Beverages • India
How to Make Cold Coffee with Sugar Syrup (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Cold Coffee with Sugar Syrup is an all-time favorite Indian beverage, especially cherished during the hot summer months. This chilled and creamy drink has found its place in Indian households, college canteens, and trendy cafés alike. The classic combination of robust Indian coffee, cold milk (doodh), and homemade sugar syrup (chini ka sharbat) creates a refreshing and rich beverage that is both satisfying and energizing. The recipe is simple, making it perfect for quick treats, family gatherings, or as a cooling companion during festivals like Holi or Diwali. The Indian version of cold coffee stands out for its smooth texture and subtle sweetness balanced by the boldness of instant coffee powder. It’s often topped with a light froth and sometimes garnished with cocoa, grated chocolate, or even a scoop of ice cream for indulgence. This health-conscious rendition uses reduced sugar, skim milk, and optional natural sweeteners, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste with fewer calories. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast drink or a mid-day refresher, cold coffee with sugar syrup is a delicious way to beat the Indian heat and energize your day.
Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (approx. 200 ml))
- 2 tsp Instant coffee powder (Nescafe or Bru)
- 2 cups (chilled) Skim milk (doodh) (Toned or double toned milk for fewer calories)
- 2 tbsp Sugar (chini, for syrup)
- 2 tbsp Water (for sugar syrup)
- 6-8 Ice cubes (baraf ke tukde)
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla essence (optional, for aroma) - optional
- 1 tsp Cocoa powder or grated chocolate (for garnish, optional) - optional
- as needed Low-calorie sweetener (optional, for weight loss version) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare sugar syrup by heating sugar and water in a small pan on low flame until sugar dissolves completely. Cool to room temperature.
5 minutes
Stir continuously to avoid caramelizing the sugar.
- 2
In a mixing bowl or mug, dissolve instant coffee powder in 2 tbsp of warm water for a smooth blend.
2 minutes
Use freshly boiled water for best aroma.
- 3
In a blender (mixie), add chilled milk, dissolved coffee, cooled sugar syrup, vanilla essence (if using), and ice cubes.
3 minutes
For extra froth, blend for 30-40 seconds.
- 4
Blend all ingredients until the mixture becomes creamy and frothy.
2 minutes
Do not overblend to avoid diluting with melted ice.
Why This Dish is Healthy
Opting for skim milk and controlling the amount of sugar makes this cold coffee a healthier alternative to café-style versions. Homemade sugar syrup allows for portion control and the elimination of unnecessary additives. The recipe is vegetarian, and with minor tweaks, can be diabetic- or weight loss-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. The use of natural ingredients ensures you get the classic taste without extra calories.
This cold coffee is a light beverage, offering the energizing benefits of caffeine and the nutritional goodness of milk, which provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. By using toned or skim milk and limited sugar, the calorie content is kept in check. The optional use of natural sweeteners further reduces the glycemic load, making it suitable for those tracking macros. The beverage contains minimal fat and moderate carbohydrates, ensuring a balanced intake.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use freshly brewed decoction for a richer flavor instead of instant coffee.
- 💡Tip 2: Chill the serving glasses before pouring in the cold coffee for a café-style experience.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust the sugar syrup to your taste and dietary needs.
Storage & Serving
Consume immediately after preparation for best taste. Refrigerate any leftover cold coffee for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving as ingredients may separate.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 140.0 kcal |
