A cool glass of iced coffee can make any busy morning feel a little calmer. That’s why the First Watch iced coffee recipe has become one of my favorite drinks to enjoy at home.
My cousin often stops by First Watch for breakfast, and while they go for the pancakes or omelets, I always look forward to their smooth, sweet iced coffee. It’s refreshing, easy to sip, and keeps me going through the day.
What I love most is how easy it is to make this drink right at home. With just a few ingredients from the store, I can mix it up in minutes and skip the long wait at the restaurant.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants that same rich flavor without leaving the house.
Now let’s talk about how First Watch makes their iced coffee so good and how you can do it too.
What Iced Coffee Does First Watch Use?
First Watch uses a specific product to make their famous drink. They use Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate. This concentrate is what gives their iced coffee its special taste.
It is smooth and has just the right amount of sweetness already mixed in. This makes it very easy for them to prepare the drink quickly.
When you make this First Watch iced coffee recipe at home, using this same concentrate helps you get that true restaurant flavor. It’s the main ingredient that makes the drink taste so good.
Best Ratio For Iced Coffee
The best ratio for iced coffee depends on how strong you like your drink. Most coffee experts suggest using a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water for a medium strength coffee.
Some people prefer a stronger taste and use more concentrate, while others like a milder flavor and add more water.
For this recipe, I recommend starting with 1/2 cup of concentrate and adjusting from there. You can always add more concentrate or water to get the perfect taste for you.
The key is to taste as you go and make small changes. Remember that adding ice will also dilute the coffee slightly, so keep that in mind when mixing your drink.
What Is in First Watch Iced Coffee
- Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate (½ cup) – A ready-to-use coffee base with sweetener already added. It saves time and gives a consistent flavor. A strong cold brew or brewed coffee concentrate can be used as a substitute.
- Milk (⅓ to ½ cup) – Any milk works: whole, skim, almond, oat, or soy. Choose the type that matches your taste or dietary needs.
- Ice (about 1 cup) – Keeps the drink cold and refreshing. Crushed ice melts faster for a lighter taste; larger cubes melt slower and keep the drink stronger.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons or as desired) – Adds extra sweetness. Honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute can replace it.
- Warm Water (about 2 tablespoons) – Helps dissolve the sugar and concentrate before adding cold liquid.
Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe
- Tall glass – Holds all ingredients easily.
- Measuring cup – Helps get the right ratios.
- Spoon or stir stick – Mixes sugar and coffee concentrate well.
- Kettle – For a small amount of warm water.
- Straw (optional) – For easy sipping.
How to Make First Watch Iced Coffee at Home
Step 1 – Add the Coffee Base
Pour ½ cup of Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate (or your strong cold brew) into a tall glass. This is your flavorful base.
Step 2 – Sweeten It Up
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to the glass. Pour in about 2 tablespoons of warm water and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This keeps the drink smooth with no gritty bits.
Step 3 – Adjust the Strength
Pour in ½ to 1 cup of chilled water, depending on how strong you like your coffee. Give it another good stir so everything blends.
Step 4 – Add the Creaminess
Measure ⅓ to ½ cup of milk—any kind you like (whole, skim, almond, oat, or soy)—and pour it into the glass. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5 – Chill It Down
Fill the glass all the way to the top with ice. Crushed ice makes it lighter, while big cubes keep it bold.
Step 6 – Finish and Enjoy
Give the drink one final stir, pop in a straw if you like, and enjoy your smooth, sweet homemade First Watch iced coffee.
Chef Tips + Notes
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra-cold drink, put your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you start.
- Strong Brew: If you are using homemade strong coffee instead of the concentrate, make sure it is completely cool before you add it to your glass.
- Avoid Watery Coffee: Make your coffee with the warm and cold water first before adding the ice. This keeps the ice from melting too fast and watering down your drink.
The Perfect Pairing
This refreshing iced coffee pairs beautifully with breakfast pastries, especially buttery croissants or fresh muffins. The coffee’s smooth richness complements sweet breakfast treats without overwhelming them.
Light breakfast sandwiches also work well, as the coffee cuts through rich egg and cheese flavors nicely.
For a complete First Watch experience at home, serve this alongside fresh fruit bowls or yogurt parfaits. The coffee’s bold flavor balances perfectly with fresh berries and creamy yogurt.
If you’re having a heartier breakfast, this iced coffee works great with pancakes, waffles, or French toast. The cold temperature provides a nice contrast to warm breakfast foods.
At First Watch restaurants, they typically serve this iced coffee in tall glasses with plenty of ice and thick straws.
They often garnish it with a light dusting of cinnamon or serve it alongside their signature breakfast dishes. The presentation is always clean and simple, letting the coffee’s quality speak for itself.
Many customers order it as their go-to morning drink because it provides the perfect caffeine boost without being too heavy for breakfast time.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: Mix the concentrate, sugar, and water in a jar the night before. Store in the fridge. In the morning, just add milk and ice for a quick drink. This saves time and makes it easy to serve several glasses at once.
How to Store: Keep the prepared coffee base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh milk and ice only when ready to drink. This keeps the flavor strong and prevents it from becoming watery.
First Watch Iced Coffee Recipe FAQs
1. How much caffeine is in a First Watch Coffee?
A typical 12-ounce cup of First Watch brewed coffee has about 150–200 mg of caffeine. When using Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate at home, the caffeine depends on how strong the concentrate is mixed. Using the standard ratio in this recipe gives about the same caffeine as a medium-strength iced coffee from the restaurant.
2. Does First Watch Have Free Iced Coffee Refills?
Most First Watch locations offer free refills on their hot brewed coffee but not on iced coffee. The iced version is made with a special concentrate, so each glass is prepared individually. When making the first watch iced coffee recipe at home, it’s easy to pour yourself another glass at no extra cost.
3. Why Does First Watch Iced Coffee Taste Like Alcohol?
The drink itself has no alcohol. The rich coffee concentrate combined with sweetener can give a bold flavor that some people compare to liqueur. It’s simply the deep roasted notes of the coffee and the sweet base that create that impression.
4. How Long Does The Concentrate Last Once Opened?
Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate typically lasts 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator once opened, as long as it’s stored properly in a sealed container. Always check the package directions for specific storage instructions and expiration dates. The concentrate should smell fresh and coffee-like – any off odors indicate it’s time to replace it.
5. How Sweet Is First Watch Iced Coffee?
It’s mildly sweet from the concentrate, not overpowering. You control extra sugar at home. Compared to sodas, it’s lighter. Taste as you go to adjust. For less sweet, skip added sugar and use unsweetened milk. This flexibility suits different preferences, from black coffee fans to those who like it dessert-like.
6. Can I Make It Without Sugar?
Absolutely! The Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate is already sweet, so you can skip extra sugar entirely. If you want less sweetness overall, use a smaller amount of concentrate and add more chilled water or milk.
For a sugar-free option, try a splash of sugar-free syrup like stevia or monk fruit to keep the flavor balanced without adding calories.
First Watch iced coffee Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour ½ cup of Monin Sweetened Iced Coffee Concentrate (or your strong cold brew) into a tall glass. This is your flavorful base.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to the glass. Pour in about 2 tablespoons of warm water and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This keeps the drink smooth with no gritty bits.
- Pour in ½ to 1 cup of chilled water, depending on how strong you like your coffee. Give it another good stir so everything blends.
- Measure ⅓ to ½ cup of milk—any kind you like (whole, skim, almond, oat, or soy)—and pour it into the glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill the glass all the way to the top with ice. Crushed ice makes it lighter, while big cubes keep it bold.
- Give the drink one final stir, pop in a straw if you like, and enjoy your smooth, sweet homemade First Watch iced coffee.
This first watch iced coffee recipe makes it simple to enjoy that smooth, sweet coffee at home anytime. Quick to make and easy to adjust, it’s perfect for mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
With just a few ingredients, the same taste from the restaurant is ready in minutes, so coffee lovers can enjoy it without waiting in line.
