Iced coffee drinks have exploded in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s, and they're especially accessible for new coffee drinkers due to the extra sweetness. You can make iced coffee even easier to sip by brewing your own, and with a little planning, the process can be just as convenient as grabbing a drink from Starbucks.

If you take the extra time to brew and refrigerate your coffee the night before you mix and drink it, you won't have to spend hours waiting for your coffee fix when you want it right this second. This simple step can also be the difference between a strong, flavorful iced coffee and a watered-down disappointment.

Cooling your coffee ahead of time in a heat-safe container means that when you add ice, it won't immediately melt and water down the flavors. There are even more steps you can take to ensure a delicious drink, such as brewing your coffee extra-strong to begin with and making ice cubes from coffee instead of water.

Bustle also recommends making ice cubes out of coffee creamer or milk to keep things extra chilly. If you properly plan ahead and manage to keep your coffee strong and icy, feel free to add cinnamon, syrups, whipped cream, and whatever else you like in your fancy coffee drinks — and you didn't even have to drive to a cafe.