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How to Make Tim Hortons Iced Capp at Home (Easy Copycat Recipe)

As a coffee lover, I’ve spent years trying to recreate my favorite café drinks at home. One of my biggest successes is this Tim Hortons Iced Capp copycat recipe. If you grew up in Canada, you probably know the Iced Capp is more than just a drink—it’s a summer classic. That mix of bold coffee, creamy sweetness, and icy texture makes it hard to resist.

Over time, I found myself making it at home instead of driving to Tim Hortons. Prices kept going up, and it was easier to blend one in my own kitchen. After a lot of testing, I finally created a homemade iced capp that tastes just like the original—or even better, since I get to pick the ingredients.

The best part? This frozen coffee recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and ready in under 10 minutes. You only need basic pantry staples, no fancy equipment. It’s also easy to adjust for different diets, so anyone can enjoy it.

Whether you’re a Tim Hortons fan missing that familiar flavor or just looking for a refreshing DIY coffee drink, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect iced capp at home.

What Is a Tim Hortons Iced Capp?

The Tim Hortons Iced Capp is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. It’s a frozen coffee drink that’s thicker and creamier than regular iced coffee. Instead of just pouring coffee over ice, Tim Hortons blends strong coffee with cream, sweetener, and ice to make a smooth, slushie-like drink.

This mix gives you the best of both worlds—a caffeine boost with a sweet, icy finish. Many fans call it the perfect balance between a milkshake and iced coffee.

At Tim Hortons, you can order the Iced Capp in different flavors, like mocha, caramel, or the classic original. The vanilla version, however, remains a favorite across Canada.

The good news? You don’t need fancy machines or rare ingredients to enjoy it at home. A simple copycat iced capp recipe can capture that same flavor and creamy texture. It’s an easy way to make a café-style treat in your own kitchen, especially on hot days when you want something cold, sweet, and refreshing.

Ingredients for a Homemade Tim Hortons Iced Capp

This copycat Iced Capp recipe makes 2 servings (about 16 oz each). The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find in most kitchens. Each one plays an important role in creating that creamy, coffeehouse taste.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee – Tim Hortons medium roast gives the most authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use double-strength instant coffee.
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar – adds sweetness with a slight caramel flavor. You can swap with white sugar or 3½ tablespoons of maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – gives the drink its signature sweet aroma. Use ½ tablespoon if you like a lighter flavor.
  • ½ cup heavy cream – creates a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
  • 2 cups ice cubes – about 12–16 large cubes. To avoid watering down your drink, you can use coffee ice cubes.
  • Optional toppings – whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra indulgence.

The coffee gives you that bold caffeine kick. Sugar balances it with sweetness, while vanilla adds warmth and aroma. Cream makes the drink smooth and velvety, and ice gives it the frozen slush texture. For a vegan iced capp, swap the cream for coconut milk and use agave or maple syrup instead of sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a Tim Hortons Iced Capp at Home

Making a homemade Iced Capp is simple—no barista skills needed. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and just a minute or two to blend. Follow these steps for the perfect copycat Tim Hortons drink:

1. Brew and Sweeten the Coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong hot coffee. Pour it into a tall glass or bowl. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla until the sugar fully dissolves. This keeps the drink smooth and evenly flavored. If you’re using instant coffee, mix 2 tablespoons with 1 cup of boiling water first.

2. Cool the Coffee Mixture
Let the coffee rest for about 5 minutes, or place it in the freezer for quicker cooling. This step helps keep the ice from melting too fast during blending.

3. Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream. The mixture should now look like a creamy iced coffee. Taste and adjust the sweetness, remembering the ice will lighten the flavor a bit.

4. Blend Until Slushy
Pour the coffee mixture into a blender. Add the ice cubes (start with about 1½ cups if your blender is smaller). Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until you get a thick, slushy texture—similar to soft-serve ice cream.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Pour into two tall glasses. Add straws, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you like. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Tip: If your blender has trouble, blend in smaller batches or use a food processor. The result will still be a creamy, frosty, café-style drink with that classic iced capp taste.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Homemade Iced Capp

After plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks to make a copycat Tim Hortons Iced Capp taste just right. These simple tips will help you get the best texture and flavor every time:

1. Use the Right Blender
A strong blender crushes ice smoothly for that classic slush. If your blender is weaker, crush the ice in a bag first or use fewer cubes.

2. Keep the Flavor Strong
Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays. Using coffee cubes instead of water ice keeps your drink bold and prevents dilution.

3. Chill Before Blending
Cold cream and chilled glasses help the Iced Capp stay frosty longer—perfect for hot summer days.

4. Fix the Texture
Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Blend in more ice. Short blending bursts give you better control.

5. Save Time with Make-Ahead Prep
Mix the coffee, sugar, and vanilla in advance (without the ice) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add cream and ice when you’re ready to blend.

6. Make More for Sharing
Double or triple the recipe for family, friends, or parties. It’s an easy way to impress guests with a homemade frozen coffee treat.

These tips make your homemade Iced Capp taste as good—or even better—than the one from Tim Hortons.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this homemade Iced Capp recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your lifestyle or taste. Here are some popular iced capp variations:

1. Keto or Low-Carb Iced Capp

Replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (about 4 tablespoons). For extra energy, blend in a scoop of MCT oil. This keeps the drink creamy and under 5g of carbs per serving.

2. Dairy-Free or Vegan Iced Capp

Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Oat milk adds a natural sweetness, while coconut milk makes it rich and smooth.

3. Flavor Twists

Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup (or use chocolate milk) for a mocha version. Try hazelnut extract for a nutty flavor, or blend in a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

4. Healthier Version

Cut the sugar down to 2 tablespoons and use low-fat milk instead of cream. For a hidden nutrient boost, blend in a handful of spinach—it mixes in without changing the taste.

5. Boozy Adult Iced Capp

After blending, stir in 1 oz of Irish cream or coffee liqueur. This gives you a fun, cocktail-style frozen coffee drink.

These custom iced capp options make the recipe flexible and enjoyable for everyone—whether you’re keto, vegan, health-conscious, or just looking for something new.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving of this homemade Iced Capp (about 16 oz), based on standard ingredients:

  • Calories: ~320
  • Carbohydrates: 28g (mainly from sugar; much lower in keto versions)
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 22g (about 14g saturated, mostly from cream)
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Caffeine: ~95mg (from brewed coffee)
  • Vitamins & Minerals: About 15% DV Vitamin A, 8% DV Calcium

These numbers are estimates and may change depending on substitutions, like using low-fat milk, plant-based cream, or sugar alternatives.

For comparison, a medium Tim Hortons Iced Capp has around 470 calories and 67g of carbs. That makes this copycat iced capp recipe a lighter option—and you can adjust it further to cut calories, reduce sugar, or boost nutrition.

While this drink is still a sweet treat, the coffee adds antioxidants and a natural energy lift. Enjoy it in moderation as a refreshing way to get your caffeine fix.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Iced Capp

Can I make this recipe with decaf coffee?
Yes! You can use decaf beans or instant decaf to make a caffeine-free iced capp. The taste will stay almost the same, just without the energy boost.

Why does my Iced Capp turn watery?
This usually happens if the ingredients are too warm or the drink is over-blended. Use chilled coffee, cold cream, and pulse the blender instead of running it too long.

How long does a homemade Iced Capp last?
It tastes best fresh. You can keep the unblended coffee base in the fridge for 1–2 days, but don’t freeze or store the blended drink—it will separate and lose its texture.

Is this recipe exactly like Tim Hortons’ Iced Capp?
Not 100%, since Tim Hortons uses a proprietary mix, but this copycat iced capp recipe comes very close. Many people prefer it because it uses simple, real ingredients.

Can kids enjoy this drink?
Yes. Just reduce the amount of coffee for a milder flavor or use decaf so it’s kid-friendly and caffeine-free.

Final Thoughts: Why This Copycat Iced Capp Recipe Stands Out

Making a Tim Hortons Iced Capp at home is more than just a way to save money. It gives you the freedom to enjoy a creamy, refreshing frozen coffee drink anytime you want. With its smooth texture, bold coffee flavor, and easy customizations, this recipe is a go-to in my kitchen—especially on hot summer days.

Once you try this homemade iced capp, you’ll see why so many people call it their favorite copycat recipe. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and tastes just like the real thing. If you love blended coffee drinks, this one is a must-try.

Happy blending, and enjoy your café-style treat at home!

Mark Taylor
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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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