It’s time we got excited about iced coffee again! At this point everyone and their dog knows what cold brew is and an Iced Americano is about as exotic as drip. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to cold and delicious coffee to enjoy during these hot summer days.
Here are a few fun variations on the classic that might just dazzle your jaded tastebuds once more.
First off, a little primer:
- Cold Brew: Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth and less acidic coffee that is perfect for iced coffee.
- Iced Latte: An iced latte is made by combining espresso with cold milk and ice. It can be flavored with syrups such as vanilla or caramel for added sweetness.
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Vietnamese iced coffee is made with strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. It has a rich and creamy flavor that is perfect for a hot summer day.
- Mocha Iced Coffee: Mocha iced coffee is made by adding chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to cold coffee. It is a sweet and indulgent treat that is perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Iced Americano: An iced Americano is made by adding cold water to espresso and ice. It is a simple and refreshing drink that is perfect for those who prefer a strong coffee flavor.
think of this unique iced coffee creation as “the fraternal twin to the Arnold Palmer” says Ajoke of The Dinner Bite
By now you might be yawning, scrolling past in a frantic search for the new. Well here you go!
- Cardamom Rose Iced Coffee: This unique iced coffee recipe uses cardamom and rosewater to create a floral and spicy flavor. It is a refreshing and exotic drink that is perfect for summer.
- Lemonade Iced Coffee: Similar to a traditional drink from Algeria, lemonade iced coffee is made by adding a splash of lemonade to cold brew. It is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for those who love a little sweetness in their coffee.
- Magic Coffee: courtesy of Food52, this spin on Mexican coffee incorporates cinnamon and the recipe is below.
“If you like a more velvety formula, do as the Vietnamese do, and use condensed milk instead of cream. No matter how you make it, the end result is something so delicious, it tastes like witchcraft.” –Karen Lo on Magic Coffee
Magic Coffee
Ingredients
3 cups water
2/3 cup coarsely ground coffee
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Assembly
Ice, for serving
Milk, half-and-half, or cream, to taste
Steps
In a quart jar, stir the water, coffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning pour the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, then strain back into the jar for easy storage.
For each drink: Fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Pour in the coffee until the glass is about three-quarters full. Add your choice of milk to taste.