Iced Coffees - Relief from Summer Heat

Is iced coffee different from regular hot coffee? Many people think iced coffee is merely a hot cup of joe poured over ice. This, however, is a popular misconception. Iced coffee is different on many levels, beginning first with the brewing process.

Iced coffees are brewed cold. After the coffee beans have been ground, the grinds are soaked in ice cold water. After several hours, the mixture of cold water and coffee grinds is filtered leaving a concentration of cold coffee grinds. Depending on your personal preference, this concentrate is then diluted with either milk or water.

Iced coffee, also known as "Toddy Coffee", was created by Todd Simpson, hence "Toddy Coffee". In 1964, he patented a coffee machine exclusively for making cold coffee. However, a lot has happened in 30 years and now you can use other types of coffee machines for brewing and making iced coffees rather than using a Toddy brewing machine.

Iced coffee has become a popular drink millions of people around the world enjoy. It is refreshing, smooth, cold and very satisfying. Their are a variety of ways of preparing your iced coffee. Many people prefer a simple glass of iced coffee with crushed or cubed ice, cream and sugar. Others like their iced coffee topped with one or two scoops of coffee flavored ice cream. Some even like their drinks blended with the ice cream topped with whipped cream making their iced coffee smoother and creamier.

For the most part, iced coffee drinks are most popular during the summer time. This cool and refreshing drink relieves the summer time heat and is sure to satisfy the taste buds.

One advantage to making iced coffee is that you can make it at home, rather than spend your hard earned money on a simple drink. The key ingredients to making a iced coffee drink at home are crushed or cubed ice, cream, sugar, coffee mix, milk and cold water. Other ingredients can be added to make a gourmet iced coffee drink. These ingredients include: caramel or chocolate sauce; vanillla, cinnamon or even cardamom powder; ice cream and whipped cream. One disadvantage to making iced coffee is that when crushed or cubed ice is added to the coffee much of the coffee taste, flavor and caffeine are diluted, which is why many coffee experts suggest using dark roast coffee beans. Using a dark roast helps maintain the strength and robust flavor of the coffee.

With the crazy number of health concerns today, why not drink iced coffee instead of those high calorie and high sugar colas and soft drinks. So, instead of grabbing that ice cold soft drink, grab yourself an easy to make iced coffee. Or, better yet, make yourself an iced coffee with honey, iced Jamaican coffee, iced Amaretto coffee, or even an ice coffee soda! All these recipes are easy to find and even easier to make. But, if you love your colas and soft drink but love your coffee at the same time, go for a Coffee Coke Float mixing together ice cream, coffee and cola!

By Michael Russell

Tips for Quick and Easy Iced Coffee

Coffee is a fantastic drink at any time of day, during any season of the year. That being said, a steaming hot cup of java isn’t always welcome once summer rolls around. Don’t let the summer heat deprive you of your favorite beverage when you can switch to iced coffee!

During the warmest months of the year, iced coffee makes for a refreshing change of pace. While most cafes and coffee shops serve these cold concoctions, you may be wondering how to get iced coffee at home. Here are my tips for serving up delicious iced coffee without having to break a sweat:

• Get ice.

This may seem obvious, but you need ice to help you make iced coffee. If you don’t plan ahead by freezing some cubes, you won’t be able to make iced coffee when you want it. While plain old frozen water will do, I prefer freezing several of my favorite Keurig coffee brews in an ice cube tray. When combined with your freshly brewed coffee, these coffee cubes won’t water the drink down.

• Brew coffee.

Next, brew your favorite coffee variety. While you’re welcome to use a regular drip brewer or instant coffee, I prefer my Keurig single cup coffee maker. To make a cup of coffee in less than a minute, all I have to do is pop one of the K Cup portion packs into the machine and press a button. This allows me to brew multiple cups and different flavors very quickly – which means I can pour the fresh coffee over the coffee cubes and start drinking iced coffee that much sooner!

• Mix things up.

Once you’ve poured your freshly brewed coffee over your frozen coffee cubes, you can either drink it straight or add a splash of your favorite liquor. I recommend the flavors of coconut rum, Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps or crème de menthe. If you’re in the mood for extra flavor but don’t want alcohol, try adding a few drops of vanilla or adding some Italian-style flavored syrups.

• Try something different.

If you’d like a more slushy drink, skip the hot coffee. Simply throw a cup of the frozen coffee cubes into a blender and give it a few pulses. Don’t over do it with the blender or you’ll end up with soup. Pour the crushed coffee cubes into a mug and serve with a straw or spoon.

Another fun idea is to create a coffee dessert by freezing your favorite brew in an ice pop mold. If you don’t have an ice pop mold, freeze plastic spoons into the coffee cubes you make in an ice cube tray. Once your coffee pops are frozen solid, remove them from the tray and enjoy. Be careful not to consume your chilled treats too quickly – it might be the first time you get brain freeze from your coffee!

By R.L. Fielding