"COOL COFFEE" BY BETTY SHALUTA

A steaming cup of coffee is a perfect way to start off your day, but if hot coffee and hot weather don’t mix in your book, then look for cooler alternatives.  You don’t have to give up your caffeine or coffee fix just because summer has rolled in.  Try switching to iced coffee for a refreshing alternative.

It’s obvious that a key ingredient for iced coffee is ice.  It used to be that any old ice would do to cool down the coffee, but today’s coffee drinkers are a bit more savvy.  Plan ahead and freeze some cubes of your favorite coffee so that when you make iced coffee you’ll be ready with coffee cubes.  By using coffee cubes, you won’t water down your drink, and you can use the opportunity to combine one type of coffee cube with the brewed coffee you’re icing down to allow for unique drinks and interesting taste combos.

The easiest recipe for iced coffee is to brew your favorite coffee the way you normally brew it, then let the coffee cool enough to safely pour over the coffee cubes in your favorite mug.  Mugs, cups, and glass are prone to crack when boiling coffee and ice cubes collide, so use caution and common sense.  Some people add a splash of flavors or liquors to liven up the iced coffee.  Others add whipped cream on top for added panache.

Another fun alternative is to toss the frozen coffee cubes in the blender and make an iced coffee slushy.  The consistency is more “icy” than smooth but it’s a great drink for sipping on the beach.