She Strengthens

Beat the Heat with Chilled Coffee Drinks

When the mercury rises, a steaming hot cup of coffee might not be the most appealing choice. That’s why chilled coffee drinks have become a staple of summer. But what’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee? It all comes down to the brewing method.

Cold Brew: The Smooth Operator

Cold brew coffee has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a higher-end coffee experience that’s less watered down and retains its integrity. The secret lies in the brewing process: medium-to-coarse ground coffee is steeped in room temperature water for 12 hours or longer, then filtered to remove the grounds. This method extracts the coffee’s oils, sugars, and caffeine without exposing it to heat, resulting in a smooth, rich infusion with low acidity.

Iced Coffee: The Quick Fix

Iced coffee, on the other hand, is created like regular hot coffee, then cooled down to be poured over ice. However, simply pouring day-old coffee over ice cubes doesn’t cut it. To make optimal iced coffee, use the Japanese method: pour-over coffee set up to drip onto ice cubes, instantly cooling the brew. This preserves the richness, acidity, and aroma of fresh coffee while keeping it refreshing.

Get Creative with Cold Coffee Recipes

With temperatures rising, it’s time to try some refreshing cold coffee concoctions:

• Basic Cold Brewed Coffee: Steep coffee grounds in a French press or pitcher for at least 12 hours, then strain and enjoy.
• Boozy Biscotti Iced Coffee: Steep coffee grounds in cold water, then spike with amaretto and Pernod for a festive twist.
• Southeast Asian Sweet Coffee: Combine strong brewed coffee with sweet condensed milk for a delicious and refreshing treat.
• Mud Pie Milkshake: Blend coffee ice cream with milk and crushed chocolate wafer cookies, then drizzle with hot fudge sauce.
• Coffee Flip: Mix coffee liqueur with heavy cream, ice, and egg whites for a frothy, creamy after-dinner drink.
• Espresso Gelato: Take coffee ice cream to the next level with this rich and creamy recipe.
• Spiked Frozen Coffee Shots: Combine Kahlua-spiked coffee with condensed milk and espresso for a potent and refreshing dessert.

These chilled coffee drinks are sure to become your new summer obsession. So go ahead, beat the heat, and indulge in a cold cup of joe!