Iced coffee is an increasingly popular beverage choice, especially in the hot summer months. But do you know about frozen coffee drinks? They’re the new frontier in iced coffee drinks, offering consumers a creamy blend of frozen coffee, along with the features of a regular iced coffee. Making your own frozen coffee drinks isn’t hard, and you can customize it to fit your own unique preferences.
The Base
To make your own frozen coffee drink, you’ll need a base. You can use either cold brew coffee or espresso. If you’re using cold brew, the ideal starting temperature is room temperature, or even slightly cooler. You can also use freshly brewed coffee and chill it before adding it to the mixture. If you’re using espresso, you’ll need to chill it as quickly as possible. To do this, fill a large shallow bowl with ice and cold water, then put the espresso shot in the bowl. The espresso should be chilled in a few minutes.
Types of Add-Ins
Once you’ve chosen your base, you can get creative with the add-ins. Start by adding a sweetener, such as sugar, honey or agave nectar. Then, you can add flavors like syrup, chocolate or even fruit. The possibilities are endless! Finally, you can add creamers like almond milk, coconut milk, or even heavy cream. You can also add in spices and herbs, such as cinnamon or cardamom.
Choosing Your Serving Size
When deciding on your serving size, consider the type of drink you want to make. For example, if you’re making an espresso-based drink, an espresso shot generally yields one serving size. For a cold brew, two shots usually makes a single serving. If you’re adding extra ingredients, consider the proportion in the recipe. Too little and it won’t have enough flavor. Too much and it will become too sweet.
Blending Tips
Start by blending your coffee and add-ins until you have a slushy-like consistency. Then, add crushed ice to the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can also use a specialty coffee device, like a frappe maker, to make sure your frozen coffee drink is perfectly blended.
Decoration and Toppings
When it comes to the presentation of your frozen coffee drink, the options are endless. You can decorate your drink with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, fresh fruit, shredded coconut and more. You can also add fun straws to complete the look.
Reheating
If your frozen coffee drink starts to melt, you can easily re-freeze it. Simply pour the melted coffee into a container and stick it in the freezer for about 45 minutes. That way, you can enjoy your frozen coffee drink for longer.
Mistakes to Avoid
When blending frozen drinks like smoothies or frozen coffees, it’s important to avoid over-blending. Blending for too long can result in a slushy texture and an off-color drink. It’s also important to use the right ratios when adding add-ins. Too much sweetener can turn your frozen coffee drink into a sugary syrup. Too much espresso, on the other hand, can result in a bitter and unpleasant flavor. play with the ratios, taste, and adjust accordingly.
Extra Ingredients
A great way to add extra flavor to your frozen coffee drink is by adding non-traditional ingredients. For example, you can add a scoop of ice cream or coconut cream for an extra creamy texture. You can also add dairy-free milks like almond or macadamia for a creamy and nutty flavor. Finally, you can also add protein powders for an added punch of energy.
Smoothie Booster
Another great way to extend the life of your frozen coffee drinks is by adding a smoothie booster. A smoothie booster is any ingredient that adds extra nutrition to your drink. A popular smoothie booster is chia seeds, which are rich in fiber and healthy fats. You can also add fruit purees, nut butters, and oat milk for an extra kick of flavor and nutrition.
Alternative Milks
If you’re not a fan of dairy, you can use alternative milks in your frozen coffee drink. Nut milks, like almond and cashew, are a great alternative to dairy. You can also opt for a plant-based creamer, like coconut, oat, or soy. These alternatives will still add creaminess and flavor to your frozen coffee drinks, without the dairy.
Using Cocoa Powder
If you’re looking to add a chocolatey touch to your frozen coffee drink, consider using cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and has a slightly bitter and intense flavor. You can mix it into your drink, or even use it as a topping. Either way, it’s sure to add some delicious flavor to your frozen coffee drink.
Using Cold Brew Concentrate
cold brew coffee concentrates are great for making frozen coffee drinks. They’re often made with cold brewed coffee, and usually come in two varieties: single origin and blends. Single origin cold brew concentrates have a strong flavor, while blends are a bit more subtle and balanced. Whichever option you choose, you can use the cold brew concentrate to make a delicious frozen coffee drink.
