Ingredients
Cold coffee drinks are best when they are made with the highest quality ingredients. Coffee beans that have been roasted to perfection, freshly ground and made with cold, pure water are a must-have. Choose whole-bean options or pre-ground coffee if you don’t want to bother with preparing fresh grounds for your drink. For an even richer flavor, pick a high-quality cold-brew coffee concentrate. Depending on your preference, you can add different flavors and sweeteners to your cold coffee. Ingredients such as creamers, flavored syrups, coconut cream, brown sugar, and honey are popular choices.
Instruments
Before you start making your cold coffee drink, you should make sure you have the right instruments for the job. Coffee makers, filters, shakers, muddlers, shot glasses, mixing glasses, and strainers are the essential tools for preparing a perfect cold coffee. It is also essential to have coffee mugs, spoons, and stirrers on hand. If you prefer to add extra flair to your cold coffee, a few extra instruments, such as a French press, an espresso machine, or something a little more gourmet could be beneficial.
Instructions
Brewing your perfect cold coffee is really quite simple. Start by pouring some cold water into a pot, then add the appropriate ratio of ground coffee or cold-brew coffee concentrate. Put the pot on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Strain the boiled mixture through a filter and allow it to cool to your desired temperature. Then pour the cold coffee into your glass of choice, adding the other desired ingredients for flavor. Stir the mixture together until it reaches your desired consistency, and you are now ready to enjoy your drink.
Serving Options
Cold coffee drinks are usually served over ice, but there are far more interesting ways to serve them. Experiment with things like cold brew floats, espresso smashes, cold shake recipes and more to add some variety to your menu. There are also some exciting options that you can create by blending up some seasonal fruits and adding them to your drink. Some delicious flavors to try include blueberry, mango, raspberry, and pineapple.
Health Benefits
Drinking a cold coffee can give you an energy boost, but it can also provide many other health benefits. Drinking cold coffee helps to regulate cortisol levels in the body, meaning it can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it contains healthy antioxidants which can prevent serious diseases later in life. Another benefit is that cold coffee can help lower inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.
A Few Tips
Making an exceptional cold coffee drink isn’t rocket science. Just make sure to use the right ratio of coffee to water and the right drop of cold-brew concentrate, if using. When adding sweeteners, try not to overdo it, as that can overpower the flavor of the coffee. Finally, let your imagination run wild, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family.
Experimental Blends
For those looking to create an extraordinary cold coffee drink, there are a variety of exciting and innovative flavors and combinations to try. Blend together different types of coffee with your favorite seasonings, spices, and extracts, such as cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add some cream or milk for a smooth, velvety finish.
Fancy Garnishes
There’s no need to settle for plain old coffee—turn your cold coffee beverages into eye-catching creations by topping them with sweet and savory garnishes. Freshly grated nutmeg, lemon and orange peelings, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder are all great options. Or, find your own unique blend of stir-ins to add a personal touch to your coffee.
Using Alternative Milks
Traditional cow’s milk isn’t the only choice when it comes to making cold coffee beverages. Alternative milks, such as cashew, almond, and oat, can be used to create decadent drinks. Generally, they are best suited for recipes that don’t require steaming or frothing. Not only are they perfectly creamy, but they are also healthier and offer more variety than traditional dairy milk.
Spiking Your Cold Coffee
For a real treat, add an extra kick to your cold coffee beverage with a shot of aromatic liqueur. Flavors such as early gray, hazelnut, and cinnamon are all popular choices. But do be warned, just a little goes a long way when it comes to spiking your drink; a shot of liqueur is often all you need to enjoy the perfectly caffeinated and spirited taste.
