How to Make Frozen Coffee Drinks
Preparing frozen coffee drinks at home can be a great way to save money. With some basic ingredients, and the right tools, you can make the perfect icy cup of coffee in just a few simple steps. Plus, this delicious, refreshing treat is easy to customize with all kinds of additions, from creamers and syrups to liqueurs and more. Here is everything you need to know to make frozen coffee drinks, from the basic recipes to more complex creations.
Ingredients
When it comes to preparing frozen coffee drinks, it all begins with the right ingredients. After all, the quality of the ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your beverage. Start with some type of strong-brewed coffee, either espresso or a specialty variety. Other ingredients might include items like ice cream, cream, ice cubes, flavored syrups, liqueurs and more. Depending on what type of coffee drinks you plan to make, you may need additional ingredients such as peanut butter, yogurt and fruit.
Tools and Equipment
In addition to the ingredients, you will also need the right tools and equipment to make frozen coffee drinks. You will need a blender or food processor, as well as other items such as a hand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife and an ice cream scoop. In some cases, you may need an electric can opener and a sieve for straining or pureeing items.
Basic Recipe
The basic recipe for a frozen coffee drink is quite simple and requires just a few ingredients. Start by making a strong-brewed coffee, such as espresso. Once the coffee is brewed and cooled, pour it into a blender or food processor. Then add in 1 cup of ice cream, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of sugar, depending on how sweet you like it. Add a few drops of flavoring extract, such as vanilla, almond or raspberry. Finally, blend the ingredients until it is creamy and smooth. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate sauce and a maraschino cherry for a perfect, sophisticated dessert-like drink.
Gourmet Versions
A basic frozen coffee drink is delicious, but it can also be jazzed up in a variety of ways. If you want something a bit more gourmet, you can add additional ingredients and flavors. For a healthy spin, consider adding things like bananas, almond butter, granola and other healthy snacks. For a richer, more indulgent drink, add a few tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, such as Baileys, Kahlua, Tia Maria, Frangelico and so on. You can also try adding a few drops of flavoring extract, such as peppermint or hazelnut, to create delicious variations.
Fruity Frozen Coffee Drinks
Fruit and coffee can often make a surprisingly delicious combination. To make a frozen coffee drink with fresh fruit, start by pureeing your desired fruits, such as strawberries, peaches, blueberries, papaya, mango and so on. Add this pureed fruit to the coffee, cream, sugar and extract that you used for the basic recipe. Blend until smooth and creamy and garnish with a slice of fresh fruit. You can also use canned fruit, like mixed berry or pineapple, for a quick, tasty treat.
Cold Brew Coffee Drinks
Cold brew coffee is an increasingly popular way to make coffee. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in a cold or room-temperature water for an extended period of time. This results in a much smoother, milder flavor than traditional hot-brewed coffee. To use cold brew coffee for frozen drinks, use the same process as above but substitute cold brew coffee for the hot-brewed espresso.
Affogato-Style Drinks
Affogato-style frozen coffee drinks are very popular in specialty coffee shops. To make a simple affogato-style frozen coffee drink, add 1-2 scoops of your favorite ice cream to a glass. Then pour a shot of espresso over the ice cream. For a more decadent version, add one or more liqueurs, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or your favorite topping for a truly delicious treat.
Layered Iced Coffee Drinks
Layered iced coffee drinks are a great way to try different flavors and create unique, interesting combinations. Start by adding 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee and 1/2 cup of cold milk to a tall glass. For the next layer, choose something creamy and/or sweet, such as cream, condensed milk, yogurt or ice cream. Then choose your flavorings, such as chocolate syrup, brewed espresso, chocolate sprinkles, mint chips or flavored syrups. Add these ingredients in a second layer, one at a time. Finally, top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and your favorite toppings.
Smoothie-Style Frozen Coffee Drinks
Smoothies can easily be adapted to make delicious, refreshing frozen coffee drinks. Start with 1/2 cup of brewed coffee and 1/2 cup of cold milk. Then add in 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt for thickness and creaminess, along with a handful of frozen fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. Finally, sweeten with a tablespoon or two of honey or agave nectar, if desired. For more texture, add a few ice cubes and blend until smooth and creamy.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Coffee Drinks
This super easy treat is perfect as an afternoon snack or as an after-dinner treat. Start with half a cup of hot chocolate, either pre-made or homemade. Then add a shot of espresso, 1 cup of ice cubes and 1/2 cup of cold milk. For sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or agave and blend until smooth and creamy. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Frozen Vanilla Bean Latte
If you are looking for a classic flavor combination, try this delicious frozen vanilla bean latte. Start by brewing a strong shot of espresso and then allow it to cool. In a blender, combine 1 cup of cold milk, 1/2 cup of cooked and cooled espresso and 1/4 cup of sugar. Add in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped and chopped). Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, then pour into a glass full of ice cubes and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Spiked Frozen Coffee Drinks
For a truly indulgent treat, try adding a shot of your favorite liqueur to a frozen coffee drink. Start with a basic recipe, such as the one described earlier, but add in your choice of liqueur. Popular choices include Kahlua, Baileys, Amaretto, Frangelico and other coffee-flavored liqueurs. Choices such as Chambord, Creme de Cacao and Creme de Menthe are also delicious choices for a sweet and boozy treat.
Toppings for Frozen Coffee Drinks
The toppings for frozen coffee drinks can be as creative and indulgent as you’d like. Popular toppings usually include whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, but you can also get creative with things like glazed nuts, cookie crumbs, crushed candy pieces, chopped fresh fruit and so on. Sprinkles and sprinkles of flavored syrups such as raspberry, caramel and hazelnut are all great additions as well.
