Iced Coffee Drink Recipe

Tricked-out iced coffee recipes: Bananas Foster smoothie, parlor coffee float ...

( Eric Risberg / Associated Press ) - This Wednesday, April 27, 2011 photo shows customer Brad Shaffer as he is served an iced coffee at Cafe Madeleine in San Francsico. Iced coffee drinks on today’s menus involve more than just pouring regular coffee over rocks. The beans used are premium, just as with hot coffee, and there are special preparations taken to bring out the best of the flavor.

Last year, the restaurant industry served up 500 million orders of iced, frozen or what are categorized as “slushie” coffee drinks, says Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst for NPD Group, a major market research firm.

That compares with 400 million in 2006, an impressive performance considering there’s been an intervening recession which typically nips at discretionary items like specialty coffee drinks.

Iced coffee drinks on today’s menus involve more than just pouring regular coffee over rocks. The beans used are premium, just as with hot coffee, and there are special preparations taken to bring out the best of the flavor.

At Java Beach, coffee is steeped overnight or sometimes longer using a coarse grain and cold water, no heat. “What that process does is there’s virtually no acidic quality to the coffee. It just brings out this really caramel-y, chocolate element of the coffee that’s really divine,” she says.

Who’s selling iced coffee?

Just about everyone, from big-timers like Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, and McDonald’s to most local shops, like Java Beach. Even 7-Eleven now offers an iced coffee beverage in two flavors.

A few fun facts: Nearly 60 percent of iced coffee is consumed at breakfast, 20 percent is treated as a snack, 13 percent of sales are for lunch and 4 percent for dinner. Consumption is heaviest in the Northeast and the frosty java is more popular with women than men.

At Dunkin’ Donuts, iced coffee is “fast becoming as hot, pardon the pun, as our classic cup of hot coffee,” says Scott Hudler, the company’s vice president of brand marketing.

Dunkin’ Donuts uses a double brewing process that keeps the flavor consistent. “It’s never bitter, it’s not watered down,” says Hudler.

Iced coffee is a caloric chameleon. It can be as Spartan as black coffee on the rocks or as hedonistic as a syrup-flavored, whipped cream-infused dessert-in-a-cup. And in case you were wondering, a cold cuppa joe still packs a jolt of caffeine.

Five Easy Coffee Drink Recipes: From Your Morning Joe To After ...

No question about it – coffee is the number one American beverage. While you’ve probably got your favorite pot of brew for everyday morning consumption, the true coffee lover is always looking for a new twist. Here, we’ve got five coffee drink recipes that span the gamut, from morning ’til night. They are all simple to prepare, but have that extra zip to make your coffee time special.

1.Mexican coffee is good at any hour of the day. All you need is a teaspoon of cinnamon, sprinkled over your coffee in the basket portion of your brewer. Brew as usual, pour into a big mug and add about two to three tablespoons of whipped cream, according to your taste. On top of the whipping cream, sprinkle just a pinch of nutmeg. Drink from the mug, or sip with a straw. Delicious!

2.Elegant coffee drink recipes need not be fussy to succeed! Make a pot of your favorite brew, a bit stronger than usual. Add un-whipped whipping cream, right from the carton. Rich, elegant and easy. Yes, there are a few extra calories involved, but it’s oh, such a treat.

3.After dinner coffee drink recipes can do double duty as dessert. Coffee and Kahlua(R) is just such a recipe. Just add a shot of Kahlua to a mug of coffee and top it off with whipped cream. This coffee drink can be served hot or cold. In either case, provide each diner with a spoon to mix as desired – or not. It’s delicious both ways.

4.Irish coffee is a classic winner. Traditionally served in special Irish coffee mugs, which are thinner than a regular cup, tall and with a handle, it’s a snap to make. Pour in a shot of good quality Irish whiskey, then pour the hot coffee in, leaving enough room for a good dose of whipped cream. Sip and enjoy! As with many of the hot after dinner coffee drink recipes, this one is great on a chilly evening.

5.Iced coffee drink recipes require a few minutes of advance preparation for the perfect cup. Make an extra strong pot of coffee and allow to cool. Freeze the coffee in ice trays. When frozen, you can bag it up in a freezer bag for instant access at serving time. A few hours before you plan to serve, make a pot of regular strength coffee. Allow to cool and refrigerate in a plastic container with a pouring spout. Fill a tall glass with the coffee cubes, pour the cold coffee over and garnish with whipped cream. Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream.

So now you have five new coffee drink recipes to enjoy year ’round, from morning ’til night.

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