Iced coffees are a staple of British summer, a product originally made popular in the United States (go figure).
Being a staple of British summer, iced coffees usually surge in popularity over the spring and summer months, with many flocking to their local cafes to enjoy them. However, the coronavirus lockdown and the uncertainty that still remains has forced many to explore their own kitchen for ideas.
Here are four of the best iced coffees you can make at home. These recipes offer the same energy, at a fraction of the price, while keeping your body healthy and fit.
Iced Vanilla Latte
This delicious iced vanilla latte is a fan favourite and promises to cool you down on a hot summer's day. The benefit of this iced-coffee is that it’s not only delicious but quick to make as well, requiring minimal ingredients. Additionally, you can change some of the ingredients around to make it healthier. In a time of increasing environmentalism, why not replace the dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as oat milk or coconut milk - the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
A cold version of the classic hot brew that only requires four ingredients and makes up to two servings.
-
Half a cup of vanilla syrup
-
Half a cup of coffee
-
One cup of milk or milk alternative
-
Ice cubes
Vegan Iced Cinnamon Mocha
With sustainability a growing focus and demand for dairy-free alternatives on the rise in the UK, this list wouldn't be complete without a vegan offer. This vegan iced cinnamon mocha is a simple to make, 3 ingredient refreshing drink, making it perfect for the mornings before a workout or to prepare you for your day ahead. The cayenne pepper gives the drink a unique kick to it, however can be removed easily if a sweeter taste is preferred.
Ingredients
-
2 shots espresso
-
1-2 cups oat milk, or any other dairy-alternative milk
Chocolate sauce
-
1.5 tbsp cocoa powder
-
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
-
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
-
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Coffee Banana Smoothie
Breakfast drinks have been cropping up thick and fast in supermarkets recently. With many of us living increasingly busy lives, cooking breakfast is now a luxury for many. This coffee banana smoothie seeks to combine your morning coffee and breakfast into one delicious drink, providing you with the energy and nutrients needed to start your day!
Whilst bananas taste great, there are other properties that make them an attractive addition to your morning coffee. Bananas prebiotic, meaning they're great for your gut health, but they also possess a high level of vitamin B6, which assists your immune system in operating correctly. On top of that, bananas are a great source of potassium, aiding in muscle repair.
Ingredients
Don’t let the long list of ingredients deter you from trying to make this delicious banana smoothie, all of these ingredients are commonly available in supermarkets and chances are, you have them in your home already.
-
1 banana
-
Two teaspoons of honey
-
One cup of plain yoghurt (or dairy-free alternative)
-
One cup of your coffee of choice
-
Ice cubes (crushed or cubed, based on your personal preference)
-
A quarter of a teaspoon of ground nutmeg
-
Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Honey Cinnamon Iced Latte
Why not cool off with this refreshing iced latte, packed with the spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of honey, its the perfect balance.
You can make this recipe with any kind of coffee. However, depending on the strength of the coffee, you'll likely need to brew your coffee stronger than usual. This is in order to counteract the water in the ice cubes diluting the drink. Of course, if you prefer a weaker iced coffee, by all means, use your usual amount of coffee.
Vegan or not, perhaps try adding coconut milk for an even sweeter flavour or maybe almond or hazelnut milk if you’d prefer a slightly nutty aftertaste. The nutty flavour of these milks also tends to accompany sweet flavours, making this a great mix of flavours.
Ingredients
Add a few extra steps to your usual coffee recipe and ensure you start your morning right:
-
Cold-brew coffee (remember, make sure it’s high quality)
-
Honey
-
¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
-
Three cinnamon sticks
-
Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
-
Milk or dairy-free alternative
-
Ice cubes
There you have it - four quick and easy solutions to get your morning coffee mix, albeit with a bit of a twist. All of these recipes have short preparation times, meaning they're perfect for anyone - no matter the lifestyle.
With this weekend set to be a scorcher, there isn’t a better time to discover your perfect iced coffee at home.