Iced Coffee

If you know me much at all, you probably know of my love for iced coffees. In fact, I think I just might be addicted to them, even though I don't have an addictive personality, rarely becoming addicted to anything. It all started when I bought one at McDonald's. Then, I discovered the iced mochas at Burger King...mmmmm, are they ever good!! I've had iced coffees from just about every restaurant around here that serves them. The best one I've had, by far, was from the Manna Bagel Co.

Since I live on a very tight budget, I can't buy myself iced coffees as often as I'd like, so I started making them at home. I've tried many different methods, and I've finally come up with the PERFECT homemade iced coffee. I'd like to say I made it up myself, but truthfully, I read about it in an article I saw.

The article said that in order to make a great iced coffee, you have to start with cold-brewed coffee. It said that when you brew coffee the normal way and then chill it, it makes the iced coffee weak and bitter. I hadn't really noticed it before, but I knew the article was right. It went on to suggest a few different cold-brewed coffees you can buy, but they were out of my price range. Thankfully, the article also included instructions on cold brewing coffee at home. I tried it and fell in love all over again!

I poured a cup of water in a large mug and stirred in 1 tablespoon of ground coffee. I placed it in the refrigerator and let it chill over night. When I was ready to drink it, I strained it through a coffee filter into a tumbler. I added 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (since sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold drinks), about 6 ounces of milk, and a little chocolate syrup. I stirred it until the condensed milk was completely dissolved, added a few ice cubes, and discovered my most favorite drink in the whole world! It was heavenly!

Seriously, I was surprised at what a difference it made to use cold-brewed coffee. It takes some planning and forethought, but it's definitely worth it.

By the way, when I make iced coffee at home, I like to use flavored coffee. The one I had today was made with Millstone Cinnamon Hazelnut coffee. Mmmmmm...that's some good stuff!!