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Best iced coffee for summer
Like a breeze blowing across sweaty skin on a humid summer afternoon, a cold iced coffee will refresh your mind and body. While coffee is a popular hot drink, it has a whole new appeal when enjoyed chilled in the summer.
Bitterness, aroma, and a refreshing taste. Iced coffee has it all, and it's not just a cold drink, it's also a drink to enjoy during the season . In this article, we'll take a closer look at the appeal of iced coffee, perfect for summer, as well as the different types, how to brew it, and tips on how to drink it.
The appeal of iced coffee
Iced coffee has its own unique characteristics that you can't get from hot coffee. By cooling it, the flavor is strengthened and the off-flavors are suppressed, resulting in a clean aftertaste. This makes it easy to drink even when your appetite is low due to the heat, and it provides a refreshing soothing sensation in your daily life.
The sound of ice, the mist forming in the glass, and the refreshing aroma all bring a sense of coolness to both the eyes and the ears. Iced coffee is an essential drink for summer life.
Types and characteristics of iced coffee
Although it's generally called iced coffee, there are actually many different styles and flavors. The flavor and aroma can vary greatly depending on the brewing method and the beans you choose, so finding the style that best suits your taste is one way to enjoy iced coffee. Each method has its own unique characteristics, and you can choose the right one depending on the season, your mood, and the occasion. Here we'll introduce three typical styles.
Rapidly cooled iced coffee
This method involves pouring freshly brewed hot coffee over a large amount of ice to quickly cool it down. The aroma and richness of the coffee when extracted are well-retained, and the flavor does not become dull even when cooled. With its appealing fresh aroma and crisp aftertaste , it is perfect for when you want to feel refreshed even on a hot day. It is also relatively easy to make, so you can easily enjoy it at home.
Cold brew iced coffee
It is extracted slowly over a period of time using cold water, usually over a period of around eight hours. Because no heat is added, the delicate aroma and natural sweetness of the beans are brought out, resulting in a soft mouthfeel. The mild , mellow taste with little bitterness makes it a great choice for those who don't like cold coffee. It also has a low caffeine content, making it a great choice for drinking at night or when relaxing.
Cafe latte style iced coffee
This style is similar to iced cafe latte or iced mocha, made by adding milk and sweetener to strongly extracted coffee. The bitterness of the coffee is enveloped in mellow milk, resulting in a gentle, easy-to-drink flavor . It is also easy to enjoy for children and those who don't usually drink much coffee, making it a great introduction to iced coffee. Pour it into your favorite glass for a visually appealing drink.
Easy to make at home! Recommended recipes
On hot days, you'll want to enjoy iced coffee at home. Here are some easy iced coffee recipes that even beginners can make.
- Use medium to dark roasted beans to retain the full flavor.
- If you are using the quick-cooling method, brew it strong and chill it with ice in a glass to achieve a better balance.
- If you set the water in a cold brew before going to bed and let it steep for about 8 hours in the refrigerator, it will help prevent unpleasant flavors from appearing.
- For milk-based drinks, use espresso or strong drip coffee to enhance the flavor.
- We also recommend adding syrup or liqueur to customize it to your taste.
With a little ingenuity, you can enjoy a cafe-quality cup of coffee at home.
More ways to enjoy iced coffee
Iced coffee isn't just something you drink as is. By expanding the ways you can enjoy it, such as pairing it with food or sweets, or experimenting with different containers and ice, you can make your daily coffee time even more enjoyable.
Enjoy with a meal
Iced coffee pairs perfectly with light meals such as summer vegetables, cold pasta, sandwiches, etc. Coffee made with acidic beans in particular has a refreshing taste that will whet your appetite even on a hot day.
Great with desserts
When paired with desserts like vanilla ice cream or tiramisu, the bitterness of the iced coffee balances out the sweetness, creating a richer flavor. The combination of cold desserts and cold coffee is a luxury you'll want to enjoy especially in the summer.
A little twist on ice
If you use ice made from frozen coffee instead of water, the flavor won't be diluted even when it melts, and you can keep the coffee's flavor until the very end. Also, chilling the glass beforehand will make the drink taste even better.
Recommended for these occasions! Iced coffee for different occasions
Iced coffee is useful in a variety of situations during the hot season. It's fun to drink it in different ways depending on your mood and occasion.
- For a refreshing morning wake-up: Rapid cooling for a crisp start
- A relaxing afternoon break: A gentle moment with cold brew
- For a refreshing after-meal drink: Unsweetened straight drink to refresh your mouth
- For work or reading: Add milk or sweetener to relax
- Entertaining guests: creating an attractive presentation with glasses and toppings
The appeal of iced coffee is that it can change your mood in your daily life with just a little ingenuity .
summary
Iced coffee is not just a cold drink, but something to be enjoyed with all five senses, including the taste, aroma, and even the drinking experience. By taking a little extra effort into how you brew and drink it, you can enjoy the feeling of being at a cafe, whether at home or on the go.
The refreshing crispness of the quick-chilled method, the mellowness of the cold-brewed method, and the harmony with milk - each has its own unique appeal, and one of the attractions is the fun of finding your favorite.
This summer, why not find your favorite beans and recipe and take a step into the world of iced coffee, which will turn even the heat into something to be enjoyed ?
