subject: How To Make Perfect Iced Gourmet Coffee [print this page] The hot summer weather is no reason to give up your favorite gourmet coffee. Now is the perfect time to try the sweet coffee goodness of iced coffee. Be careful though; there's more to it than just pouring a pot of coffee over ice! Read on for some key tips to make sure your gourmet iced coffee rivals the finest coffee shop's.
1. Use a strong gourmet coffee flavor.
Iced coffee tends to lose some of its intensity and flavor. To avoid a weak-kneed drink, start with a bolder blend than you may be used to, or use about half again as much coffee in your brewing. Bold or extra-bold gourmet coffees work really well in an iced blend, so try experimenting a little bit.
2. Keep the heat when you add the sweet.
If you normally sweeten your gourmet coffee, this is a critical step. Add your sweetener while the coffee is still hot. Sugar doesn't dissolve very well at all in cold water, so if you wait till the coffee is iced to add the sweet, you'll end up with sticky syrup at the bottom of your drink.
Keep in mind that a cold drink will need more sugar than a hot drink to taste as sweet, so don't skimp on the sugar. You might want to try using sweetened condenses milk in your hot gourmet coffee; it blends beautifully and add a nice creamy finish to the iced drink.
3. Let it cool slowly.
You can't make good iced gourmet coffee if you simply pour the hot coffee over ice cubes. The ice will melt too fast, the drink will be watered down, and you'll be left with a wimpy tasting, quickly warming drink. Not exactly the experience you are looking for! Instead, let the coffee cool in a glass pitcher in your fridge. Overnight is best, so plan ahead. Consider just keeping a pitcher of chilled coffee in your fridge during the summer months. Then you'll have your gourmet iced coffee at a moment's notice!
4. Don't water it down!
Freeze up a batch of coffee ice cubes and have them on hand. This will do a great job of keeping your drink chilled, without watering down the gourmet coffee flavor. Just pour your favorite coffee into ice cubes trays and freeze. Use within a few days for best coffee flavor.
These four simple steps will let you make delicious, rich and sweet iced gourmet coffee that will turn your kitchen into a coffee shop! Experiment with different flavors, blends and roasts to create your own signature gourmet coffee drinks.
