Learning how to make iced coffee isn't just for baristas at your local coffee shop-it's for the everyday coffee lover as well. Iced coffee is perfect for the warm summer months when you want your daily caffeine fix but don't need the heat from a warm cup. Your star ingredient is the ice, of course. The beauty of making your own iced coffee is that it comes out exactly how you want it to.
Making Iced Coffee
Start by making your favorite pot of coffee. (You can use regular or decaffeinated.) Once a pot has brewed, take a tall mug or cup, and fill it halfway with ice. Pour the coffee directly over the ice, and let it cool down for a few minutes. Then it's time to jazz up the coffee however you like. You can add sugar, milk, creamer, sweeteners or Coffee Mate flavorings. If you'd like, you can also flavor the coffee while it's still warm and before you pour it over the ice. If you really want your coffee cold, you can make a pot and pour it into a pitcher of ice. Then refrigerate the pitcher for several hours. The coffee will be chilled and ready to serve.
Gourmet Iced Coffee
For the gourmet coffee lovers out there, you can make your exotic coffee turn into iced coffee, too. Try brewing different flavors like French vanilla, hazelnut and mocha. You can either purchase the fresh coffee from a store or coffee house or brew it yourself at home. To make the iced treat more dessert-like, or, if you're looking to serve something sweet at your next outdoor dinner party, top your gourmet iced coffee with a serving of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Guests will thank you for the refreshing and tasty treat.
 | For coffee lovers, there's little better than starting the day with a perfect cup of coffee. The act of making coffee may seem simple, but really, brewing your perfect cup of coffee is more of an art. Start by investing in quality equipment, knowing your palate and how to select, store and brew your favorite beans. |
 | A good cup of coffee is only as good as the coffee maker that brews it. Understanding the types, differences and additional features of each machine will help you find the right coffee maker for you. |
 | A great cup of coffee is only as good as the quality of its beans. If flavor is a priority, grinding your own beans is a must. Finding the best coffee bean grinder can make the difference between a delectable cup of coffee or a bitter blend. |
Coffee, not unlike wine or tea, is a beverage whose subtle flavour is defined not only by the main ingredient itself but also the finer aspects of preparation. Even seemingly minor changes in the process can make a difference and bring you closer to that perfect coffee taste at home. |
There are literally hundreds of coffee makers to choose from. These include automatic drip, vacuum pots, espresso and cappuccino makers. While it's important for you to conduct your own research and compare prices, the following information can help you become familiar with some of the more popular brands. |
