Iced coffee has become a hot comodity this summer and I was just reading about the ‘wars’ going on between places for customers of this classic beverage. 

Like anything else, iced coffee can be great, average or really awful, depending on the ingredients and technique.  Why not just get an iced Americano instead?  An iced Americano is simply freshly pulled espresso shots over ice with possibly a little cream and either simple syrup or flavored syrup added, if desired.  Really decadent is adding a dollop of good whipped cream..and, well…maybe a sprinkling of cinnamon on a vanilla iced Americano.

Darn it, if you’re going to do things, I say do them right.  A beverage, including an iced coffee or Americano, should be as fresh as possible.   That means brewing the coffee by the cup or pulling the shots when you make the drink.   I want my money’s worth when paying for any specialty beverage and that means fresh, great ingredients and someone who knows about working with beans, leaves or anything else used. 

Let’s leave the ‘wars’ to the behemoths and turn to beverage artisans for specialty beverages, whether specialty tea or coffee.  Let’s make beverage love..not war!

Do you have a great recipe or comment on iced coffee or Americanos?    If I could spare the calories, I’ve just made myself thirsty for a two-shot iced vanilla Americano with whip and a good sprinkling of quality cinnamon, a thick straw and a cool, shady spot to enjoy it!

Cheers!