If you know me in real life then you’ll know that it’s rare for me not to be within reaching distance of a mug of coffee, my ever faithful friend. But it’s so hot at the moment – and I’m really not a fan of the heat. Sun yes, heat no – that it’s iced coffee that’s been seeing me through the day.
Iced coffee can be a funny thing. I’m not a fan of the offerings from the main coffee chains, most use normal ice cubes but as they melt, everything gets watered down so much that by the end you’re drinking coffee coloured water. I like to make mine with coffee ice cubes so you get a consistent hit of the good stuff right to the bottom.
There are also different ways to get yourself a glass. You can of course make your coffee, cool, pop in some ice cubes and bob’s your uncle. But that way never seems to hit the spot with me. And as I often end up finishing a cold cup of coffee that had started out hot then I want there to be a clear distinction. I prefer the cold brew method, the results are very smooth. It means thinking about it the day before but there’s little work involved.
Put your coffee grounds in a large container – I use a 7 pint jug – cover with cold water and leave it over night. Strain through a muslin the next day, pour into another container – a plastic bottle in our case, nothing fancy I’m afraid – and put that in the fridge.
Then you’re ready to go. Fill your glass with ice and pour in your cold coffee. I like my coffee a little sweet and I’m a huge fan of flavoured syrups so I add a glug of whatever flavour takes my fancy at the time. You can use sugar but keep in mind that it won’t dissolve completely, if you have time and can be bothered consider making a simple syrup and adding that instead.
Add your milk. Or single cream if you feel like indulging. Condensed milk will turn it into an iced coffee Vietnamese style. Pop in a straw and give it a mix. Cold, iced, coffee, heaven.
I’m not giving a recipe as such for this. Coffee is such a personal thing, what I think is just a little too strong may leave you feeling like something is missing and too weak for me could be perfect for you. You know how you like it.
Getting a couple of photos for this was a challenge, so quick snaps will have to do. I was fighting a toddler who wanted to get her sticky mitts on the straws and a wasp who didn’t respond to me telling it to bugger off. The joys of a bit of sun in Britain! As an aside, does anyone else think that the bees and wasps are rather large this year?!