The heat of summer often demands a shift in ritual. While a steaming cup is a comfort in the cold, the warmer months call for something that cools from the inside out. This method relies on thermal shock. By brewing the coffee at double its usual strength, we account for the immediate dilution that occurs when the hot liquid hits the ice.
The result is a beverage that retains its bold character without tasting watery or weak. The bitterness is often tempered by the cold temperature, leaving a finish that is clean and crisp. It requires no cooling time on the counter, making it an immediate remedy for a humid afternoon.
The Recipe Yields: Varies | Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- Double-strength hot coffee (brew with twice the grounds per cup)
- Ice cubes (plenty to fill the glasses)
- Cream (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Brew Strong Prepare your coffee using your preferred method, but double the amount of ground coffee you would normally use for the water. The coffee needs to be very strong to stand up to the melting ice.
- Prepare the Glasses Fill tall glasses to the brim with ice cubes. Do not skimp on the ice, as the initial heat will melt much of it immediately.
- Pour and Serve Slowly pour the freshly brewed, hot coffee directly over the ice. The ice will crackle and shift as the liquid cools instantly. Serve immediately. Add cream and sugar if you prefer a richer drink, though the cold coffee is refreshing enough to stand on its own.
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Iced Coffee
This Iced Coffee recipe solves the problem of watered-down drinks. By brewing the coffee at double-strength and pouring it hot over ice, the "thermal shock" creates an instantly cold beverage that retains its bold, robust character. Perfect for hot summer days when you need an immediate cool down.
Ingredients
Instructions
Brew Strong
-
Prepare your coffee using your preferred method, but double the amount of ground coffee you would normally use for the water. The coffee needs to be very strong to stand up to the melting ice.
Prepare the Glasses
-
Fill tall glasses to the brim with ice cubes. Do not skimp on the ice, as the initial heat will melt much of it immediately.
Pour and Serve
-
Slowly pour the freshly brewed, hot coffee directly over the ice. The ice will crackle and shift as the liquid cools instantly. Serve immediately. Add cream and sugar if you prefer a richer drink, though the cold coffee is refreshing enough to stand on its own.
