Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world with a devoted following. It is very popular in the US and produced in numerous countries but most famously in South America particularly Columbia. This caffeinated beverage has come a long way though from the old coffee pot of diners where you got a bottomless cup of sloppy joe which your waitress would fill up with a smile.

There are now a lot of ways that you can have your coffee from espresso, cappuccino or cafe au lait. Coffee doesn’t have to be served hot either and now many people like to drink coffee cold which is know as iced coffee. According to the State Coffee Organization the proportion of US citizens who drank iced coffee increased from 26% to 31% in 2008.

Coffee companies from Costa to Starbucks now serve iced coffee but how do you make this refreshing beverage at home?

Well there are number tips that can help you produce a restaurant quality iced coffee but first here is how you make you drink:-

1) If you are going to use a flavoring such as vanilla or mint put the flavoring into your cup first.

2) Then pour in your espresso or other coffee drink

3) Now put in your ice

4) Put in your cold milk and stir or shake.

Now that you know how to make your drink here are a few tips to make it great:-

- Don’t let your drink water down

-Use a good quality machine that produces good quality java (if possible use a maker that grounds the coffee just before the coffee is brewed

- Be creative and use a number of extras such as cinnamon, whipped cream, chocolate slices and nutmeg.

Iced coffee can be a refreshing drink and make a nice change from regular coffee so go ahead and try and make some at home.

Neil has been writing articles for five years. He has a new website about airplane fractional ownership and airplane for sale to provide information about owning your own airplane for less money.

Author: N Playfoot
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Is iced coffee different from regular hot coffee? Many people think iced coffee is merely a hot cup of joe poured over ice. This, however, is a popular misconception. Iced coffee is different on many levels, beginning first with the brewing process.

Iced coffees are brewed cold. After the coffee beans have been ground, the grinds are soaked in ice cold water. After several hours, the mixture of cold water and coffee grinds is filtered leaving a concentration of cold coffee grinds. Depending on your personal preference, this concentrate is then diluted with either milk or water.

Iced coffee, also known as “Toddy Coffee”, was created by Todd Simpson, hence “Toddy Coffee”. In 1964, he patented a coffee machine exclusively for making cold coffee. However, a lot has happened in 30 years and now you can use other types of coffee machines for brewing and making iced coffees rather than using a Toddy brewing machine.

Iced coffee has become a popular drink millions of people around the world enjoy. It is refreshing, smooth, cold and very satisfying. Their are a variety of ways of preparing your iced coffee. Many people prefer a simple glass of iced coffee with crushed or cubed ice, cream and sugar. Others like their iced coffee topped with one or two scoops of coffee flavored ice cream. Some even like their drinks blended with the ice cream topped with whipped cream making their iced coffee smoother and creamier.

For the most part, iced coffee drinks are most popular during the summer time. This cool and refreshing drink relieves the summer time heat and is sure to satisfy the taste buds.

One advantage to making iced coffee is that you can make it at home, rather than spend your hard earned money on a simple drink. The key ingredients to making a iced coffee drink at home are crushed or cubed ice, cream, sugar, coffee mix, milk and cold water. Other ingredients can be added to make a gourmet iced coffee drink. These ingredients include: caramel or chocolate sauce; vanillla, cinnamon or even cardamom powder; ice cream and whipped cream. One disadvantage to making iced coffee is that when crushed or cubed ice is added to the coffee much of the coffee taste, flavor and caffeine are diluted, which is why many coffee experts suggest using dark roast coffee beans. Using a dark roast helps maintain the strength and robust flavor of the coffee.

With the crazy number of health concerns today, why not drink iced coffee instead of those high calorie and high sugar colas and soft drinks. So, instead of grabbing that ice cold soft drink, grab yourself an easy to make iced coffee. Or, better yet, make yourself an iced coffee with honey, iced Jamaican coffee, iced Amaretto coffee, or even an ice coffee soda! All these recipes are easy to find and even easier to make. But, if you love your colas and soft drink but love your coffee at the same time, go for a Coffee Coke Float mixing together ice cream, coffee and cola!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Coffee [http://coffee-guides.com]

Author: Michael Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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