In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot outside. Really hot. There are many ways to stay cool (my favorite is to stay in the house), but if you’re one of those people who like to sit outside on the back porch or even work and play in the heat, here’s a list of cool drinks you may enjoy.
10 Cinnamon Caramel Iced Coffee
It isn’t necessarily the best thing to drink if you want to cool down, but this is a pretty cool drink. The key, however, is to add the cinnamon before brewing a pot of good, strong coffee, preferably dark roast. The caramel syrup needs to be stirred in well. Don’t forget ice cubes.
9 Iced Cafe au Lait
This is a simple iced coffee drink, but it’s heavy on the milk, so be warned if you’re not partial to milk on hot days. It takes 2 1/4 cups of cold coffee, two cups of milk and two cups of crushed ice. Blend it all together and serve.
8 Thai Iced Coffee
This drink is very smooth, but Thai is a bit spicy. Most interestingly, many people think Thai goes good with tea only, but that’s a myth. Get two large cups of brewed coffee or very strong instant coffee, 4-6 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 teaspoon real vanilla flavoring and, after it’s all combined and put in the refrigerator for several hours, add ice cubes. Spices are essential: a total of two teaspoons per serving: cardamom is a essential. Cinnamon is good, too, an almond extract or other dessert spices are up to you.
7 Thai Iced Tea
This is for all Thai fans. Take 2/3 cup Thai tea leaves and put into 1 2/3 cup water after bringing it to a boil, adding a half cup of sugar and one-half cup evaporated milk (12-ounce can). Intense and refreshing.
6 Sparkling Jasmine Iced Tea
The point of these types of drinks is to cool off and spice up at the same time. Flavored with jasmine (spice that can be found in coffee shops) and brown sugar syrup, it’s a change from the ordinary because it’s sweet and has what I and others call “a floral flavor.” Directions: dissolve one cup of brown sugar in 3/4 cup of water, boiling gently until a syrup has formed. Set aside and let cool and steep the three tablespoons of jasmine tea in the remaining three cups of hot water for around six minutes. Strain out tea, and let cool. Combine syrup and tea in a pitcher. Whisk until fully blended and add sparkling water and cool thoroughly. Serve over ice. Can be served with cinnamon sticks and lemon.
