There are many new and exciting ways to enjoy coffee these days and one that has gained a lot of popularity over the last couple of years is iced coffee… which I like to call “Java on the Rocks”. In this post, we will compare “The 5 Best Store Bought Iced Coffees”.

 

What is Iced Coffee?

 

According to Wikipedia…. “Iced coffee is a coffee beverage that is served cold. It may be prepared either by brewing coffee normally and then serving it over ice or in cold milk, or by brewing the coffee cold. When brewing the coffee hot, sweeteners and flavorings may be added before cooling, as they dissolve faster.”

 

If you prefer to make your iced coffee at home, the process is pretty simple and quick, depending on how you choose to brew your coffee. This process can also save you time and money.

 

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

 

So, whether you choose to brew your coffee hot or cold, you will need the right gear. The simplest way to brew your coffee hot is with a standard automatic drip coffee maker. If you choose the cold way, one good option is the Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 2 qt, Black. You can check out our “Brewing Guides” if you need help.

 

Now that you have your coffee maker, you will also need the following ingredients:

 

• ground coffee
• tall glass
• long spoon
• dairy – milk (any kind) or Half-n-Half
• extras… sweeteners, toppings
• ice cubes

 

How to Make Good Homemade Iced Coffee

 

Start by brewing your coffee. If you brew it hot, pour into a heat proof cup or glass. If sweeteners and/or flavorings are desired, add these now so that they will dissolve quickly and completely.

 

Let coffee cool to room temperature.

 

Fill a tall glass with ice. Then, fill 2/3 way up with the cooled, sweetened (if preferred) coffee.

 

Add your dairy to fill the rest of the way to the top.

 

Add any desired toppings and enjoy!

 

 

Tips for Making Your Iced Coffee Drinks

 

• Fill a clean ice tray with leftover unsweetened coffee to make ice cubes for your iced coffee drinks. This way, when they melt, they won’t water down and weaken the taste of your coffee.
• Always add sweeteners and flavorings to hot coffee so that they dissolve completely.
• Always make sure that your coffee is at room temperature before you add your dairy so that the heat won’t make it curdle and sour.
• You can make your coffee the night before and store in the refrigerator so that it’s ready to pour over your ice and dairy the next morning. This will save you time when you’re trying to get ready for your day.

 

Comparison of the 5 Best Store Bought Iced Coffees

 

If you don’t have the time, nor the inclination, to make your own Iced Coffee at home, you can always buy one at your local store. There are many different brands and flavors of Iced Coffee to choose from. I haven’t tried all of them, but from the ones I have tried, I have listed the 5 best store bought iced coffees (in my opinion) below.

 

#5 – Starbuck’s Iced Espresso, Caramel Macchiato
This beverage is very strong and has little sweetener added. The caramel flavor was pretty light as well. I wasn’t really a fan of this one. If you like a strong espresso, you will like this one.

 

#4 – Reese’s International Delight Iced Coffee
I actually had high hopes for liking this one… I mean, who doesn’t want a coffee that tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? Right? But, the flavor was really weak. It was ok, but was a little disappointing.

 

#3 – Community Coffee Iced Latte, Vanilla Waffle Cone
This Iced Coffee Drink was actually pretty good. It had a smooth, creamy texture and a good vanilla flavor. It was also the least expensive out of the five… under $2.00 for a single 13.7 fl oz bottle! All of the others were over $3.00. It was a little sweet for my taste though. But, it was a good solid #3.

 

#2 – Bolthouse Farms Mocha Cappuccino
This one was actually quite delicious! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have also never heard of this brand before. The mocha flavor was strong and the coffee wasn’t bitter. This one was definitely a “keeper” and I will buy it again.

 

#1 – Starbuck’s Frappuccino, Mocha, Coffee
And now for #1!! I have actually been drinking this coffee drink for more than 20 years. It is my absolute favorite! My two favorite flavors are Mocha and Coffee. I don’t like the Vanilla or the Caramel… they are too sweet for me. It is a little more expensive as it has gone up in price over the last couple of years, but it is still my “go to” for the best Iced Coffee.

 

 

How Iced Coffee Differs from Cold Brew

 

You might be wondering if Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Coffee are just different names for the same drink. Well, there actually is a difference.

 

Cold Brew is a type of coffee made through a process of soaking grounds in cold water for 10 up to 24 hours. This produces coffee that is less acidic and higher in caffeine than coffee that is served cold or even over ice. It has a smooth, rich flavor.

 

Once your coffee is made through this “Cold Brew” Process, you can pour it over your coffee ice cubes, add your dairy and make your Iced Coffee Drink.

 

So, whether you make your Iced Coffee at home or buy it from the store, it can be a quick, easy way to satisfy your “coffee addiction”… especially in the Summer when it’s so hot outside. Be sure to check out our own line of delicious coffees that are great hot, cold, or “on the rocks”!