The absolute BEST ice coffee, ever!

So, you all know the Pioneer Woman, right?  Actually I just stumbled upon her blog recently.  If you haven't visited her blog I really encourage you to do so as she has some amazing recipes and other great stories on her site.  If I am not wrong I believe she published a cookbook. 

The reason I ask is because I found the BEST, and I do mean the best, ice coffee recipe on her site.  Check out her recipe here.  I loved her recipe but that is just too much coffee, even for me, so I've tweaked it for my own taste. 

I absolutely adore coffee and most likely consume more than I should.  I always start with a hot cup in the morning, no matter what the temperature is outside.  And, I always enjoy hot coffee after dinner as well.  But, in between it's all ice coffee, baby!  While I am generally a Starbucks girl, I have found that Dunkin Donuts makes a pretty good ice coffee.  I swear, they knew my order the second I pulled up and started to order in the drive through.  While I am digging my own ice coffee, I do miss my friends at DD, ha!

Anyhoo, here's my tweaked recipe of the PW Perfect Ice Coffee Recipe.  This really couldn't be any easier, btw!

Ice Coffee
Yields approximately 1 Gallon

Ingredients:
~16 oz of a rich, flavorful coffee (I of course used Starbucks, which you can find in your grocery store)
~8 Cups of water

Utensils:
~Large pot or container
~Mesh Strainer
~Cheese cloth

Directions:
In your large pot combine the coffee and water, stirring to cover all of the grounds. Cover and let set about 8 hours though I usually like to do it over night.


Once your coffee is ready, strain your coffee into a new container.  Make sure you put cheese cloth or a napkin (which I use with great success!) in the strainer before you begin to ensure no grounds seep through the strainer.  This may take a few minutes but it is well worth the wait.  Now be sure to chill this lovely beverage since it is, well, ice coffee! 

In reading the comments on PW's blog, a seemingly simple yet crucial comment was made.  Make sure you freeze some coffee in ice cube trays so you won't have that dreaded melt, ruining your perfectly created coffee!  Genius, right?

To serve:
Once your coffee is prepared and chilled you are ready to create your very own ice coffee masterpiece.


Here's what I do for my perfect cup - I fill my cup with about 2/3 full of coffee and 1/3 with cream (I use fat free) and add 2 tsp of sugar.  Many times I will also add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk (also a PW recommendation) and I am in heaven!  Don't forget to mix well and add your coffee ice cubes!  A paper straw adds a nice touch too.

Just think of all you can do with this coffee base. 
-drink it straight up black
-add flavored creamers
-add flavored syrups
-add chocolate or caramel ice cream toppings
-keep it low calorie/low fat by adding artificial sweetener and skim milk
-if decadence is what you're looking for I would suggest adding whole cream
-add whipped topping and drizzle chocolate or caramel on top and don't forget the sprinkles!


Don't forget to make sure you have a "to go" cup as you will not want to part with this as you head out the door!

I would love to hear how you take your ice coffee.  Now go, make, and consume!

Hugs,
Jacalyn