Iced tea

Iced Coffee is a type of coffee beverage served chilled, brewed variously with the fundamental division being cold brew – brewing the coffee cold, yielding a different flavor, and not requiring cooling – or brewing normally (hot) and then cooling, generally by simply pouring over ice or into ice cold milk. In hot brewing, sweeteners and flavorings are often mixed into the hot coffee before cooling, due to faster dissolution in hot water. Alternatively, syrup (sugar pre-dissolved in water) may be used, particularly gum syrup.

History

The origins of iced coffee have been traced back to the 17th century in Algeria, where a cold drink made from coffee and fruit juice was consumed. This drink, known as Mazagran, was later adopted by French soldiers during the French colonization of Algeria. The concept of iced coffee in its more recognizable form – coffee served over ice – is believed to have originated in Vietnam during the mid-19th century, when the French introduced coffee to the region.

Preparation

There are various methods for the preparation of iced coffee, ranging from simply pouring hot coffee over ice to more complex processes involving brewing the coffee cold. The most common method is to brew coffee at a higher strength than normal, then cool it in the refrigerator before serving over ice. This method helps to prevent the final product from being diluted by the melting ice.

Variations

There are numerous variations of iced coffee around the world, including:

• Vietnamese iced coffee, which is typically made with coarsely ground dark roast coffee and sweetened condensed milk.
• Greek frappé coffee, a foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk.
• Thai iced coffee, a strong, sweet drink made from dark roast coffee, sugar, and often spices, served over ice and topped with evaporated milk.

Health Effects

Like all coffee drinks, iced coffee contains caffeine, which can have both positive and negative health effects. The amount of caffeine in iced coffee can vary greatly depending on the brewing method and the type of coffee used.

See Also

• Coffee
• Cold brew coffee
• List of coffee drinks

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