Iced Lattes

Coffee has been referred to by many as the nectar of the gods.  Since the 15th century, coffee has steadily increased in popularity until the present day, where it is one of the most popular beverages in the world.  During the colonial period in the United States, tea and alcohol were the drinks of choice, but during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, tea imports were cut off by the British Empire, leading to the growing popularity of coffee in the United States.  Today, people will stand in line to pay upwards of $5 to enjoy a 20 oz cup of the hot black liquid.

Although you could stop at your local coffee house for an iced latte, you can achieve the same results at home for a fraction of the cost.  Iced lattes are some of the simplest coffee drinks to make.  All you need are a few simple ingredients, an espresso maker, and a cup in which to mix the ingredients.  Unlike the hot version of the drink, there is no need to steam the milk or produce a milk foam.  Just brew the espresso, stir it with milk and your favorite flavoring (if desired), and pour over ice.  I like mine with a mixture of hazelnut and vanilla, but my wife likes hers with caramel or chocolate.  Add whatever flavors you like.  Just remember, making you own is so much quicker and cheaper than ordering that large decaf soy vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso over ice.

Iced Latte

2 oz espresso

12 oz milk

1 1/2 oz flavoring syrup

1 1/2 cups ice

Brew espresso according to manufacturer's directions. In large cup, stir together espresso, milk, and syrup. Add ice and serve immediately.

Eggnog Latte

One of my favorite things about holidays is there is usually a flavor you can associate with it.  Thanksgiving has turkey and pumpkin pie. Valentine's Day has chocolate (duh).  Summer holidays have barbecue.  Christmas to me is eggnog.  So when the calendar changes to December, I start looking for eggnog to hit the store shelves.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy eggnog is in a latte.  The mix of flavors just screams Christmastime.  The espresso helps get me through those long days of running around from store to store.  You could stop at Starbuck's for one of these, but that would cost you somewhere between an arm and a leg.  This is much cheaper and just as good.


Eggnog Latte

2 oz espresso
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup eggnog
Fresh ground nutmeg (optional)

Brew espresso according to manufacturer's instructions.  Pour into mug.

In steamer pot or measuring cup, combine eggnog and milk.  Steam eggnog mixture until hot and frothy (time will depend on your espresso maker).  Pour eggnog mixture into espresso, using spoon to hold back froth until very end.  Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg, if desired.  Serve immediately.