Just about anyone in the entire world will tell you that surviving the summer without an iced coffee in your hand is pretty much impossible. That's why starting July 7, Starbucks cold brew coffee is becoming a permanent menu item — because as always, the mega coffee chain knows you and your caffeine needs better than you know yourself, and it wants to make life just a little bit easier for you.
As any true coffee connoisseur will tell you, cold brew coffee is better than regular ol' iced coffee for about a million different reasons, although the amateur coffee enthusiast may not be able to tell the difference right off the bat. Both are icy cold and delicious, but whereas traditional iced coffee is made by pouring double-strength hot coffee over ice, Starbucks' cold brew is made by steeping its cold brew blend in cold, filtered water for 20 hours straight. Highlighted by notes of chocolate and citrus, the drink is usually served without milk for a pure, full-bodied flavor experience. If that doesn't sound like the most refreshing way to spend a summer afternoon, I honestly don't know what is. Thank you, Starbucks, for finding new and amazing ways to keep me caffeinated (read: happy) on a regular basis.
Starbucks launched its cold brew in 2,800 stores earlier this spring, and people liked it so much that the chain decided to make it a permanent fixture on its menu. But even if you're not a huge fan of the stronger blend (weirdo), there are still plenty of other options for you to get your iced coffee fix:
1. Iced Coffee
Like the cold brew, only this beverage is made by pouring extra strong hot coffee over ice. A tried and true classic.
2. Iced Latte
Milk and ice are added to espresso shots for this drink, and if you're feeling a little crazy, go ahead and throw a few flavor pumps into the mix as well.
3. Iced Caffe Americano
Shots of espresso are combined with water and poured over ice for a drink that packs a caffeinated punch.
4. Frappuccino!
I don't need to tell you what this is. Pick your favorite flavor, and get ready for a treat.
Images: Starbucks; Giphy
