At Spiller & Tait we love drinking hot coffee all year round. However, in the warmer weather we like to enjoy a cold coffee. Iced coffees and cold brews have become increasingly popular. However, they often get a reputation for being watery or too bitter. But with the right knowledge – and of course the best Spiller & Tait coffee – you can create a perfectly refreshing coffee to savour whilst soaking up the sun.

And right now we have an irresistible offer for you to get started. Buy any one Spiller & Tait 250g coffee bag and get a second for 15% off. Try them here.

 

Iced Coffee v Cold Brew

If you’re wondering what the difference is between iced coffee and cold brew, let us explain. Iced coffee is usually prepared with hot water then cooled. This means it oxidises and degrades faster. Cold brew coffee uses cold or room temperature coffee. Making cold brew is a much slower process, but by brewing for longer, it maximises the solubility of the coffee grounds, giving a different quality to the coffee flavour.

Both cold brew and cooled hot coffee can be used to make iced coffee, although cold brew is a smoother drink with a creamier mouthfeel.

Wondering how to make iced coffee? 

These 2 recipes will help you make a delicious iced coffee or cold brew at home.

Iced Coffee Recipe 

Works well with: Classic Italian Blend if you like a high-caffeine, dark roast. Barista Blend for a medium strength all-day coffee. All-Day Espresso Blend is very smooth and has a creamy body.

Ingredients: (Serves 1) 

Ice

200 ml Spiller & Tait espresso coffee

50ml milk or cream (or half and half)

Syrup (we like a kick of cinnamon syrup, but any coffee syrup you prefer works)

Method:

1. Add a generous amount of ice to a chilled tall glass.
2. Make up your favourite Spiller & Tait coffee and leave to cool to room temperature.
3. Pour over the ice almost to the top.
4. Add your choice of milk, or cream if you’re feeling decadent, or a bit of both and stir well.
5. If you like it sweet, stir in your favourite coffee syrup.

Top tip: If you don’t want that watered down effect from ice cubes, make your own coffee cubes for a stronger taste.

 

Cold Brew Recipe

The cold brew process reduces the acidity level in the coffee, which is why we recommend choosing one of our medium roast coffees. This will highlight the acidity without overpowering the complex flavours and body of the coffee when made as a cold brew. You will also want to avoid the slightly more bitter blends.

Works well with: Signature Blend for its smooth taste and little bitterness. Peruvian Organic beans if you want a crisp and clean aftertaste. Pure Columbian Huila for medium sweetness and a full juicy body.

Ingredients: (Serves 1)

 Ice

50g Spiller & Tait coffee (fresh coffee beans or coarsely ground varieties)

400ml water (cold or room temperature)

Milk (optional)

Method:

Making a cold brew coffee is very simple. You don’t need any special barista skills or equipment beyond a large container and a strainer. But you do need time to prepare it the day or night before you want to drink it.

1. Grind the coffee coarsely if you are using our fresh roasted coffee beans. If using pre-ground coffee, we recommend our coarser grind fineness varieties suitable for a cafetiere. The reason for this is that the coffee needs to steep slowly. Generally the longer the brew time of your device, the larger the particles should be.

2. Add the ground coffee and water to a cafetiere or container with a lid. Let it steep in the fridge overnight or for between 12-24 hours. The coffee will slowly infuse the water for a strong brew that’s full of flavour.

3. When it’s steeped, filter the coffee. If using a cafetiere, press the filter down slowly. Or pass the coffee through a paper filter, to make it really clean.

4. Place a generous amount of ice in a glass and pour the cold brew coffee over. If it’s too strong, stir a few times for the ice to dilute the coffee or add some cold water.

5. If you like it milky, top with your choice of milk. Or swirl in just 2 teaspoons of milk, which creates a beautiful marbled effect.

Top tip: If the ratio of beans to water isn’t to your taste, adjust it up or down to get the perfect balance for you. You can also double up this recipe if you want to keep a batch in the fridge for a few days.

 

Baileys Irish Coffee

For something a little bit special, why not try a Baileys Iced Coffee? Baileys and coffee are a perfect combination as the coffee balances out the sweetness. It’s so easy to make and very impressive to serve at a BBQ with friends.

Ingredients: (Serves 1)

Ice

150-200ml cold brew (see recipe above)

50ml Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

30- 50ml milk (optional)

Whipped cream

Chocolate sauce

Method:

1. Add a generous amount of ice to a chilled tall glass.
2. Pour the cold brew into the glass almost to the top.
3. Add the Baileys and milk (if using) and stir.
4. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

Top tip: If you want a vegan option, Baileys has a vegan version and you can use your favourite plant-based milk and cream.