Summer’s already here and if you haven’t zeroed in on your go-to drink, it’s high time you explore flavourful coolers which can keep you hydrated, and nourished and also keep you away from sugary sodas. Some ingredients work better for summer coolers than others, like lemon, mint, jeera, coconut, aam panna, kokum, yoghurt etc. But another great ingredient for coolers? Coffee, of course!
Wouldn't it be great if you could include coffee in your refreshing summer coolers? Not only will it save the trouble of getting coffee separately, but coffee can also pair with some great homegrown flavours and work wonders in a summer drink. Here are quirky coffee coolers made with simple ingredients that you can try this summer.
Coconut Coffee Cooler
This tropical coconut coffee cooler offers a unique blend of roasted coffee and creamy coconut milk. To make this easy cooler, brew a strong batch of coffee and let it cool. Then, combine it with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of vanilla extract. Shake well and serve over ice, garnished with toasted coconut flakes. You can also try this recipe with kokum and jaggery with a hint of black salt, for a great, well-rounded profile.
Spiced Coffee Shikanji
Drawing inspiration from the traditional Indian lemonade, Shikanji, this spiced coffee cooler adds a zesty twist to your caffeine fix. Begin by brewing a strong pot of coffee and letting it cool. Then, mix it with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of chaat masala, and a splash of honey or sugar syrup. Stir well and serve over ice, garnished with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. This has a citrusy brightness, which goes perfectly with the aromatic spices, and robust coffee flavours.
Minty Cold Brew Coffee
For those hot summer days when you need a cool pick-me-up, the minty bold Brew coffee is the perfect solution. Start by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water overnight to create a smooth and flavorful cold brew concentrate. The next day, mix the cold brew with fresh mint leaves, a splash of simple syrup, and a squeeze of lime juice. Strain the mixture and serve it over ice, garnished with a sprig of mint.
Coffee Rasgulla Shake
If you’re on the fence about this, you have to give this unusual pairing an honest chance. Begin by blending together chilled brewed coffee, milk, sugar, and a few pieces of soft rasgullas until smooth. Pour the mixture into glasses and top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with rose syrup for a touch of floral sweetness and garnish with chopped pistachios. The decadent shake marries the creamy richness of milk and ice cream with the delicate sweetness of rasgullas, all infused with the bold flavours of coffee.
Haldi Coffee Latte
Turmeric, with its vibrant colour and earthy flavour, is the key to this golden-hued coffee latte. To make this unique concoction, combine brewed coffee with turmeric powder, honey, and a dash of cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until warmed through, then froth it with a milk frother or blender until creamy and frothy. Pour into mugs and sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper for a spicy kick. With its warming spices and rich coffee undertones, this turmeric coffee latte is both comforting and invigorating.
Coffee Lassi
Combining the rich bitterness of coffee with the creamy tanginess of lassi, this concoction is a refreshing twist on two beloved beverages. To prepare Coffee Lassi, blend together chilled brewed coffee, yoghurt, sugar, and a hint of cardamom until smooth. Serve it chilled, garnished with crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The earthiness of coffee comes together with the refreshing yogurt, to create a robust profile.