Summer Brew: Refresh Your Iced Coffee with Muddled Strawberries

Summer is the perfect season to experiment with your favorite beverages, and iced coffee is no exception. While fruit-flavored teas are a staple—iced tea often served with a zesty slice of lemon or available in flavors like raspberry, peach, and pineapple-mango—fruity iced coffees might still be an uncharted territory for many. If the idea seems unusual, consider this: coffee beans are not actually beans but seeds found inside a cherry-like fruit. Early coffee drinkers didn’t brew their coffee but rather chewed on these cherries. Today, we can bring this fruity heritage into our modern coffee habits, and what better way to start than with a summertime favorite—the strawberry?

Picture this: you’ve just returned from a pick-your-own farm, laden with a bounty of fresh strawberries. Instead of letting them sit idle or hastily turning them into a dessert, why not incorporate them into your iced coffee? The process is simple and rewarding.

Start by taking a few ripe strawberries—especially those that are just on the verge of being too soft. Place them in a tall glass and use a muddler or the back of a long spoon to gently mash them up. This releases their vibrant, juicy flavor. Next, fill the glass with ice and, if you prefer a creamier drink, add your favorite milk or creamer. For a delightful twist, drizzle in some chocolate sauce, as chocolate and strawberries are a classic combination. Finally, pour in a few ounces of extra-strong coffee or espresso. Stir well, and you have yourself a refreshing, fruity coffee treat.

Exploring Beyond Strawberries

If the concept of strawberry-flavored coffee piques your interest, why stop there? The world of fruity coffee is vast and deliciously inviting. Various fruits can be combined with coffee to create new and exciting flavors. Dunkin' Donuts has already introduced us to blueberry muffin and chocolate-covered strawberry K-cups, proving that fruit and coffee can indeed make a harmonious pair.

For instance, other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries can offer unique flavor profiles when muddled into your iced coffee. Stone fruits like plums, peaches, and apricots also blend well, adding a subtle sweetness and complexity. Bananas can provide a creamy texture and rich taste, while a touch of orange zest can add a surprising yet delightful citrus note.

Coffee Cherry

For those who want to go back to the roots, consider experimenting with coffee cherries if you can find them. These cherries, the actual fruit that coffee beans come from, are said to have a palatable taste and can add a unique flavor dimension to your drink.

A Step Beyond with Fruity Creamers

Fruity coffee creamers are another way to infuse your iced coffee with a burst of summer flavor. In 2023, International Delight released a "Bridgerton"-inspired berries & crème flavor, showcasing how popular and versatile fruity coffee can be. Adding a splash of such creamers can save you time while still delivering that fruity twist.

As the temperatures rise, let your iced coffee do the same with its flavor profile. Muddling fresh strawberries or other fruits into your coffee can transform a standard drink into a refreshing and innovative summer delight. So next time you find yourself with an abundance of ripe strawberries or are simply looking to shake up your coffee routine, remember that a fruity twist is just a muddle away.