Buzz
In New York City, when temperatures climb above 70°F, it signals the start of iced coffee season. It's almost like an unofficial holiday to mark the arrival of summer. This year, I want to introduce you to a delightful twist: orange juice iced coffee. You should definitely give it a try, and do it now.
I discovered this chilled concoction during my trip to Bangkok last fall. At first, I thought it was just a quirky creation from a single coffee shop, but soon I realized it was everywhere. Orange juice iced coffee was a trend in the city. I have to admit, my first thought was disgust, but as I saw it more often, I wondered, 'How bad could it really be?'
My partner and I decided to try one alongside our spicy chili lunch from a food court stall (which also served strawberry juice iced coffee). We finished it completely. It was strange at first, but then I couldn’t believe how enjoyable it was. I can only describe it as a fun drink. In the steamy heat of Bangkok, this icy beverage gave me the refreshing thrill I was craving. Maybe it was the caffeine and sugar, but it made me feel alive. The bitterness of the black coffee was balanced by the sweet orange juice, making it light and easy to drink without the heaviness of cream. The whole drink stayed light and refreshing all the way through. If you're a fan of the flavor pairing between orange and dark chocolate, you'll love this drink.
How to prepare a refreshing mix of orange juice and iced coffee
I prefer using a light roast for my iced coffee, though some people go for a darker roast or even espresso, depending on their taste. As for the orange juice, any variety will do. I went with Simply Orange, but you can use any brand or freshly squeezed juice for that fresh kick. The steps are as simple as they come, perfect for when you're half awake in the morning:
1. Start by filling a glass with ice and pour in the orange juice.
2. Pour the chilled black coffee over the juice and pop in a straw.
The proportions are all about what you like. I went for equal parts of coffee and juice, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use more orange juice. For a stronger coffee flavor, just adjust with a more robust brew. The fun part is in the drinking—keep it layered or mix it up with the straw to suit your mood. I usually start by sipping each layer separately, but halfway through, I mix everything together for the perfect balance.
The iced coffee adventure doesn’t stop at orange juice. Your coffee and juice combinations are only limited by what’s available in your local store’s juice section. While I haven’t experimented with every juice blend yet, there’s a whole world of fruit nectars and juice-based drinks waiting to be discovered. If you’ve already tried a unique coffee-juice mix that you absolutely adore, feel free to share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your suggestions!
