Best Iced Coffee for the Money
Where to Go for Frozen Caffeinated Beverages
Where coffee connoisseurs can find delicious, yet inexpensive iced or frozen coffee drinks. Learn how to make restaurant-style coffee drinks at home to save even more.
Java junkies need to get their fix somewhere, somehow. If summer temperatures run too high for a steaming cup of joe, than an iced or frozen caffeinated concoction is in order.
Where to Go for the Best (and Least Expensive) Frozen or Iced Coffee Drinks:
- Seattle’s Best. You have to do a little digging to find them. The counters are tucked behind rows of books at most Borders locations. Seattle is one of the few cities where you’ll find free-standing stores. But the extra effort will pay off once you taste this coffee retailer’s newest addition: Chocolate Coffee Crunch Javakula. It's low fat, but high in sugar. Save your calories and splurge on this taste-tempting alternative to a boring old latte. The price is a bit steep; $3.65 for a "small." Ask for a large cup, add some 2% milk from the condiment bar, and your money will go a little farther.
- Starbucks. If you’re used to drinking vanilla or chocolate Frappuccinos, be more daring and order something with a little green and a lot less caffeine. Even if you’re not on a decaf diet, try a Green Tea Frap. Loaded with anti-oxidants but high in sugar, this blended beverage will set you back $3.35 if you order a "tall." (Prices vary depending on where you live.)
- McDonalds. This fast-food giant has finally entered the coffee world and they have already made their mark, or call it a giant footprint on rival Starbucks. Here you’ll want to order an iced mocha as you sail through the drive-up lane. No fancy condiment bar here, just an iced cold mocha in a big plastic cup topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. You do have one choice however; non-fat or whole milk. If you choose the latter you might as well order a milkshake. A McDonalds iced mocha runs $2.99. It’s not frozen and it’s not blended. But it does taste good. McDonalds promises their own version of Starbucks Frappuccino, possibly in time for the dog days of summer.
Even if you only order one iced mocha a week, it will cost you more than $150 a year. For that money, you can make your own iced coffee beverages at home and drink them everyday!
The Ingredients:
- An espresso maker (Amazon offers a Krups Allegro Espresso maker for $44.73.)
- Non-fat or soy milk
- Chocolate, vanilla (or whatever you choose) flavoring
- Coffee beans (You’ll find the best deals at warehouse clubs.)
Prepare the espresso according to the directions on the machine. Then pour the espresso into a large ice filled glass about 1/3 full. Top with milk and add flavoring to taste.
Or if you’re a little more adventurous and you own a blender, try making frozen coffee drinks at home.
