Summer Lovin' - Recipe

Well, I adore iced coffee, or the "take home" Starbucks frappucinos in the glass bottles. Pretty much the only time I ever buy them is when I get a $3.50 off coupon from Costco, bringing the cost of a case down to $10.99. I find this a do-able cost - although this still remains a very rare treat.

I've tried many at home recipes for iced coffee, all claiming to be the best ever. I have been sorely disappointed. Let me just say anything requiring a cheesecloth, 100 hrs of time invested and twice that many steps is NOT the best ever. It's a doggone pain in the butt. I thought, no wonder why it costs so much - and it's not really even comparable, taste wise, to something you buy at a gas station or in a bottle.

I let a friend figure it out for me:-) I finally got around to trying her version of the drink...again, claiming to be awesome...but this time, I almost believed it. Only 3 ingredients! I had them all in my cupboard. I didn't need to strain anything overnight with a cheesecloth. Amen.

After finally trying it - THIS ONE is the best ever. The taste is better than other at home versions I've tried. And it's so easy!! Gina does a great job with the how to steps on her blog. I'll sum up here. She made a "healthier" caffeine free version, by using skim milk and fat free sweetened condensed milk. I used what I had on hand, (caffeinated) Nescafe instant coffee, sweetened condensed milk and 1% milk.

I suggest making it once in a glass and tasting it, to make sure the flavour/ratios suit you, and then mass produce it, putting into mason jars, ready to go when you need them!

1 spoonful of instant coffee in glass (I used the larger "soup spoon" size spoon)
fill about 1/3 full of water, heat in microwave for 45 sec to 1 min to dissolve coffee
add 3 spoonfuls of sweetened condensed milk (same spoon as above)
fill with cold milk
stir/shake/enjoy! If drinking instantly, pour over ice. Otherwise, store in fridge until ready to drink. Either enjoy as is, or add ice!

I made one glass, was thrilled with it, and then made 6 more...so 1 can of sweetened condensed milk makes about 7 servings or so. Delicious!!

putting them in jars allows for an easy shake 'n go system. Love it!

So speaking of drinks in jars...my next big party is having this, for sure. Lemonade, sweet tea, water...hey, even iced coffee, since it's so cheap to make! Cutest/coolest idea ever, right?! I've already got that exact metal tub (former renter left it upstairs. Yay!). Can't wait to try this.

Source: debutanteseason.tumblr.com via Darla on Pinterest