These Coffee Cubes are a simple idea to get your coffee hit this summer
That first coffee of the day is something I really look forward to.
During the week I get my first coffee a couple of hours after waking up - once the Lewis and Gracey are at school.
Saturday's coffee is in a flask whilst my kids are in their swimming lesson.
Sundays - with any luck - is either enjoyed in my PJs, on the sofa with Chris, whilst chilling out after a hard week.
Sometimes on a Sunday, Gracey will will bring me a coffee in bed. She brings it up in my favourite cup with a piece of cling-film over the top - so she doesn't spill (her idea, not mine). I might even get a bowl of granola with blueberries if I'm lucky too.
Gracey's starting to get pretty independent in the kitchen now. Eight-years-old and she can use the kettle, toaster and also the hob & oven (with a little help). She even has her own knife for prepping veg!
Rather than worrying that she's growing up too fast, sometimes I wonder whether she's planning to skip adolescence and adulthood entirely - and move straight to the little old lady stage.
She performed at her first gymnastics competition yesterday (so proud!!), and whilst she was bouncing around the place there, afterwards she just wanted to go home and have a cup of tea with a blanket around her shoulders and a good book.
At least it was tea. She's not interested in coffee yet. A good thing really, since I don't plan on giving her any until she's at least....I don't know actually - 14?
What is a good age to allow your kids to have coffee? I've got no idea.
Anyway, she certainly won't be touching these:
Coffee Ice Cubes.
Not really a recipe at all, just a great idea now that the weather has started to warm up.
No more ice cubes watering down your iced coffee!
I like to use these cubes in a simple drink, consisting of a shot of espresso that's been allowed to cool, mixed with almond milk.
Some coffee purists may not like the idea of drinking coffee that's been left to cool - preferring to use cold-pressed coffee - but I think it works just fine, and is a good option when you need some coffee, and don't want to wait 24 hours for your cold-press mix to be ready.
The cubes themselves are made using a cup of double-strength, black americano. You can got stronger if you wish, but I get the jitters with anything stronger than that.
Use a silicone mold for the ice cubes. For some reason, frozen coffee doesn't like to pop out of the ice cubes trays very easily. The best solution is to use a silicon tray, and then just run the bottom of the tray under some warm water for a few seconds before easily popping the cubes out.
Now I know how good these are, I'm thinking of making tea cubes next! Jee over at Oh How Civilized has a great tutorial on making cold brew iced tea - which I think would be perfect as is, or made into tea cubes!
The Coffee Cubes Recipe:
Coffee Cubes
Ingredients
- 1 cup of double strength americano - left to cool slightly. Fresh coffee is ideal - but really good quality instant coffee is good too.
To Serve:
- 1 shot espresso - cooled
- 1 cup almond milk
You will also need:
- 2 silicone ice-cube trays
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pour your cooled americano into the ice cube trays and freeze for 2-3 hours.
- Remove from the tray by placing the base under warm running water for a few seconds.
- Place 6-7 coffee cubes in a glass, top with the cooled espresso and then fill up to the top with almond milk.
- If you like your coffee sweeter, simply add some honey or sugar to the espresso before it cools.
✎ Notes
Nutrition
Tom says
Iced coffee is my new favourite drink, whilst this weather is so warm. Love the idea of coffee cubes, so as not to water down the taste. Clever.
Lindsey (LouLouBiscuit) says
Great idea! I just love these photos! I'm a sucker for creamy coffee concoctions (and alliteration apparently)
I've got to try this soon.
Nicky Corbishley says
Ha ha thanks Lindsey, hope you enjoy 🙂
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
I love this idea Nicky but how do you get leftover coffee to freeze :). I used to have to remind my daughter that I was the mom. She was born an adult. My biggest goal for my children was that they could take care of themselves, and make a meal for themselves. They are both pretty good in the kitchen.
Nicky Corbishley says
🙂
A great goal Julie. I love watching my two working together in the kitchen. They make a serious amount of mess though!!
Homemade & Yummy says
What a GREAT idea. With summer coming soon (I hope) this is great for those iced coffees!!
Nicky Corbishley says
Thanks 🙂