The Iced Coffee Cup
The iced coffee cup is one of the most important accessories for cold brew fans, and the right choice can significantly improve your drinking experience. Look for a glass or BPA-free plastic mug with a capacity of at least 12 ounces, and make sure the opening is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes. Some cups come with lids for on-the-go sipping, while others feature reusable straws (which can reduce your plastic consumption). You can also find insulated tumblers to help keep your beverage extra cold. If you are concerned about the environment, look for an iced coffee cup made of eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled glass.
Iced coffee is a drink that combines espresso with milk or cream and ice. It is usually sweetened with sugar or syrup, and some cafes even add whipped cream and ice cream. It is very popular in Chile, where it is called cafe helado and often served at parties or during the summer time. Iced coffees are easy to prepare at home and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
In recent years, iced coffees have experienced a boom in popularity and now account for more than 6% of the UK specialty coffee market today. This rise in popularity has been largely due to increased awareness of the health benefits of consuming cold drinks, especially when consumed as part of a healthy breakfast or lunch.
Many customers have been clamouring for coffee shops to reduce their use of nonrecyclable plastics and move towards a more sustainable solution, especially when it comes to takeaway cups. One such initiative came from the US-based Blue Bottle coffee chain, which began using paper cups normally reserved for hot drinks to serve their iced coffees. However, it soon became apparent that these cups were not ideal for iced drinks, as the paper would absorb too much of the ice and weaken its structural integrity.
While it is admirable that the chain was aiming to cut back on disposable plastics, using paper cups for iced coffees ultimately diminished the drinking experience. As Matt Bachmann, co-founder of coffee maker Wandering Bear pointed out, “So much of the enjoyment of iced coffee is visual — pouring the milk in, watching it froth, adding a straw. You really miss out on a lot of the experience when you drink it from a brown paper cup.”
With the growing number of iced coffee lovers, the best solution is to purchase a reusable iced coffee cup. This is a great way to support the local economy, reduce environmental waste, and enjoy your favorite drink on the go without having to worry about the fate of your takeaway container at the end of its life cycle. The most common option is a glass or BPA-free plastic cup, but you can also find stainless steel options for those who prefer to travel with their brew on the go. Many of these options come with lids and a reusable straw for on-the-go convenience, while some are even dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze.
