In Florida’s climate, there’s no better way to beat the heat than the caffeinated cool-down of iced coffee. But don’t be fooled: iced coffee is not pouring a hot cup of coffee over ice. The traditional way is cold brewing, a method where coarse coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for several hours and strained into a concentrate. That syrupy liquid is mixed with water and poured over ice, creating a smoother, less acidic drink that, due to the chocolate and caramel undertones, doesn’t need cream or sugar. Although cold-brewed iced coffee is a rarity in Tampa Bay, Indigo Coffee makes one drink that’s similar. Normally, the Extreme Toddy is one part coffee-concentrate with two parts milk. But ask the barista to make it with water instead and you have an authentic, and buzz-inducing, iced coffee with a smooth, almost velvety texture, and a richness that begs for a pastry. Three Tampa locations.
This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2008.
