Top Refreshing Coffee Drinks
As summer rolls in, the craving for refreshing drinks intensifies. For many, that means heading to Starbucks for a cool beverage. But did you know that you can enjoy delicious iced drinks without worrying about calorie overload?
I’ll never forget the first time I tried an Iced Chai Latte. It was a sweltering summer day, and I needed something to quench my thirst. The creamy chai tea, milk, and ice blend was the perfect pick-me-up.
The spices in the chai added a warm, comforting element to the cool beverage, making it a truly refreshing treat.
Java Drinks
Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
Let’s start with a fan favorite: the Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew. This drink combines the smoothness of cold brew coffee with a delightful float of vanilla sweet cream.
– Calorie Count: A tall (12 fl. oz) serving has only 53 calories, making it a guilt-free treat.
– Flavor Profile: The nitro infusion gives it a creamy texture, while the vanilla adds a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.
Iced Americano
Next up is the Iced Americano. This drink is a classic and perfect for those who love a strong coffee flavor.
– Description: An espresso shot with cold water, served over ice for a refreshing kick.
– Customization Options: Sprinkle in some milk or a flavored syrup while keeping the calories low. A tall Iced Americano has just ten calories!
Teas and Refreshers
Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
If you’re looking for something fruity, the Mango Dragonfruit Refresher is a must-try.
– Ingredients: This drink features a blend of mango and dragonfruit flavors, shaken with ice for a refreshing sip.
– Flavor Profile: It’s light, fruity, and perfect for summer days.
– Calorie Count: A tall serving contains 68 calories.
Berry Refresher
Another great option is the Berry Refresher, which is bursting with flavor.
– Ingredients: This drink combines berry flavors with green coffee extract for a caffeine boost.
– Customization Options: Add authentic fruit pieces for an extra refreshing touch.
– Calorie Count: A tall serving has around 70 calories.
Peach Tea with Lemonade
The Peach Tea with Lemonade is a delightful choice for those who love tea.
–Description: This drink blends peach flavors with iced tea and lemonade, creating a sweet and tangy refreshment.
–Appeal: It’s a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day.
– Calorie Count: A tall serving has about 53 calories.
Strawberry Acai Refresher
Last but not least in our refresher lineup is the Strawberry Acai Refresher.
–Ingredients: This drink features strawberry and acai flavors, giving it a vibrant color and taste.
–Caffeine Content: It contains about 34 mg of caffeine, providing a gentle boost.
–Calorie Count: A tall serving has 80 calories.
Specialty Drinks
Ginger and Turmeric Blend
Moving on to something a bit different, the Ginger and Turmeric Blend is a unique offering.
–Ingredients: This drink combines ginger, turmeric, and a hint of sweetness for a healthful twist.
–Flavor Profile: The spices create a warming sensation, making it an excellent choice for those cooler summer evenings.
–Calorie Count: A tall serving is around 90 calories.
Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte
For a creamy treat, try the Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte.
–Description: This drink features coconut milk blended with vanilla bean flavor and espresso.
–Calorie Count: A tall serving has about 100 calories, making it a satisfying yet light option.
Nitro Cold Brew with Cold Foam
Finally, we have the Nitro Cold Brew with Cold Foam.
-Description: This drink combines the smoothness of nitro cold brew with a layer of cold foam.
–Availability: You can customize it with flavors and sweeteners to suit your taste.
–Calorie Count: A tall serving typically has around 70 calories.
Seasonal Sips: Fall and Winter
While summer is the season for iced drinks, Starbucks also offers plenty of delicious options for autumn and winter.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: A classic fall favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a cozy and comforting drink. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and espresso is perfect for chilly days.
- Peppermint Mocha: This festive drink is a must-try during the holiday season. The peppermint adds a refreshing twist to the rich chocolate flavor.
- Eggnog Latte: A creamy and indulgent treat, the Eggnog Latte is a classic winter beverage. The combination of eggnog, espresso, and a sprinkle of nutmeg will surely warm you up.
Spring and Summer Refreshers
In addition to the summer favorites mentioned earlier, here are a few more refreshing options to consider:
- Strawberry Acai Refresher: This vibrant drink is perfect for a sunny day. The combination of strawberry and acai flavors is both sweet and tangy.
- Mango Dragonfruit Refresher: This tropical-inspired drink is a refreshing and healthy choice. The mango and dragonfruit flavors are perfectly balanced.
Starbucks-Inspired Cinnamon Caramel Cold Brew Recipe
This homemade version of the Cinnamon Caramel Cold Brew will surely please any fan of Starbucks’ delectable cold brews. This recipe creates a refreshing yet decadent drink by combining the robust flavor of cold brew coffee with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of caramel.
Ingredients:
For the Cold Brew:
1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (your favorite blend)
4 cups cold filtered water
For the Cinnamon Caramel Syrup:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembly:
Ice cubes
1/2 cup milk (optional: almond milk, oat milk, or regular milk)
Whipped cream (optional)
Extra caramel drizzle for topping (optional)
Cinnamon powder for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cold Brew
Pour the cold water and the roughly ground coffee into a big jar or pitcher.
To make sure all of the coffee grounds are wet, gently stir.
If you like your coffee strong, soak the mixture in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours with a cover on.
Use a cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine mesh strainer to remove the coffee after it has steeped. Throw away the coffee grinds and reserve the chilled brew.
2. Prepare the syrup for cinnamon caramel.
Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Mix well until smooth.
Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. You can store the extra syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Assemble the Drink
In a glass, add a generous amount of ice cubes.
Pour 1/4 cup of the cinnamon caramel syrup over the ice.
Add 1 cup of cold brew coffee to the glass.
If you prefer a creamier drink, pour in your choice of milk (about 1/2 cup or to taste).
Stir everything together well to combine the flavors.
4. Garnish and Serve
For an extra indulgent treat, top your cold brew with whipped cream.
Drizzle more caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon powder on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Starbucks-style Cinnamon Caramel Cold Brew!
Pro Tips:
Adjust the sweetness: If you like a sweeter drink, feel free to add more cinnamon caramel syrup to your cold brew.
Use flavored coffee beans: For an extra boost of cinnamon flavor, use cinnamon-flavored coffee beans for your cold brew.
Homemade caramel sauce
You can make your caramel sauce at home by simmering sugar and water until it turns golden, then adding cream and butter.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, use a plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk and ensure the caramel sauce is dairy-free.
Q: How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
A: Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Q: Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew?
A: You can, but the flavor will be different. Cold brew coffee is less acidic and smoother, making it ideal for this recipe. If using regular coffee, let it cool completely before assembling the drink.
Q: How do I make this drink without sugar?
A: You can substitute the sugar in the syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. Be sure to use a sugar-free caramel sauce as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, Starbucks offers a variety of low-calorie drinks that are perfect for keeping you cool and refreshed during the summer. From rich coffee options to fruity refreshers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without the guilt.
So why mix it up and try something new? Whether you stick to your favorites or venture out, these drinks will brighten your day. Grab your favorite iced drink and enjoy the summer vibes!
