FOOD & DRINK

Cool off this summer with iced coffees

Here are our picks for some of the best around Austin

By Addie Broyles, Dale Rice and Renee Studebaker
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Can you hear that buzzing?

It's not a mosquito in your ear. It's the sound of Central Texans all hyped up on iced coffee drinks, a staple this time of year when the summer heat has set in.

There are dozens of ways to drink your coffee cold, and the majority of coffee-based cool drinks will satisfy your afternoon sweet tooth, too.

Let's start with the straight, unsweetened, cold-brewed iced coffee, commonly known as toddy. This is the base for many iced drinks because the coffee isn't as acidic as hot-brewed coffee — and it contains more caffeine.

Some coffee shops pull a shot of espresso and use it in place of the cold-brewed coffee concentrate, says David Alan, beverage specialist and author of TipsyTexan.com. In an video on Austin360.com, Alan shows several methods to get started on making your own iced coffee drink.

We tested dozens of iced coffees in Central Texas from a variety of shops in different areas, and here are our favorites:

Lucky Cup

This Kyle coffee shop makes a classic iced latte — thick milk and cold-brewed coffee poured over lots of ice. It's not sweet unless you add sugar or other sweeteners, but it's the perfect thirst-quenching drink to get your day started. $3.05. 130A Kirkham Circle, Kyle. (512) 535-5636.

Summermoon

Moon milk, made with seven secret ingredients, is what makes the Wintermoon stand out at Summermoon on South First Street in Austin. It's a thick, sweet drink, so make sure you get two espresso shots if you want to really taste the coffee. We found it too sweet for breakfast, but perfect for a late afternoon indulgence. $3.60. 3115 S. First St. 804-1665.

Katz's stand at Sunset Valley Farmers' Market

David Alan, aka the Tipsy Texan, is also a coffee dealer for the Houston-based Katz's Coffee (no relation to the West Sixth Street deli) and a master mixologist. He put a twist on a lemon coffee drink by bartender Bobby Huegel of Beaver's in Houston and named it the cappuccello. Keep your mind open here; it's cold-brewed coffee concentrate, lemon juice and lemon agave nectar, shaken to a frothy head. Its unique taste and texture make it a hit at the Sunset Valley Farmers' Market. 3200 Jones Road (Burger Center's northeast parking lot), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Pho Thaison

Several Vietnamese restaurants around town offer Vietnamese iced coffee, but the one at Pho Thaison is especially good and, at $2, it's cheap. It's made by pouring hot water through coffee grounds in a metal filter into a cup with sweetened condensed milk and ice. You can also add tapioca balls (the kind found in bubble tea) for a fun texture. A warning: The three Pho Thaison locations around town aren't open until 11 a.m., but Vietnamese iced coffee is better as an afternoon drink anyway. $2. 3601 W. William Cannon Drive, near the intersection of William Cannon and Brodie Lane. 892-8777 For other locations, visit www.pho

thaison.com.

Teo Espresso, Gelato and Bella Vita

Close your eyes and imagine you're sitting at a sidewalk cafe in Tuscany while you sip an affogato at Teo's in 26 Doors shopping center. This classic Italian duo features a double shot of espresso poured over vanilla gelato (or any other flavor you like with coffee — try the Oreo cookie if you're feeling adventurous). $4.25. 1206 W. 38th St. 451-9555.

Hideout Coffee House and Theater

If you haven't found enough ways to consume Amy's Ice Cream, there's one more at the Hideout. The Espress o Rocket combines Amy's chocolate ice cream, a double shot of espresso and just enough milk to make a thick, smooth shake topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. $4.85. 617 Congress Ave. 476-0473.

Jo's

Although the SoCo scenesters vibe is a bit thick at times, Jo's nonfat iced lattes are as good as when the place opened about eight years ago. Why? Really good espresso flavor and finely crushed ice. If you're usually a whole-milk kind of person, try it with nonfat at least once; nonfat milk allows the flavor of the espresso to dominate. (Almost as good: Nonfat iced latte from Quacks, 411 E, 43rd St.) $3.50. 1300 S. Congress Ave. 444-3800.

It's a Grind

Try the simple, clean-tasting blended ice mocha made with the Grind's own cold toddy brew plus chocolate powder and nonfat milk. Icy creamy goodness with no bitterness. If you usually steer clear of chain establishments, this place feels local and is worth stopping. $4. 1000 E. 41st St. 420-2225.

Blue Marble Cafe

Pflugerville residents have been enjoying the Blue Marble Cafe's granitasince the shop opened earlier year. This drink, best described as a coffee slushee, is a sweet summertime beverage, and you can get it in mocha or vanilla flavors or with a shot of espresso. $4.48. 1912 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville. (512) 670-3100.