Summer is here and though hardcore coffee drinkers will still drink hot espressos and pour-overs, most of us, especially here in Singapore, just want a refreshing drink. In a time when refreshing summer drinks mostly come in the form of alcoholic beverages, a non-alcoholic but equally satisfying drink that you can sip on the long summer days is necessary. We recently found our favorite cold coffee drink, Espresso, and Tea.
There are all types of coffee drinks, from latte to espresso soda for you to choose from. This time we decide to combine tea and coffee together, both drinks that we love so much.
Choosing your Tea
We all know that tea does contain caffeine too, as we are going to combine it with espresso it is good to choose something light. There are several types of tea that are generally considered to have lower caffeine content compared to other types. Here are a few examples:
- White Tea: White tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant. It undergoes minimal processing, which helps retain its delicate flavors and low caffeine content. While it is not entirely caffeine-free, it generally contains less caffeine than green or black tea. We use White Sky Tea by TWG here.
- Green Tea (decaffeinated): Green tea typically contains less caffeine than black tea, but the exact amount can vary depending on factors such as brewing time and temperature. If you’re looking for a decaffeinated option, you can find decaf green tea varieties that have had a significant portion of their caffeine removed.
- Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea, which places it between green and black tea in terms of oxidation levels. While oolong tea does contain some caffeine, the amount is usually lower than that of black tea.
It’s worth noting that the caffeine content can still vary within each type of tea depending on factors like brewing time, water temperature, and the specific tea leaves used. If you are particularly sensitive to caffeine or looking for completely caffeine-free options, herbal teas are your best choice.
Choosing your Espresso
When it comes to espresso, while freshly ground beans taste nicer, in terms of convenience the capsule espresso is something that we go for, especially for this drink. Previously we only have options from the Nespresso brand but now there are more options for us to choose from for our espresso machine. The one we using here is the Happiness by Lykke Coffee Farms.
Making a simple drink fancy
To make this drink a little fancy, making flower ice cubes is a lovely way to add an elegant touch to your beverages. Here’s a simple method to make flower ice cubes:
- Select edible flowers: Choose fresh, pesticide-free flowers that are safe for consumption. Some popular options include pansies, violas, nasturtiums, borage flowers, and rose petals. Ensure that the flowers are clean and free from any dirt or bugs.
- Place flowers in ice cube trays: Take an ice cube tray and place a flower or a small blossom in each compartment. You can either place the whole flower or separate the petals and arrange them as desired.
- Fill with water or other liquid: Slowly fill the ice cube tray with water, being cautious not to displace the flowers. You can also experiment with using other liquids like fruit juice or herbal tea to add flavor and color to your ice cubes.
- Freeze: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and let it freeze completely. This usually takes a few hours, depending on the size of the ice cubes and the temperature of your freezer.
- Serve and enjoy: Add the flower ice cubes to your favorite beverages, such as water, iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails. The flower ice cubes will gradually melt, releasing their delicate flavors and adding a visually appealing element to your drink.
Remember, it’s essential to use flowers that are safe for consumption and free from pesticides or chemicals. If you’re uncertain about the edibility of a particular flower, it’s best to avoid using it.
If you try this recipe please tag #byplaincanvas on Instagram. We love to see your photos of our recipes! Also, follow us on Instagram to keep up on what we’re cooking up.
xoxo, Joe
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