The Undeniable Charm of Mint in Your Coffee

My love affair with mint goes way back, a childhood delight that started with my very first scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream at “The Black Cow.” That crisp, cool flavor has captivated me ever since, and it’s a taste I still adore today. As the temperatures rise and the summer breeze beckons, my cravings shift from comforting hot beverages to something that can truly cool me down. And while I cherish my hot coffee most of the year, summer calls for a delightful twist – an iced coffee that’s both invigorating and utterly satisfying.

The combination of vanilla and mint in an iced coffee might seem unconventional to some, but trust me, it’s a revelation. Mint adds a clean, bright, and slightly peppery note that beautifully cuts through the richness of coffee. When paired with the mellow sweetness of vanilla, it creates a symphony of flavors that is truly unique and remarkably refreshing. It’s a sophisticated twist on your usual iced coffee, transforming it into a luxurious treat that feels like a mini-vacation in every sip. It’s the perfect antidote to the afternoon slump or a vibrant start to your day.

Crafting Your Perfect Iced Coffee Base

The foundation of any great iced coffee is, naturally, great coffee. You have a few fantastic options when it comes to preparing your base. For ultimate convenience, especially for busy weekdays, I often brew a large batch of coffee on the weekend and chill it. This allows me to enjoy homemade iced coffee throughout the week with minimal effort. Simply store it in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator, and it’s ready whenever a craving strikes.

Another excellent method is to use freshly brewed espresso poured over ice. This creates a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavor that stands up beautifully to the additions of syrup and creamer. If you prefer a smoother, less acidic profile, cold brew coffee is an ideal choice. Whichever method you choose, make sure your coffee is strong enough to avoid becoming watered down once the ice melts. Quality coffee beans will always make a significant difference in the final taste, so invest in your favorite blend.

Discovering the Difference with Left Field Farms Creamer

During a recent shopping trip to Walmart, I had the pleasure of discovering Left Field Farms coffee creamer. This brand immediately caught my attention with its commitment to simplicity and quality. What sets Left Field Farms apart is its dedication to using real, wholesome ingredients. Their creamers are non-GMO and made with real milk, real cream, and real sugar – no artificial flavors or unnecessary additives. This focus on natural goodness translates into a noticeably better taste and a creamer you can feel good about adding to your daily brew.

I opted for their delightful Vanilla variety, which I knew would perfectly complement the mint in my iced coffee. However, Left Field Farms also offers tempting Caramel and Sweet & Creamy options, ensuring there’s a flavor to suit every preference. The vanilla creamer adds a luscious creaminess and a subtle, natural sweetness that beautifully rounds out the sharp notes of mint and the robust flavor of coffee. It’s truly a game-changer for homemade iced coffee, transforming an ordinary cup into a barista-quality indulgence.

Crafting Your Sugar-Free Mint Simple Syrup

The secret to this exceptionally refreshing Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee lies in the homemade **sugar-free mint simple syrup**. Not only does it deliver an intense burst of fresh mint flavor, but its sugar-free nature means you can enjoy this delightful beverage without any guilt or a sugar crash. Making your own simple syrup is incredibly easy and allows you to control the ingredients precisely.

To prepare the syrup, you’ll combine water, a sugar substitute, and fresh mint leaves in a small pot. The key is to heat the mixture gently until the sugar substitute fully dissolves, resulting in a clear liquid. Once dissolved, remove it from the heat and allow the fresh mint leaves to steep as the syrup cools. This steeping process is crucial for infusing the syrup with that vibrant, unmistakable mint aroma and flavor. Remember, sugar substitutes are often much sweeter by volume than regular sugar, so it’s essential to adjust your ratios. A good rule of thumb is to use half the amount of sugar substitute compared to what you would use for granulated sugar in a recipe. After it cools, simply strain out the mint leaves, and you’ll have a beautifully aromatic, ready-to-use simple syrup.

This sugar-free mint simple syrup is incredibly versatile. It can be stored in a mason jar in your refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it perfect for preparing multiple iced coffees throughout the week or for experimenting with other beverages like lemonades or sparkling water. The effort is minimal, but the flavor impact is truly significant, ensuring your Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee is always bursting with fresh, cooling goodness.

Your New Summertime Obsession: Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee

Get ready, because this **Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee** is about to become your ultimate summertime obsession. It hit the spot for me in a way few drinks ever have, and I honestly can’t imagine enjoying iced coffee without a hint of mint ever again! The blend of cool coffee, aromatic mint, and creamy vanilla creates a truly harmonious and invigorating experience that will make your taste buds sing.

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Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee

Cook 5 mins

Inactive 1 hour

Total 1 hour, 5 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 1 serving serving

Crisp, cool and refreshing, this Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee is made with a sugar-free mint simple syrup, iced coffee, and creamer. It’s sure to liven up your taste buds and become your favorite summer drink!

Ingredients

For the Mint Simple Syrup

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar substitute (such as erythritol or stevia blend)
• 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves (about 1/2 cup packed)

For the Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee

• 8 ounces strong iced coffee (chilled brewed coffee or espresso over ice)
• Ice
• 2-3 tablespoons Mint Simple Syrup (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Left Field Farms Coffee Creamer (Vanilla variety recommended)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

To Make the Mint Simple Syrup:

1. Set a small pot on the stove over medium heat. Add water and your chosen sugar substitute. Stir continuously until the sugar substitute fully dissolves and the liquid becomes clear.
2. Remove the pot from the heat immediately after dissolving. Add the fresh mint leaves to the hot syrup. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature. This steeping process is essential for infusing maximum mint flavor.
3. Once cooled, strain the mint simple syrup over a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl, discarding the used mint leaves. Pour the finished syrup into a mason jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To Assemble Your Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee:

1. Fill a mason jar or your favorite drinking glass with ice.
2. Pour in the 8 ounces of chilled iced coffee.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade mint simple syrup (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness and mintiness).
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Left Field Farms Coffee Creamer. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the delightful flavors.
5. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves, if desired, for an extra touch of aroma and elegance. Sip and enjoy your perfectly refreshing Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee!

Notes

• This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to prepare a larger batch of mint simple syrup or iced coffee for entertaining.
• For a stronger mint flavor, gently muddle the mint leaves before adding them to the hot syrup.
• If you prefer a sweeter simple syrup, you can use regular granulated sugar. The ratio would then be equal parts sugar to water (1 cup sugar to 1 cup water), stirred until dissolved.

Courses Drinks

Cuisine American

Pro Tips for Your Best Iced Coffee Experience

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are always ways to customize and enhance your experience. You can easily adapt this iced coffee with different types of simple syrups you might have on hand. Imagine a cozy twist with a cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup, or a classic approach with a pure vanilla simple syrup. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your drink to your mood.

For those who prefer a less sweet profile, remember that using a sugar substitute in your simple syrup significantly reduces the overall sugar content. This particular cup of Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee, thanks to the sugar-free syrup, contains only about 5 grams of sugar – a far cry from the often overly sweetened coffee shop drinks. If you’re not concerned about sugar content, feel free to use regular granulated sugar for your simple syrup, just ensure you use equal parts sugar to water to achieve the correct consistency and sweetness.

Sip Your Way to a Brighter Day

Just look at that coffee – isn’t it stunning? Beyond its gorgeous appearance, this Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee delivers on flavor without the excessive sweetness that can often mask the true taste of coffee. That’s the beauty of using a sugar substitute and the pure flavor of mint. There’s nothing worse than an overly sweetened cup of joe that leaves you feeling sluggish. With this recipe, you get vibrant flavor and a refreshing lift, without the guilt.

Next time you’re navigating the aisles of Walmart, make a point to head to the dairy section and explore the Left Field Farms range. You’ll be genuinely delighted by their creamers and milk, all crafted with nothing but real ingredients and no unnecessary added sugars. It’s a brand that truly understands the value of natural goodness in your daily rituals.

So, why wait? Embrace the warmth of the season with a drink that truly refreshes and invigorates. Go forth and make this sensational **Vanilla Mint Iced Coffee**! It’s the perfect companion to conquer your day, brighten your morning, or simply enjoy a moment of blissful cool. Cheers to a delicious summer!