Iced Coffee

AT-HOME TIPS

How to Spice Up Your Iced Coffee

5 min

SIMPLE TIPS TO SPICE UP YOUR COLD COFFEE

Adding cinnamon or sprinkling in some nutmeg are simple ways to personalize your cold coffee this summer. 

Spice Up Your Summer

It’s not just a season, it’s a feeling. And with Starbucks, this summer is going to be all about flavor.​

Whatever your summer looks like, Starbucks can add a little spice to the season. A bit of cinnamon here, some nutmeg there or even a sprinkle of cacao. It’s all about making your favorite hot coffee flavors cold. ​

Craft a new favorite cold coffee at home with our easy-to-follow, delicious recipes.

Knowing What Works

We’ve been adding spice to our coffees for years, but not all spices work with coffee even if they're delicious in your favorite dish. When you’re adding spice, we'd recommend using ones with a warmer, sweeter taste. Cinnamon and nutmeg work wonderfully in coffee as they complement the tasting notes in many of our roasts.

Spice Up Your Coffee Slowly

When you’re dealing with spice, less is more as you work to find your ideal flavor. ​

Be careful not to add too much of the nuttier spices like turmeric, cinnamon or nutmeg. They can easily overpower the coffee instead of complementing it. Adding too much can also give the coffee a slightly grainy texture instead of the smooth experience you expect. ​

Spice
TIPS ON ADDING POWDER

When you're trying to decide what spice or powder to add to your coffee, ask yourself what kinds of flavor experience you're hoping for and what kinds of coffee drinks you already enjoy. If it something warm and nutty, try spices like nutmeg, turmeric or pumpkin spice. If your sweet tooth is calling, give cocoa powder a try.

Know When and How to Add Spice

To get the full flavor from spices and powders while maintaining a smooth texture, we recommend dissolving them in freshly brewed coffee. If you're making a foam layer for your drink, add the spice or powder to warm milk before frothing. ​

 

You can also sprinkle some powder or spice directly onto the foam for a lighter touch of spiced warmth or chocolatey goodness.

POWDERS

The Signature Cinnamon Strike 

The bold line of cinnamon we put on top of foam is called a strike. It's a small detail that elevates the look of any coffee drink—and it's super easy to make. ​

 

​Layer some cinnamon on a knife or offset spatula. Hold the utensil over the center of your drink and gently tap to knock the cinnamon onto the foam. ​

 

​You can use this method to add a strike of any spice or powder, so give it a try the next time you brew an iced coffee with foam. 

GET INSPIRED

Cold Brew Versus Iced Coffee 2 Minutes
Two women in kitchen pouring and enjoying cold brew coffee

GET INSPIRED

How to Pair Coffee with Food 2 Minutes
Cup of coffee and bowl of yogurt with fruit

RECIPE

Iced Cinnamon Coffee
Iced Cinnamon Coffee