Big Batch Iced Café Mochas

October 1^st is International Coffee Day. The one day each year we get to celebrate the magic that is roasted coffee beans, flavored creamers, and a good cup of joe. In my house we really celebrate coffee every day, but I’ll take any excuse to make a regular morning a celebration!

Growing up, my parents were pretty straightforward when it came to their coffee order. My dad always took his black (gross) while my mom preferred cream and sugar (fine). My brother and I would reuse the Maxwell House containers to play drums and drive my mom nuts in the kitchen. I just didn’t understand what was so special about coffee. When I finally got to try a taste of it (from my dad’s cup – served black) I scrunched my face up and tried really hard not to spit out. It was so bitter! How could they stand it? I decided coffee was something I was NOT interested in, which was just fine with my mom since caffeine supposedly stunted growth. I’m 6’ and my younger brother is 6’5” so do with that what you will.

As I entered college, I decided to give coffee another try. After all, my classmates were practically hooked up to an IV of the stuff, and the menu options were staggering. Clearly “plain” was not the main attraction. Caramel, pumpkin spice, peppermint mocha – the choices were endless! Ultimately, I selected a small café mocha, and from that moment on, I was hooked. It had the perfect ratio for me – 1/3 espresso to 2/3 steamed milk and glorious chocolate (both in the drink and drizzled on top).

Since then, I’ve had my fair share of coffee. In the summer and early fall it’s a perfect pick me up iced, and when it’s the dead of winter it provides a wonderful hug in a mug. There will always be room for coffee on my table, anytime of day.

Coffee is also fabulous for entertaining.  Whether for a brunch potluck, bridal shower, baby shower, lunch date, or afternoon book club – coffee is a tasty treat to welcome everyone in. Making individual cups of coffee though is way too time consuming, and it takes the host away from enjoying the party! Enter my big batch iced café mocha – it’s easy to put together, can be made well in advance, and packs a punch of flavor (and energy!). Because it’s iced, there’s no worry about keeping the coffee warm or at the prime temperature. All you have to do is relax, pour, and enjoy!

Big Batch Iced Café Mochas

Serves 8|Prep: 15 Minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup Instant Espresso Coffee Granules
• ½ cup Hot Water
• 2 cups Cold Water
• 4 cups Chocolate Milk
• 1 can (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Coffee Ice Cubes (recipe follows)

Steps

1. In a tall pitcher, mix instant espresso with hot water. Whisk until granules are completely dissolved. Let stand and come to room temperature.
2. Stir in the cold water, chocolate milk, and can of condensed milk.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour over coffee ice cubes.
4. Enjoy!

Coffee Ice Cubes

Making coffee ice cubes is great for iced coffee, because as the ice melts it doesn’t water down your iced coffee! Once you finish your first glass, it’s as if you get a second cup of joe once the ice comes back up to room temperature 😊

1. Brew 2 cups of French Vanilla coffee.
2. Let cool to room temperature. Pour coffee into ice cube molds and freeze until set.
3. Pop coffee cubes out of the molds and store in a zip top bag in the freezer until ready to use!