Iced Coffee

 The weather is getting warmer, and schoolwork is getting busier! What's the perfect remedy? Iced coffee. Now I know I could go to the nearest Starbucks and pick up a delicious grande iced coffee, but I often don't have the time to spend. Starbucks can get pricey (although it's a wonderful treat), so that's why I make my own! I have a mandatory ACT this week as well as two finals, and the following week AP testing starts, so sleep will be scarce. What better way to get up in the morning than to pour myself a nice cup of iced coffee (we all need something to look forward to on those dreaded Mondays, and pretty much the rest week)?

The iced coffee I treat myself with is a bit different than the one I bring along with me to school or to study at the library.

Ingredients
Your usual amount of coffee (brewed to your taste, and whatever brand you prefer)
Creamer/milk (I love adding a hazelnut creamer to my coffee, because I absolutely adore the flavor)
Dash of Cinnamon (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Shredded chocolate (optional)

Procedure
1. Brew your coffee.
2. Now this is optional-when your coffee has cooled down a bit, add some of it to an ice tray. That way your coffee doesn't get watery when you poor the liquid coffee over it. I couldn't find an ice tray, so I just used regular ice, and it was still delicious.
3. Add your coffee to a large jar and stick it into the fridge. Wait for it to become a bit cooler than room temperature, or just leave it overnight to enjoy in the morning.
4. Select a nice glass or tumbler. I use a tumbler to bring to school, adding ice and a little hazelnut creamer!
5. To make it more of a Starbucks-y drink, I add the creamer, ice, and whipped cream. I then top it with a dash of cinnamon and shredded chocolate.

Voila! You have a delicious drink that you can customize the way you like it!
Happy studying/enjoying iced coffee!
-Sema