I’ve just spent a fantastic week with my niece Maya.  On the second day of our stay-cation together I discovered how much she loooves her Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolattas.  I myself hadn’t ever had one, but given my attachment for McCafe’s Iced Caramel Mocha Latte I was all in. The Coolatta is frozen vs. the Caramel Mocha Latte which is served on the rocks.  So while the coolatta was very tasty, I prefer my iced coffee the way I prefer my margaritas….on the rocks.

It’s not surprising that Maya is a fan of coffee flavored drinks.  This is the kid whose favorite ice cream flavor has always been Coffee.  On the last day of her visit I thought it would be fun to recreate our favorite coffee treats at home.  The night before I brewed up a strong batch of coffee and turned some into coffee cubes and chilled the rest for our drinks.

We started our coffee adventure with basic Iced Coffee, served over coffee cubes with a little cream (and sweetened if you like).  We then moved to Vietnamese Iced Coffee served with a good drizzle of sweetened condensed milk (about 2 tablespoons).  I looove this coffee.  It reminds me of the Thai Iced Tea that Maya’s dad used to make for us years ago.  I’m working on getting his recipe.  Hmmm Hemm.  Next up was the Iced Caramel Mocha Latte of love.

~ Iced Caramel Mocha Latte ~

1 cup strong coffee, chilled
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbl. chocolate syrup
2 Tbl. caramel sauce, plus more for drizzle
whipped cream
ice (preferably coffee cubes)

Drizzle inside of glass with caramel sauce.  Fill with ice cubes then top with chilled coffee.  Whisk together milk, chocolate syrup and caramel sauce until well combined; pour into coffee and stir.  Top with Homemade Whipped Cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.  Enjoy!

Our final attempt was to recreate Maya’s favorite Coffee Coolatta.  We brought out the big guns and loaded the Vitamix with a handful of coffee cubes, chilled strong coffee, milk, and chocolate syrup.  Gave the blender a good whirl and voila.  Nope, not quite right.  Our mixture was tasty but too thin.  We added more ice and a little more chocolate….couldn’t hurt.  Ooo maybe a bit too strong…a touch more milk.  Too thin.  By this time we were out of coffee cubes so we added a good handful of regular iced cubes.  If you like really thick, very strong, chocolateey coffeeeey milk….we nailed it.

I just love this kid.  On our first movie night we watched Miss Congeniality.  And if you’ve seen it, you’ll understand when I say I want to huuug her.  I want to squeeeeze her.  I want to keeeep her.  We had a really great vacation together.  And we will perfect the Coolatta during our next vacation together.

As a bonus I’m linking up our recipe for Almond Joy Iced Coffee.  It’s a delectable sweet treat, especially if you’re an Almond Joy fan like me.

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Sending this Chocolate Mint Martini holiday treat out to my girls tonight!!  Let it be a magical evening for all.

~ Chocolate Mint Martini Recipe ~

1 oz. Peppermint Schnapps

1 oz. Vanilla Vodka

2 oz. chocolate syrup

2 oz. half & half

4 peppermint candies, crushed

Add above to a shaker of ice and shake until frosty.

Pour into a martini glass rimmed with crushed peppermints.

Happy Holidays!!

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