Starbucks Says This Is The Best Time To Add Syrup When Making Iced Coffee

You know the weather has turned when your coffee turns from hot to iced. Iced coffee is, indeed, the coolest way to start any and all mornings. However, if you're looking to add extra flavor or sweetness to your summer drink, don't forgo the heat quite yet.

To make iced coffee with a flavor syrup, you should add that syrup to your hot, freshly-brewed coffee, recommends Starbucks. It's safe to say that the coffee conglomerate knows a thing or two about making successful and delicious lattes and the like, so this syrup technique is foolproof.

Whether your go-to iced coffee comes with lavender, cinnamon, or vanilla syrup, the key to adding flavor is about following the proper steps, in the proper order. After you've incorporated the syrup, you can think about changing your coffee's temperature. And in case you were wondering, it's best to wait before you add your ice and your milk once the drink is cooled down.

As for why this trick works so well? It all comes down to the way in which the syrup dissolves. Add your syrup from the beginning, and you'll have a more harmonious iced coffee flavor.

You may be tempted to skip ahead and add flavorful syrup to your coffee immediately. Doing so won't destroy your drink, but it won't result in a well-blended beverage or ultra-rich iced coffee either.

Through a process similar to what Starbucks employs, the key to making a syrup-flavored iced coffee is to properly combine your syrup with your brew. If you're making a hazelnut iced coffee, your drink will have its richest, fullest hazelnut flavor once the syrup has dissolved. In order to expedite this process and ensure your syrup has blended with your coffee, hot liquid is your best bet — syrup dissolves more quickly and thoroughly in hot liquids than it does cold ones.

This trick sounds simple enough, but it can make a huge difference in your next iced coffee venture. Of course, if you forget to add your syrup from the beginning, not all hope is lost. You can alternatively add syrup to your milk before you froth it, according to Starbucks. And it's worth noting that the brand sells many of its trademark syrups, so if you're itching to make your own Starbucks iced coffee, pick up a bottle of your favorite flavor. You'll be an at-home barista in no time.