Say goodbye to spring, and hello to summer!
With the hot summer months approaching full steam ahead, many diners look to ice cold water, lemonade, beer, and cocktails for momentary relief from the heat. While we can’t deny the attraction of the aforementioned beverage choices, caffeine lovers need some cooling down options, too.
Whether you’re in the mood for some sweet tea, coffee blended milkshakes, or even liquor-infused iced coffee brews, we found four unique establishments that will help you battle the rising temperature outside, while also giving you the caffeine fix your body desires. Check out these bustling places sure to keep you cool for the summer.
Ambition Coffee House and Eatery
Schenectady, NY
New York Times bestselling author of “Is the Coffee Fresh?” and owner of Ambition Coffee House and Eatery, Marc Renson is no stranger to the coffee scene. Offering exciting choices like the Shivering Joe (espresso, milk, vanilla and caramel blended with ice), The Nutty Irishman (consisting of almond and Irish cream syrup topped with whipped cream), and flavored Iced Teas (raspberry, peach, and blackberry), there isn’t a bad choice in the house.
If you’re looking for something a bit “stronger,” add your favorite liquor shot to any beverage, as this establishment is stocked with a full bar. Can you say yum?
If you’re in for another type of “chill,” legend has it that the spirit of one former owner Asbury B. Christian — given the nickname “Blackboots” — has been haunting this establishment for years. His spirit is believed to have been awoken by the Ambition staff as they were cleaning out the (circa 1870) building upstairs. But have no fear, “Blackboots” is friendly and only visits to make sure guests are having a c-oooooooo-l time.
Sunburst Espresso Bar
New York, NY
Iced coffees, iced espressos, iced lattes, oh my!
No, we’re not taking a trip down the yellow brick road into the Wizard of Coffee Oz, but it certainly feels like it when you stride into Sunburst Espresso Bar.
Here at Sunburst, you’ll seemingly find unlimited choices for ice cold caffeinated beverages at your disposal. With coffee flavors ranging from house blend and hazelnut to French vanilla and caramel nut fudge, deciding what to choose will be your twitter hashtag of #TheStruggleIsReal for the day.
If you’re trying to shake off the summer heat, Sunburst Espresso Bar offers a variety of caffeinated milk shakes and smoothies as well. Try their popular Cappuccino Shake, Mocha Frappe Shake (espresso with coffee and chocolate syrup, half and half, blended with ice), or Sunrise Smoothie mixed with espresso, vanilla syrup, half and half, and ice. If tea is more your thing, their Italian Iced Tea — with choice of any syrup — is always a great option as well.
No matter what cold beverage you choose to drink, rest assured that Sunburst has you covered. Unlike the sunscreen you forgot to put on your back.
Lush Coffee & Tea
Vista, CA
Nestled just outside San Diego, Lush Coffee & Tea has become a community go-to spot when a caffeine fix is needed. Serving only the freshest organic coffee and tea the area has to offer, Lush makes every day “sipply” delightful.
From coffee lushies (icy blended drinks with, you guessed it, coffee), iced espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and iced chai latte and green teas, Lush serves an array of drinks that make beating the heat a chilly treat. Specialty drinks such as their mocha Mexicano, white chocolate mocha, and carmel macchiato (organic espresso and steamed milk infused with rich caramel and organic vanilla bean) are great to try if you’re looking for something sweet and different.
For tea lovers, they offer a fantastic Earl Grey tea latte that has just a touch of cream and vanilla syrup mixed in. Whatever your fancy, take comfort in the fact that Lush Coffee & Tea will never leave you dehydrated and thirsty. Before you leave, make sure you stop and say hello to the little fishes in the koi pond next to their aquaponics living wall!
Kahwa Coffee
St. Petersburg and Tampa, FL
Owners of Kahwa Coffee, Raphael and Sarah Perrier have been roasting their special blend of coffee beans in the sunny state of Florida for 10 years.
Originally beginning as a wholesale business, the Perriers branched out after two years and started creating storefront staples in the St Petersburg and Tampa, Florida areas. Raphael started out as a hardworking barista over 20 years ago, and learned the craft inside and out before venturing out on his own.
Creating such unique flavors like the delightful Papua New Guinea iced coffee, brewed with hints of caramel and black cherry; Tropic Refreshers with green coffee extract; and the popular “back by demand” iced lavender vanilla latte, finding a refreshing summer pick-me-up is stress-free at Kahwa Coffee. To ensure each cup is brewed to the highest quality, all baristas go through intense training in order to serve the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had!
Curious about the process that goes into the coffee bean becoming the liquid beverage in your cup? Call to schedule a production site tour and see the passion that brews into every cup of Kahwa Coffee!
PSA: Don’t worry, foodies — we wouldn’t leave you out in the cold. All above mentioned establishments serve a variety of delicious mouthwatering food, too!
And if you’re looking for a destination a little closer to home, check out our nationwide search of restaurants offering rewards every time you dine:
