Every morning, I have a routine I like to follow once I get to work (at home or at the office). I prepare an iced drink (non-alcoholic, settle down now, folks!) in a tall glass with a straw for myself before applying myself to my work. Somehow, sipping cool yummy refreshment through a straw makes any task simpler, don’t you think? Certainly, it must be linked to productivity, I’m quite sure. I mean, who couldn’t be more productive while sipping an iced, luscious, whatever? Mary Poppins certainly knew what she was saying, when she sang:
“In every job that must be done
There is an element of fun
You find the fun and snap!
The job’s a game… A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way”
Over the years, I’ve had varying favorite morning confections. I’ve consistently enjoyed a good glass of iced chai, even on a chilly morning in Maine. One of my favorites is Big Train Gingerbread Chai Now I know what you’re thinking: Gingerbread? In August? Well, you can drink this even when reindeer are not expected on the roof in the near future. I usually add a bit more milk than the recipe calls for, and plenty of ice. It’s creamy, smooth, spicy, and just enough sweet, and brings to mind a delicious, drinkable cookie. Who wouldn’t want just the hint of a cookie every morning?
There are mornings, however, when I’m in the mood for something not so creamy, but still craving the spiciness of chai. Those days, I’ll go for Big Train Sereno Organic Chai – no milk in the concentrate; just organic black tea, spices, honey & cane juice. It tastes quite good made with plain ricemilk; light & refreshing.
Recently, though, I’ve been more of a coffee fan. Well, let’s restate that for accuracy & truthfulness, shall we? Always, I’ve been an ardent coffee fan. Recently, though, I’ve been making an iced latte that I’ve been hooked on for a while now (and, is saving me money by no longer visiting unnamed drive-through coffee chain on a regular basis).
To make my morning iced latte, first, use 1 pump of either Monin Organic Vanilla or Caramel syrup (depending on mood). Next, fill the bottom 1/3 of the glass with iced Lavazza In Blu – perhaps the most lovely tasting espresso out there (brew double strength for iced use, and I always recommend a french press over a standard drip coffee maker, any day). Finally, add another 1/3 glass of cold milk (cow, rice, or almond milk – all good in their own ways), and fill the final 1/3 with ice. Stir, then add the all important straw (I’m partial to the rainbow-colored bendy straws, myself). Sip slowly & enjoy your morning!