When you think of things you can’t go without during your day, what do you think of? If you’re like many of us from the Northeast, then it doesn’t take too long before the words coffee or iced coffee enter the conversation. Well, caffeine-loving friends, we are here for you. It’s time to make your day a little bit brighter.
Now’s the time to give yourself a treat that you can look forward to each and every day. It’s one that can satisfy not only your flavor palate but also save you some money at the same time. Have you ever thought about building your own iced coffee station? You’re probably thinking that’s too hard or too much work. It is so much easier to visit your local caffeine café of choice. But, really, it’s not. With a bit of planning and a trip to Ocean State Job Lot, it’s something you can turn into a fiscally positive and flavorful adventure.
Where to put it?
First and foremost, you have to decide where this amazing new addition to your life should be housed. Do you have the counter space in your kitchen? If so, that’s great. But if not, you may want to think about picking up a small table or cart. When you’re looking around at Ocean State Job Lot, consider this: accessibility, storage space, and of course, does it work with the look of your kitchen or whatever space you choose to put in your new coffee station. If it’s a new kitchen cart or island you need, decide if you want one with wheels or one that’s more stationary. The more mobile it is, the easier it will be to test out various locations if you’re not 100% decided on one spot.
Stocking up
Once you’ve decided on that spot for your iced coffee station, you’ll need to stock it. It all begins with brewing the beans. So, make sure that your coffee or espresso maker is working for you. It could be a single cup or brewing a full pot, that’s up to you. Either way, dependability is the key. You need that coffee on your schedule and when you need it. Then you can consider what you’re putting your drink du jour in. There’s something to be said about the cup, travel container or mug that holds your coffee that might also speak volumes about your personality. So, have your favorite cup that makes you smile around. Plus, if you’re taking things on the go, you’ll want to have plenty of travel cups with covers nearby at your station to grab and go.
Flavors!
Next up, ice! Keep in mind the distance as it will be a huge plus if your new station is close to your freezer to grab those frozen cubes that will bring that thrill of chill to your coffee. With things nice and chilly, pour in your coffee. As always with the variety of coffees at Ocean State Job Lot, we’ve got flavors galore. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, Jamaican Me Crazy could be the way to go. From Boston’s Best, these gourmet, gluten-free coffee cups come flavored with caramel and vanilla and come in 42 single-serve cups. Maybe Hawaiian Coconut is more your speed. It’s 100% Arabica coffee complete with natural and/or artificial flavoring. If international is more your speed, try Day to Day’s French Roast and decaffeinated Colombian. East Coast Market is a tasty alternative with its take on Italian and Mexican decaf. If it’s a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Coconut Macaroon you desire, Market & Main is one to pick up. Plus, they’ve got Donut Shop and Toasted Hazelnut cups as well.
Here’s a few more flavors:
Boston’s Best: Hawaiian Coconut, Jamaican Me Crazy, Light Roast Breakfast Blend, Decaf, Columbian Blend, Donut Shop Blend, Hazelnut Crème, Morning Glory, Private Reserve Blend
Day to Day: Decaffeinated Colombian, Donut Blend, French Roast
East Coast Market: Espresso, Italian Roast, Mexico Decaf, Italian Decaf
Market & Main: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Coconut Macaroon, Colombian, Salted Caramel, Donut Shop, Toasted Hazelnut
Toppings
With your coffee of choice poured over ice, it is now time for toppings and extras! Creamers, flavor shot syrups, sugar, marshmallows, and either spoons or stirrers are a must. Make sure you’re stocked for every day’s cup. No one wants to be left hanging when you absolutely need that jolt of java. And if teas are more your fancy, we have many choices for you and your guests. Cinnamon and syrups are something you might try, too.
Finally, did you know that you can make a good cup of coffee even better? Well, gather around and share it amongst friends and family. Show off your brand-new iced coffee station. Wow them and they’ll be jealous enough to do a station of their own at their house. Savor the moments and tantalize those taste buds! Stop by, stock up and of course, drink up!