What is a Café Glacé?

Café glace is a refreshing coffee beverage that combines a number of elements to produce a frothy and delicious drink. This iced coffee selection is ideal for an afternoon pick me up or as a beverage to be enjoyed after the evening meal. Many coffee shops offer some type of coffee drink that can be properly called a Café glace, but it is also possible to create the beverage at home.

To make Café glace at home, all one needs is a typical kitchen blender and a few simple ingredients. Of course, the main ingredient in the beverage is coffee. Depending on preferences, the drink may be made using freshly brewed coffee or instant coffee. However, many people find that using instant coffee provides a more agreeable texture and stronger taste.

The basic recipe for Café glace calls for two teaspoons of dry instant coffee. A teaspoon of sugar or an equivalent amount of an artificial sweetener is added to the instant coffee. Two tablespoons of warm water is used to moisten and dissolve the sugar and coffee into a thick liquid that will serve as the basis for the beverage. Next, six to eight ounces of milk are added to the coffee and sugar mixture. The milk can be whole or reduced fat according to taste. For people avoiding dairy products, soy milk or rice milk can be used instead.

The liquid is placed into a blender, where a teaspoon of vanilla is added. To add a little extra flavor and color, a teaspoon of chocolate or other flavored syrup may be added. As a final ingredient, add several ice cubes. With standard size ice cubes, six to eight are usually enough.

Sealing the top of the blender, blend all the ingredients until the ice is thoroughly crushed and a frothy layer appears at the top of the Café glace. This should not take more than thirty to forty-five seconds in all. Pour the prepared beverage into a coffee cup or mug, or a clear glass and serve immediately.

Preparing a Café glace at home is very inexpensive, and can add a touch of elegance to the time after the evening meal is completed. Created with ingredients that are found in just about any kitchen pantry, even a novice coffee maker can manage to produce an iced coffee treat that will delight guests and family members alike.