I Tried Lemonade Iced Coffee, and It Wasn't the Worst

Master barista Sam Lewontin, brand ambassador for Krups, came up with this insane recipe for lemonade coffee that I had to try. According to Sam, he developed it for this purpose: "Drinks like coffee lemonade, which combine coffee with previously unorthodox ingredients, are both a ton of fun and part of a larger trend toward recognizing that coffee can taste like more than just 'coffee.'" A fan of Arnold Palmers (iced tea with lemonade), I wondered if the coffee would taste as good as iced tea or if it would be too overpowering.

I began by making the simple syrup in the cup by dissolving the sugar in hot water and the lemon juice (I used Meyer lemons). Then I topped it with instant coffee (I used Sudden Coffee). I filled the rest of the glass with plenty of ice cubes and garnished it with a lemon slice. It looked exactly like an Arnold Palmer! I took a sip and hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. I first noticed the tart lemon, the subtle sweetness from the sugar, and the roasted coffee aftertaste with a tannin-like finish. I liked it, but could I say love? I wasn't sure, so I offered a sip to my sister and mom to see what they thought. Their mouths puckered, eyebrows furrowed, and they shrieked at the combo. I was a little hurt, but I understood. This is a totally unusual way to drink iced coffee. Be advised, you may love it, but there's a good chance it may not be for you.