Chances are you’re reading this with a cup of coffee warm in your hands. Or you finished it already! I’ve been kind of back and forth on the coffee train for the last year, alternating and discovering some pretty incredible teas and the wonders they offer the body. But, despite what tea offers, it delivers a flavor sensation entirely different than coffee. And, at the end of the day, there’s no arguing: Coffee is pretty freaking delicious. The caffeine buzz and boost of antioxidants aren’t bad either.

Pair a good cup of coffee that delivers a strong caffeine buzz with a good long morning run and you’ll be dancing a happy dance.

Personally, as soon as the weather turns, I’m ditching my hot tea and coffee and craving the coffee that comes in an icy, frosty, cold form. Add a little creaminess and some slight sweetness and I really won’t complain. But let’s talk for a minute about some of the different varieties of coffee blowing up right now.

Honey optional for sweetness

Cold brew is exactly what it sounds like. You brew your coffee using cold water rather than hot. To do this, you soak coarse coffee grounds in water (preferably filtered) overnight. In the morning, strain your grounds and, voila, a delicious iced coffee with an arguably smoother, fruitier, and more pleasant, delicious taste. (I’m actually saying skip the milk and sugar!)

So what makes it taste better? It all comes down to the chemistry. When you expose coffee to heat, it releases acidic compounds and oils, which are not released when soaked in cold water.

Beyond taste, I’m a big promoter of cold brew. You’re going to get slightly less caffeine (but enough to give you a buzz), and much less acid, meaning it’s far easier on the digestive system and those who suffer heartburn.

½ cup almond milk

Beyond cold brew, the other coffee buzz you’ve likely been hearing about, and perhaps even concocting and enjoying, is “bulletproof” coffee–coffee mixed with one tablespoon of either coconut oil or butter (preferably clarified), or both. You’re probably thinking, “Eek, that’s a lot of fat!” Yes. Yes, it is. And that’s exactly the theory behind this combo.

By adding fat to your coffee, you’re not only getting a rich and creamy taste, but you’re giving yourself a more satiating and filling way to start your morning. If you’re typically a coffee-for-breakfast type of person, this might be the perfect option for you.

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  • 8 ounces cold brew coffee (can warm after brew)
  • 1 ½1 frozen banana
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  • Almond milk
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The coconut will allow the body to burn fat, keeping your blood sugar stable. The caffeine will give you the energy you’re looking for mid-run. And the cacao will give you a nice boost of iron and magnesium.

Think Outside the Cup

Lastly, don’t be afraid to think outside the cup. Lately, I’ve been loving pairing my coffee with my protein powder. It’s all the deliciousness a frozen mocha frappuccino from your favorite coffee shop offers minus the overload of sugar and guilt that often follows. To make your own protein-boosting frap combine:

  • 1 scoop chocolate (or mocha) protein powder
  • ½ cup strong brewed ice coffee
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  • ½–1 frozen banana
  • Ice.

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How do you enjoy your coffee?