7 Easy Ways To Amp Up Your Homemade Iced Coffee Game

Most people kick start each day with a caffeine fix. Cappuccino, mocha, latte, flat white, long black or a shot straight into the veins. Caffeine: Any way we can get it, we want it.

This means simple cafe drink menus are now a thing of the past. So, with all these options, what do we order?

If you’re a creature of habit, or if you’re just not quite ready to brave the mind-boggling menus, the following are ways to deck out your coffee in the comfort of your own home:

1. Cafe Quality Coffee: Cold Brew

Some coffee connoisseurs argue that cold-brewed coffee isn't actually iced coffee.

Cold brew is coffee that has been brewed with cold water over a 12-to-24-hour period, whereas an iced coffee is a shot of espresso served over milk and ice.

Most cafes and stores now stock this beautiful brew, but if you're so inclined, it’s pretty easy to make at home.

Not only does it taste smoother and a bit sweeter, but it can also be easier on your stomach, as the brewing technique reduces the acidity of the coffee.

To create your own cold brew, combine your freshly ground beans and water in a pitcher.

Then place the mixture in the fridge over night. The next morning, run the liquid through a strainer and pour over ice.

Check out YouTube step-by-step tutorials if it's your first time.

If you don't have the time, you can also just buy a specialty gadget that does all the hard work for you.

2. A Healthy, Hydrating Version

This healthy cold coffee option only uses two ingredients: A shot of coffee served with coconut water. It's vegan, gluten free, dairy free (very possibly taste-free) and is a great way to rehydrate your body since it's packed with electrolytes.

If you a suffering from a hangover and the thought of milk leaves you feeling queasy, this is a good option.

3. The Adult Iced Coffee

White Russians, Espresso Martini and Dublin Iced Coffees are just a few coffee-based alcoholic items on bar menu.

For an easy homemade boozy beverage, simply add a shot of Frangelico to your favorite iced coffee base. If it's good enough for "The Big Lebowski's" the Dude, it's good enough for you.

4. Candy Coffee

Don’t feel like facing the reality of being an adult? Then this one is for you. This caffeine and sugar hit will definitely leave you bouncing off the walls.

Take a scoop of any flavor ice cream your inner child desires, pour in your pre-made shot of espresso, add another scoop of ice cream, a dash of milk and then top with soda water.

Make the experience even sweeter by adding a layer of candy garnishes. It’s like a party in your mouth.

5. Iced Coffee Popsicles

What could be better on a hot day than a popsicle? An iced coffee flavored one, that’s what! Enough said. Simply pour your iced coffee into an ice tray and stick it in the freezer.

6. A Buttered Beverage?

When you think of coffee, you don’t automatically think of butter. But, this somewhat strange addition is popular among those who follow a Paleo lifestyle.

Take a cup of coffee, add ice, oil and butter. Blend, then refrigerate. Be aware, this iced option is quite high in fat.

So, if you're Regina George and are only eating 30 percent calories from fat, nutritional experts recommend the drink as a main meal rather than a side drink.

7. Pinch Of This, Pinch Of That

If you’re not a fan of the bells and whistles, why not try a subtle, one-ingredient addition?

Cardamom: Add this spice to give your coffee an exotic Middle Eastern flavor.

Salt: Salt is thought to help maximize the coffee flavor while also softening the bitterness.

Syrups Or Stevia Drops: Syrups aren’t a new addition, but they are a tasty one. You can get bottles of standard syrup flavors from most grocery stores.

Stevia produces natural sweeteners in small, portable bottles with flavors like chocolate raspberry, toffee and peppermint.