June 15, 2025

Jam Jar Iced Lattes: My Summer Coffee Hack

Summer has arrived and I’m here for it! Apologies for this relaunch getting off to a slow start. This winter was something else and I had to pare back of my grander ambitions.

So, here we are with an aim for two features per month of simple, real things I’m cooking and enjoying in my life. Given the world we’re living in, I think we’re all happy to keep it simple these days. Also, I take requests. So, if there’s anything you’d like to see or revisit simply reply and let me know.

On Saturday I shared this really simple, fun hack I’ve put together for my summer coffee habits. To all who may remember, I didn’t even drink coffee until my son was born. That means I was over 35 years old before I could even sip a cup, and even then it was mostly out of pure necessity.

However, with time I’ve grown to enjoy a morning latte or cappuccino. It feels so luxurious to sip and enjoy as the day breaks. I love the pep I get from the caffeine and the flavor always puts me in a good mood. I’m still a big tea drinker too, but coffee has found a place in my culinary heart.

(This Green Moka Pot still holds pride of place on my shelves next to be French press and other adorable tea and coffee tools.)

For years I’d been using this really cute green Moka pot to make my espresso. I still use it on occasion because it’s so easy and adorable! However, this size only makes one serving and it can be a pain to clean. So this year we finally decided to invest in a KitchenAid Fully Automated Espresso maker and I LOVE IT.

(Holy moly, I never thought I’d be this person, but this is the coffee maker of my dreams. I first saw it on Jennifer Garner’s Pretend Cooking Show and knew it was the right one for me. Yes, it’s a pretty penny, but I haven’t purchased a morning coffee since we bought this so it’s certainly paid for itself!)

OMG, has this really changed the game!

All winter I experimented with different hot drinks and landed on loving the classic latte with a tiny drop of Tarini Salted Caramel Syrup for a touch of sweetness and flavor.

But, once the weather turned I came up with this fun hack so I could have my latte nice and cold first thing in the morning. Here it goes:

Step 1: When I’m cleaning up after dinner I make two lattes in my favorite La Parfait jam jars with lids (a six-pack of these jars has lasted me years). I allow them to cool on the counter for a bit until they aren’t steamy.

Step 2: Then, I put the lattes in the fridge for the next day.

Step 3: In morning I take off the lid, add my syrup and a few ice cubes, pop in my straw (if needed) and my jam jar latte is in full effect.

So simple!

If I need my latte on the go I pour it into my Yeti and hit the road.

And yes, in case you’re wondering, I have considered making coffee ice cubes to add to the latte, but I haven’t gotten that far yet!