Who makes the better iced coffee?

When it comes to iced coffee, the choices sure are plentiful, but iced coffee being what it is, it’s got to be done just right. But who makes the better iced coffee? Let’s take a deep look at the wonder that is the iced coffee, shall we?

The need for caffeine even on a cold day is something that comes over us coffee drinkers at least once a day, and if you’re anything like me in that department, several times a day, but in the summer in particular, there are two needs that can be met with a serving of this specific type of coffee:

1. That undying need for anything caffeinated and thus the subsequent rush you get.
2. Something cold…very cold.

Enter iced coffee.

But where can you get the absolute best offering of iced coffee?

You know the feeling: You had to rush out of your apartment. Maybe the power went off during the night, so your AC isn’t working, and unfortunately you can’t make your regular dose of wake-up juice.

To top it all off, it’s a real scorcher out there, and just walking to your car feels like you’re running quite the marathon. But rest assured dear readers, because just over the hill and on your way to work, is your trusted café or chain that will serve up your absolute favorite iced coffee treat.

But iced coffee is more than just a few random ice cubes in some coffee bean muddy water. The world has gotten creative when it comes to chilled caffeine fixes. But still…who makes the better cup?

If we look at the top 4 contenders out there, there’s one that wins out every time in my book, but let’s take a look at the big four anyways, as three of them will sure do in a pinch, if they have to, while one will dominate and satisfy every time out.

The Iced Caramel Mocha at McDonald’s

McDonald’s is definitely my go-to for cheeseburgers and yeah sure, chicken nuggets, but I’ve always had a wee bit of an issue with their coffee.

I need strong coffee and if I don’t get that proper caffeine fix, I tend to go a wee bit insane, and whenever I tried the popular fast food chain’s coffee, it doesn’t seem to hit that button in any spectacular way, but as stated above, if you’re going to try them, or be forced to by circumstance, this one is definitely your best bet.

At least the sweetness present in the caramel will give you a boost, because in terms of caffeine power, I tend to find their coffee a little weak in the powerhouse fuel department, which is of course key when looking at coffee choices.

The Iced Signature Latte at Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin Donuts is of course always a decent option. There aren’t any left in my native Montreal, Québec, Canada, but whenever I’m Stateside, I enjoy a nice cup; especially this one here…particularly when it’s hot outside.

The Iced Shaken Espresso at Starbucks

Starbucks always plays to win when it comes to their brand and what they offer their clientele, and their coffee is definitely up there in terms of quality (and price). This one here is securely a second place when it comes to the better iced and/or cold coffees out there.

The Iced Capp at Tim Horton’s

But the number one spot definitely goes to the famed Iced Cappuccino at Tim Horton’s. According to newswire.ca, the Iced Capp was invented back in 1999, and has been served at Tim Horton’s—in hot or even extreme cold weather—since then, and it is a top-selling item no matter the season.

On the surface it looks so simple: Their house coffee blend iced and mixed/whipped with cream, but yet there’s something oh-so-special about it and it goes way beyond the coffee itself.

It’s one case where it wouldn’t work without all of the moving parts at home in one plastic or paper cup. It’s just a magic mix of flavors that definitely hit the spot when combined.

And as for the powerful caffeine fix I’ve been going on about, the original Iced Capp has got you covered. It’ll give you a jolt and is perfect before a workout to give you that added boost and afterwards as well, especially when the leg press may have been a tad too hard on you.

And don’t even get me started on that work day. The Iced Capp has got it all and is today’s big winner.

But what about you, dear readers? Which iced coffee do you prefer?