International Coffee Day: Family Memories, Iced Vanilla Coffee and Holiday Flavors

I don’t know about you but for my family Coffee has a way of bringing people together, and in our family, it has been part of so many memories over the years. From my grandmother’s sister and her Brother and my mom visiting Waffle House sitting and drinking Coffee from Sunup to Sunup.

Some of those memories make me smile, some make me miss the people who are no longer here, and others remind me how traditions can carry on through the generations. Even if its’ just food bringing us together its what keeps us grateful, thankful and blessed.

As much as I hate to admit it, my daughter Suzanne learned to drink coffee from my mom, whom we affectionately called Crazy Mimi because that was what Suzzane called her and no, it didn’t bother my mom. She was proud to be called Crazy Mimi because no, one else had that name.

Thanks to Crazy Mimi Suzanne was little when she started enjoying coffee with her grandmother, and before long, it became one of those special things they shared.Then Suzanne and her big sister, Stevie, would also go to Starbucks together. I love knowing that they had those moments to spend time together, enjoy their drinks and make memories that would last a lifetime.

My mom and David were another coffee-loving pair. Those two could drink coffee 24/7! I don’t know how they did it, but coffee was always a part of their day. Thinking about them sitting together with their cups of coffee brings back so many memories which makes me miss my mom more than you know.

Then there’s Charlie, who has developed his own coffee preferences. He loves Dutch Bros iced coffee, but when he’s at home, he’s just as happy with French vanilla creamer in a cup of Hot Coffee. And then there’s David, who enjoys what I call truckers’ coffee. You know, the kind of coffee that actually tastes like coffee!

Me? I’ll take plenty of sugar, a generous amount of creamer and just a wee little bit of coffee. We all have our own ideas about what makes the perfect cup. That’s one of the things I love about family traditions. They don’t have to look the same for everyone. Sometimes, they’re simply about spending time together, sharing a drink and making memories.

Since Charlie loves iced coffee, I thought it would be fun to share a simple homemade iced vanilla coffee recipe that he and anyone else in the family can make on their own. You don’t need an expensive coffee machine, special equipment or a trip to a coffee shop. Just a few ingredients you probably already have at home.

Easy Homemade Iced Vanilla Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 cup chilled brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1–2 tablespoons French vanilla coffee creamer
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew your favorite coffee and let it cool completely. You can also use leftover coffee stored in the refrigerator.
2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour the chilled coffee over the ice.
4. Add the milk, French vanilla creamer, sugar and vanilla extract, if using.
5. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the coffee is creamy.
6. Top with whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes (if coffee is freshly brewed)
Servings: 1 large glass

Make It Your Own

• For Charlie: Add extra French vanilla creamer for a sweeter, creamier drink.
• For David: Use less creamer and a stronger coffee for a bolder flavor.
• For me: Add plenty of sugar and creamer with just a wee little bit of coffee.
• For the holidays: Add a dash of cinnamon or a little peppermint extract for a festive twist.

A Little Tip: Brew extra coffee and refrigerate it in a covered container so you can make iced coffee whenever you like. For an even less watered-down drink, freeze some coffee in an ice cube tray and use those cubes instead of regular ice.

Holiday Coffee Recipes to Try– As the holidays approach, coffee can become part of our seasonal traditions, too. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home, visiting with family or making a special drink to serve during Christmas gatherings, there are plenty of ways to add a little holiday flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee– Pumpkin spice coffee is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and other warm spices, it brings a little autumn comfort to your favorite cup of coffee.

You can try this Pumpkin Spice Coffee recipe from A Couple Cooks, which includes several ways to prepare pumpkin spice coffee, including iced coffee and lattes.

Peppermint Coffee– Peppermint coffee is a holiday favorite for those who enjoy the refreshing taste of mint. Combine coffee, peppermint flavoring, milk and chocolate for a delicious peppermint mocha that feels right at home during the Christmas season. For a starting point, try this Iced Peppermint Mocha recipe resource from Florida Milk, which includes a peppermint mocha recipe.

One of the things I enjoy about living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is discovering local businesses and finding ways to support the people behind them. A local coffee shop can be more than just a place to grab a drink. It can become a meeting place for friends, a spot to spend time with family or somewhere to enjoy a little quiet time.

For our International Coffee Day feature, we’d love to introduce readers to a local coffee company, learn more about the people behind the business, and explore the coffee and seasonal flavors they offer. Whether you enjoy a strong cup of coffee, a sweet iced vanilla latte or a festive peppermint mocha, there’s something special about discovering a local favorite.

International Coffee Day reminds me that the simplest things can become some of our most cherished memories. I think about Suzanne and Crazy Mimi sharing coffee when Suzanne was little. I think about Suzanne and Stevie going to Starbucks together, and I remember my mom and David drinking coffee throughout the day.

Now Charlie has his own favorite coffee drinks, and David still enjoys his strong coffee. Even though Suzanne and my mom are no longer here, these memories remain a part of our family’s story. Maybe one day, Charlie will have children of his own and share his favorite iced coffee with them. Perhaps they’ll have their own favorite coffee shops and holiday drinks, too.

Until then, I’ll keep enjoying my coffee with plenty of sugar and creamer and just a wee little bit of coffee.

Do you have a favorite coffee drink? Do you prefer hot coffee, iced coffee, pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha? And do you have a special coffee memory that reminds you of someone you love?

Share your favorite coffee traditions with us. We’d love to hear about them!

Happy International Coffee Day from our family to yours!