It’s that time of the year again when it’s neither too hot nor too cold. During the days, we often need to peel off the layers we have put on in the morning when there is still a slight nip in the air. All of a sudden we don’t find ourselves longing for a hot cup of coffee anymore. We want something cooler that will soothe us in the afternoon heat. Higher Ground Bakery at Bhanimandal has some refreshing coffee drinks that will do just that and a little more. 

At Higher Ground Bakery, you can choose from the array of cakes and cookies on display as well as pick something a little more solid and filling for its menu. The drinks here, including the most basic ones like cappuccino and café latte, are nicely done and since the service is fast (and there’s free WiFi for you to get some work done in the meanwhile) you will walk out a happy customer. 

We recommend you stop by at Higher Ground Bakery to sample some of their wonderful drinks. But if in case you are feeling a little lazy or want to wow your friends with your drink-making skills this weekend, the proprietor shared some signature drinks recipes that you can try out at home.

Oreo Milky 






Who doesn’t love Oreo cookies? And a drink that has these little bites of heaven has to be equally good, right? Oreo Milky is the perfect combination of cookie and cream since it also has ice cream in it. One of the specialties of Higher Ground Bakery, the proprietor mentions that this drink is a favorite of children and adults alike.

Ingredients
Oreo biscuits – 3 pieces 
Milk – 30 ml
Vanilla ice cream – 1 scoop
Cocoa powder – 1 teaspoon
Ice cubes – 10 pieces 

Methodology
This drink couldn’t be easier to make. Just put all the ingredients together in a blender and blend for half a minute or so till the mixture takes on a fine consistency. Pour in a tall glass and serve. 

Brownichino 






This drink is the perfect fusion between coffee and cake. If you go to Higher Ground Bakery but aren’t that hungry and can’t decide what to eat or drink, then your safest bet is this drink that feels a little bit like dessert. The baker at Higher Ground gets the brownie just right. It’s neither too moist nor too dry and once you have it, you’ll definitely be going back for more. Since the brownie is good, you can be sure that the drink will taste even better. 

Ingredients
Espresso – 30 ml
Chocolate brownie – half slice 
Cocoa power – 1 teaspoon
Chocolate syrup – 15 ml 
Milk – 15 ml 
Ice cubes – 10 pieces 

Methodology 
Ready the espresso first and put in half a slice of chocolate brownie in it. Add cocoa power, milk, and ice and blend it. Line the inner part of a glass with chocolate syrup and then add the drink in it. 

Iced Dark Mocha


Photos: Pratik Rayamajhi

For those who like their coffee strong and their desserts sweet, this is the ideal drink to have. The double shot espresso that is one of the main ingredients of the drink gives you the much-needed burst of caffeine on a warm, busy day. It’s much smoother than just regular coffee and the cold version at Higher Ground Bakery tastes even better than its hot counterpart. 

Ingredients 
Double shot espresso 
Cocoa power – 5 teaspoon
Chocolate syrup – 15 ml 
Ice cubes – 10 pieces 

Methodology 
This is also very basic and easy. Ready the espresso and then add cocoa powder and ice cubes and blend it all. Take a glass and put some chocolate syrup in it and then pour the drink over it. 

Pro tips
Pick your coffee carefully. Since the drink’s base is coffee, you have to make sure you like the taste. There are many options available at the supermarkets today. Sample them till you find one you really like. 

Once you have your coffee, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Always store coffee in an airtight opaque container away from heat, moisture and light. If you don’t have an airtight container the next best thing is to seal it in an airtight zip lock bag.

One of the key ingredients in iced coffee is ice. Ice has a tendency to go bad if it sits around in the freezer unused for long. Test the ice before using it for your cold coffee: Let a few cubes melt and come to room temperature, then taste the water. If it’s water you would want to drink by the glassful, the ice is good. If not, make a fresh batch. 

You can add coffee cubes to your coffee drinks for that extra dash of caffeine. Since they are cubes made of coffee and not water, they won’t dilute your drink as they melt. Brew a fresh pot of coffee, let it cool down for a while, and then pour it into some ice trays and freeze. 

Get creative about the garnishing while serving a glass of cold coffee. Add whipped cream, if you want an extra dose of sweetness. Or you can even add some chocolate shavings or wafer sticks for a nice final touch.

 
• warmer weather
 
• drinks