Best Coffee Beans for the Summer Months

If you're a consummate coffee drinker, hot temperatures don't lessen your desire for the perfect cup of java, but they just might affect what beans you choose to brew. Typically, folks prefer a lighter blend in the summer months, something that's a little brighter and not quite as heavy on the finish as is a richer winter-time roast. You'll find that coffees with more acidity and a slightly lighter roast will fulfill your caffeine craving without being overbearing.

Certain varieties, especially those that contain Ethiopian Beans, have something of a fruity, floral flavor (sometimes even a bit blueberry-like,) so if you drink your coffee black you may really enjoy one of these. Dairy products can mute flavors and don't work as well with the acidity of these coffees.

If you take cream or milk in your morning cup you'll want a roast that will marry well with the creaminess, so choose something a bit darker with assertive flavors but less tang. Costa Rican blends tend to do well with milk.

Here are three great varieties that are perfect for summer sipping:

Willouby's Coffee & Tea - India AA Elkhill Estate

Willouby's Coffee & Tea roasts a fine single-origin coffee made from beans grown in Southern India. The AA beans are the highest grade of India arabica coffee. It brews up as a light cup that would be perfect for drinking without the addition of milk or sugar. It has its own inherent sweetness, and manages a low acidity cup that still has hints of orange and nuts. Its medium body gives a satisfying richness to the coffee. It's a great example of a fantastic light roast. You can get it for $10.49 a pound at www.willoughbyscoffee.com

PT's Coffee - Huila El Palacio Colombia

Located in my home state of Kansas, this roaster manages to tease a lovely floral complexity from these Columbian beans. A fuller coffee, the caramel notes would blend well with cream, though it certainly isn't necessary. It's got a pleasant sweet finish that's got substantial depth. This is a great choice for the coffee drinker who typically prefers something a bit dark but tends toward the lighter end of the spectrum in the summer. You'll have to get it quick because it's one of PT's Passport coffees - coffees that come from remote, small scale farmers - so supplies are limited. It rings up at $10.41 for 3/4 of a pound. www.ptscoffee.com

And for the die-hard Starbuck's fans out there, here's my top Starbucks selection for summer . . .

Starbucks Coffee - Terraza Blend

I look forward to the release of this blend each summer. It has a round, smooth profile that makes a great everyday cup in the warmer months. It goes great poured over ice with a little real cream and a touch of sugar, which many are wont to do in the summer (even if they don't admit it publicly - beware of the coffee police!) This particular blend was created specifically for drinking cold, but whatever you do, do not pour your hot coffee straight over ice! (See below.) The Terraza blend can be found at Starbucks stores for around $13 a pound.

Iced Coffee How-to:

Creating a good iced coffee is not the same as making a glass of iced tea. Instead, the brew should be made a bit stronger than your ordinary coffee by using 25 percent more ground coffee; it should then be refrigerated until cold. Once you have the cold coffee ready to go, place any sweetener you plan to use in the bottom of a tall glass. Simple syrup (a mix of 50% sugar and 50% water that's been heated until the sugar melts,) works especially well, as the sugar is already dissolved. Then, add enough coffee to fill the glass ¾ full. Add a touch of cream if you'd like, and give it a good stir. Fill the glass with ice, head outdoors to a shady spot to enjoy!