Make Iced Coffee at Home, Save Starbucks for Special Occasions

There are many reasons to love Starbucks coffee. 

Did you know that Starbucks reported "consolidated net revenues of $2.4 billion, an increase of 20 percent"? That was just for the third fiscal quarter of 2007. Apparently, name brand coffee served up in a trendy coffee bar is a multi-billion dollar industry.

If you have a passion for Starbucks' iced cafe con leche or iced cafe Americano, the good news is that you can make it at home or work and save Starbucks for special occasions. In this tight economy, you should look for ways to save whenever you can. Read on for one easy method of making your own iced coffee. You just need a microwave and a few ingredients. The best part is that the preparation time is under 4 minutes. It would take you longer to stop in at Starbucks and wait in line.

If you make coffee at home, you can also experiment with different types of coffee and add in different syrups for flavor. This drink is perfect to take along in the car. Save dozens of dollars per month by visiting Starbucks only once a week to get your coffee fix.

Your first step is to pick up the right ingredients. Try Maxwell House instant coffee bags in the individual size; buy 19 packets for under $4. Pick up a box of your favorite sugar packets or liquid sweetener. Diabetics should consider buying sugar substitutes. Stock your fridge with either low-fat milk or half and half. Non-dairy creamer gives a different flavor. Your final ingredient is ice, which you can make at home.

The first step is to fill a standard coffee mug with water. Microwave the mug of water on high for 90 seconds. Then remove the mug and insert one instant coffee bag. In a large plastic tumbler or to-go cup, place eight large ice cubes and fill the cup one-third of the way up with milk or half and half. Add your sugar or sweetener. After the coffee has brewed for a couple minutes, pour the hot coffee into your cup and stir. For your taste buds, remember that sugar granules don't dissolve effectively. If you get hooked, then consider buying a large pumping container of coffee sweetener syrup or flavored syrup.

This cheap alternative to Starbucks saves lots of money, especially if you crave one every day. You will have to pick up milk or creamer every week, but the other supplies will last you for about a month. Here's to saving money on your coffee habit.