It's a New England Thing: Where To Get The Best Iced Coffee in Connecticut

Woman drinking an iced coffeePhoto bySeth DoyleonUnsplash

Connecticut, why do New Englanders love Iced Coffee so much? Well, a grab & go Iced Coffee can fit perfectly into any lifestyle. Whether it's a busy, dedicated parent who needs a cool, quick treat or a hard-working professional on the way to tackle their day and needs an icy caffeine boost. Iced Coffee is an easy drink to carry around when you have a lot to do, and it can be enjoyed so much longer because it's already cold, especially in the hot summer months. Below is a list I put together of seven go-to coffee shops and cafes in Connecticut to get a delicious Iced Coffee and so much more.

First on the list is a place like no other, the local gem known as Sugar Llamas in Shelton. ''Our coffee is a custom blend of exotic beans from around the world, specially roasted just for us. And our donuts are fresh and served warm because they come hot out of the fryer.'' Then there's a wonderful Coffee & Tea Emporium you must see called Candlewood Market in Fairfield. ''In our continued growth, we have now opened a storefront in Fairfield CT so everyone can enjoy our coffee, nitro brews, Teas, smoothies, fresh organic juices and delicious sandwiches.'' The market is located in the middle of the SPORTSPLEX campus.

For that warm, community feel that so many coffee lovers prefer, Bird House Coffee in South Windsor is a must. ''We’re inspired by our coffee’s journey and its stories that transcend all cultures and communities. Together with each batch of coffee we roast, we believe that the broad array of global flavors and freshness you crave are possible.'' Next, is a cafe that offers outdoor comforts with a great deck view of the Thames River and that is Muddy Waters Cafe in New London. ''We are a casual eatery where comfort meets culinary creativity, offering a diverse menu that satisfies all appetites.'' They offer a vast menu of breakfast, lunch and sweets items as well as Iced Americano, Iced Chai Tea, Iced Matcha and Iced Flavor Lattes and more. They are also famous for their Love Salad.

There is also the charming and whimsical Sweet Harmony Cafe & Bakery in Middletown. ''If it's coffee you seek, we've got you covered! Serving up a large selection of specialty lattes and coffee classics. An ever-changing assortment of unique, mouth-watering desserts and classic pastries that are bound to satisfy your sweet tooth.'' Another MUST for any coffee connoisseur who insists on organic & local products is CappuGino's Coffee and Shakes with two locations in Milford. ''CappuGino's Coffee & Shakes prides ourselves on only using organic, fair-trade, and locally sources foods and beans for our shakes and coffee. We guarantee you will never want to go back to our big name competitors once you experience the CappuGino's difference.'' They also have a cool, on-the-go CappuGino's Food Truck!

Lastly, for anyone looking for something more worldly, with an exotic flare, there is Barista Cafe, in Suffield, Connecticut, which borders Massachusetts. ''Having lived and travelled all across the globe with her family, the creativity kept coming and she was able to bring the best products from around the world to the doorstep of our community - from German Breads, French Pastries, Italian Gelato, Acai from the Amazon, Coffee beans from the farms of Southern India and Sandwiches with a flair of Asia and South America.''