The best way to mitigate a blazing hot day is to sip on a cool drink. And during work hours, when top-notch cocktails like Vesta Dipping Grill‘s Mile High Mule (made with Vodka 14, lime juice, and ginger beer) are frowned upon, I suggest you become acquainted with the toddy.

This cold-brewed, iced coffee is super-caffeinated and, with a splash of cream, quite indulgent. At Under the Umbrella in Congress Park, baristas steep five gallons of cold water mixed with five pounds of finely ground coffee overnight. The effect is cravable, and so potent the concoction has to be watered down.

Bonus: Over at Common Grounds, the toddy gets fancy in “the buzz”–cold-brewed java mixed with chocolate milk and hazelnut syrup, then topped with whipped cream.

Under the Umbrella, 3504 E. 12th Ave., 303-256-0797;

Common Grounds, 1550 17th St., Suite 110, 303-296-9248 and 3484 W. 32nd Ave., 303-458-5248

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.