How to Make Lily Anna Iced Coffee with a Vibrant Emerald Hue

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a visually stunning iced coffee that’s also refreshingly cold and flavorful, the Lily Anna iced coffee—also known as ‘Jade Iced Coffee’ or ‘Emerald Iced Coffee’—might be your next favorite. This drink isn’t just a pretty presentation; it’s a chilled, sweet, and minty coffee treat designed to wow both the eyes and the palate on a hot day.

To make a classic Lily Anna iced coffee, fill a glass 80% full with crushed ice, add sweetened iced coffee, half an ounce of green crème de menthe, top with whipped cream, then finish with chocolate syrup and colorful sprinkles. The result? A cool, vibrant emerald-colored coffee drink with a rich, dessert-like finish.

What Is Lily Anna Iced Coffee?

Lily Anna iced coffee, often referred to as ‘Jade Iced Coffee’ or ‘Emerald Iced Coffee,’ is a chilled coffee cocktail known for its distinctive bright green color, reminiscent of jade or emerald. Unlike standard iced coffee, this drink combines sweetened iced coffee with green crème de menthe, giving it a refreshing minty note. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles, it’s as much a visual centerpiece as it is a delicious beverage. It’s typically served as a post-meal dessert coffee.

Why Does It Have That Unique Color?

The striking emerald or jade-green hue comes from the addition of green crème de menthe—a sweet, mint-flavored liqueur. When mixed with dark iced coffee, the contrast creates a vivid green shade that resembles precious gemstones. The visual appeal is further enhanced by layering techniques and the addition of colorful chocolate sprinkles, making the presentation dynamic and eye-catching.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

This coffee drink delivers a sweet, minty, and creamy experience. The green crème de menthe adds a cool herbal sweetness that complements the bitterness of the coffee. The overall taste is refreshing and dessert-like—ideal for hot weather or as a sweet finish to a meal. It’s best enjoyed cold, with the crunch of crushed ice enhancing the chill. The chocolate syrup and colorful sprinkles contribute to both the flavor and visual complexity.

How to Make Lily Anna Iced Coffee: Step-by-Step

Here’s the exact method used to craft this emerald-hued coffee drink:

• Start with a tall glass and fill it about 80% full with crushed ice.
• Pour in a prepared cup of sweetened iced coffee.
• Add ½ fluid ounce (1/2 OZ) of green crème de menthe (Green Creme De Menthe).
• Gently rotate and layer a dollop of whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture.
• Drizzle a suitable amount of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
• Finish with a pinch of multicolored chocolate sprinkles for decoration.

This sequence ensures the right mix of flavors and the signature layered look. Serve immediately for maximum chill and visual impact.

Tips and Variations

A pro tip: if you prefer the mint flavor to remain more distinct, you can add the green crème de menthe directly on top of the whipped cream instead of mixing it into the coffee. This keeps the mint layer separate and allows for a contrasting taste experience. Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate syrup or use different colored sprinkles based on preference or occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lily Anna iced coffee?

Lily Anna iced coffee is a sweet, mint-flavored iced coffee drink made with crushed ice, sweetened iced coffee, green crème de menthe, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles. It’s known for its vibrant green color and is typically served as a refreshing dessert coffee.

What gives Lily Anna coffee its green color?

The green color comes from green crème de menthe, a sweet mint liqueur. When mixed with dark iced coffee, it creates a vivid emerald or jade-like hue. The crushed ice and layered presentation enhance the color’s brightness.

Can I make Lily Anna coffee without alcohol?

The original recipe includes green crème de menthe, which contains alcohol. There is no direct non-alcoholic substitute that provides the same flavor and color, but you could experiment with mint syrup for flavor, though it won’t achieve the same emerald shade.

What type of coffee base is best for Lily Anna iced coffee?

The article does not specify the coffee roast or origin, but it assumes a standard sweetened iced coffee is used. A medium or dark roast iced coffee with balanced sweetness works well to complement the mint and chocolate elements.

How do I achieve the layered effect in Lily Anna coffee?

The layered look comes from pouring the coffee and liqueur first, then gently adding the whipped cream on top. Chocolate syrup and sprinkles are added last. Using crushed ice helps maintain a cold temperature while keeping the layers distinct as you build the drink.

When is the best time to enjoy Lily Anna iced coffee?

It’s recommended as a post-meal drink, especially in the afternoon or evening. Its sweet, cooling profile makes it ideal for dessert or as a refreshing finish to a coffee service.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced Coffee

For making iced coffee like Lily Anna, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, floral, and citrusy profile that stands up well to mint and cream. The Colombia Huila offers balanced caramel and nutty notes, perfect for a smoother iced base. Alternatively, their Brazil Cerrado provides a nutty, low-acidity foundation that won’t clash with the drink’s sweet and minty layers. All three beans work well when brewed over ice or as cold brew. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.