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

If you’ve ever ordered a "Lily Anna iced coffee" expecting something light and refreshing, only to find a dull, lukewarm disappointment, you're not alone. Many coffee lovers crave a drink that looks as stunning as it tastes—something visually unique, ice-cold, and satisfyingly sweet. This classic layered iced coffee is just that: it’s cold, vibrant, and visually striking, thanks to its signature emerald green hue.

The Lily Anna iced coffee, also called 'Jade Iced Coffee' or 'Emerald Iced Coffee,' is known for its beautiful turquoise-green color, sweet taste, and cool refreshment—best served after a meal. The drink gets its vibrant hue from the combination of chilled coffee, green crème de menthe, and layered ingredients.

What Is a Lily Anna Iced Coffee?

The Lily Anna iced coffee is a cold, layered cocktail-like coffee drink featuring crushed ice, sweetened iced coffee, green mint liqueur, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles. When mixed, it turns into a distinctive emerald or jade-like shade, hence its other common names like 'Jade Iced Coffee' or 'Emerald Cold Coffee.' The contrast of textures and temperatures makes it as much a dessert drink as a caffeine pick-me-up.

Why Does It Turn That Beautiful Green Color?

The vibrant jade color comes from the combination of the naturally dark brown iced coffee and the bright green hue of green crème de menthe. When layered and then stirred—or sometimes left layered—the mix can show off a range of greens, often settling into a beautiful translucent emerald tone. The addition of chocolate sprinkles and syrup adds both flavor and visual contrast.

Key Ingredients & How to Build It Step-by-Step

To make a traditional Lily Anna iced coffee, you’ll need the following measured ingredients:

• Crushed ice (fill cup 80% full)
• 1 cup of sweetened iced coffee
• ½ fluid ounce (1/2 OZ) of green crème de menthe (Green Creme De Menthe)
• Sweetened whipped cream (to taste)
• Chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
• A small amount of colorful candy sprinkles or “seven-color rice”

Step-by-step assembly:

1. Start by filling your serving glass with crushed ice, leaving about 20% space at the top.
2. Pour in your pre-sweetened iced coffee.
3. Add ½ OZ of green crème de menthe directly into the coffee.
4. Gently spoon or pipe a layer of whipped cream on top.
5. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
6. Top with a small pinch of colorful sprinkles for visual flair.

The result is both a feast for the eyes and the palate—a cold, creamy, slightly minty, and chocolatey coffee experience that’s especially popular as a post-meal treat.

Flavor Profile & Serving Suggestions

This drink is characterized by its sweet, cool, and refreshing taste. The green crème de menthe adds a subtle minty note without overpowering the coffee, while the whipped cream and chocolate syrup lend richness. It’s thick, cold, and ideal for hot days or as a digestif after meals.

Though traditionally served as a dessert-style coffee, it also works well as a conversation-starting specialty drink in cafés. The layered presentation—especially if served undisturbed—makes it particularly photogenic.

Tip: Alternative Garnish Placement

If you prefer, you can also add the green crème de menthe directly onto the whipped cream instead of mixing it into the coffee. This keeps the coffee layer clearer and lets the mint flavor come through as a separate note when mixed by the drinker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives the Lily Anna iced coffee its green color?

The emerald or jade color comes from mixing sweetened iced coffee with green crème de menthe. The coffee is dark, while the liqueur is bright green, and their combination—especially when layered—creates a striking translucent green tint often described as jade or emerald.

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

The original recipe calls for green crème de menthe, which is an alcoholic liqueur. There is no direct non-alcoholic substitute that provides the same color and minty flavor, but you could experiment with a mint-flavored syrup (though it won’t be the same shade of green).

What kind of coffee base should I use?

The article does not specify the coffee roast or origin, but the base is a sweetened iced coffee. For best results, use a medium to dark roast brewed strong, then chilled and sweetened to balance the mint and chocolate flavors.

Is this drink best served layered or mixed?

It can be served either way. When layered, it has a more striking visual effect and lets the drinker choose whether to mix the layers. Once stirred, it becomes a uniform jade green color and delivers a blended mint-coffee-chocolate flavor.

What are those colorful sprinkles called in the recipe?

In the original Chinese text, they’re referred to as (qī cǎi mǐ), which translates roughly to 'colorful rice' or 'multicolored sprinkles.' They’re small decorative candies that add visual texture and a slight crunch.

When is the best time to drink a Lily Anna iced coffee?

It’s recommended as a post-meal drink, especially after dinner. Its sweet, cool, and lightly minty profile makes it a popular digestif-style coffee beverage.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced Coffee Layering

For making a Lily Anna iced coffee with bold enough flavor to stand up to the mint and chocolate, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral notes, or their Classic Blend for a balanced medium roast with caramel and nuts. Both roast profiles hold their own when brewed strong and chilled. The Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers juicy acidity and citrus that contrasts nicely with mint, while the Classic Blend brings sweetness and body to support the whipped cream and syrup layers. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.