How to Make a Beautiful Lily Anna Iced Coffee with a Minty Twist

If you’ve ever wanted a coffee that’s both refreshing and visually striking—especially on a hot day—this is it. The Lily Anna iced coffee, also known as 'jade ice coffee' or 'emerald ice coffee,' isn’t just another sweetened iced drink. Its vivid greenish-teal hue, layers of texture, and cool mint kick have made it a favorite for coffee lovers who want both flavor and flair. But how do you get that perfect color, the right balance of sweetness, and that elegant layered look?

The key is using just ½ oz of green crème de menthe in an iced coffee base, then topping it with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. This small amount of mint liqueur is enough to shift the color and add a subtle herbal note without overpowering the coffee.

What Is Lily Anna Iced Coffee?

Also called '' (jade ice coffee) or '' (emerald cold ice coffee), the Lily Anna iced coffee is known for its stunning translucent green color—like precious jade or emerald. It’s served cold, over crushed ice, and layered to create an eye-catching presentation. The drink combines strong iced coffee with a touch of sweetener, green mint liqueur, whipped cream, and decorative chocolate syrup and colorful sprinkles. It’s sweet, cooling, and as much a showpiece as it is a beverage.

Why Does It Look Like Jade?

The beautiful 'jade' or 'emerald' shade comes from the combination of chilled dark coffee, the slight green tint of the green crème de menthe, and the contrast of the white whipped cream and dark chocolate drizzle. When stirred, the drink takes on a more uniform pale mint-green color—like translucent jade. The effect is enhanced by crushed ice and the layered construction. The addition of colorful chocolate sprinkles ('') adds visual variety without affecting the taste significantly.

How to Make Lily Anna Iced Coffee Step by Step

This drink is built in layers for both flavor and presentation. Here's the exact method used to recreate it:

• Start with a tall glass and fill it about 80% full with crushed ice.
• Pour in 1 cup of pre-sweetened iced coffee. Use your preferred brew method—just make sure it’s chilled and strong.
• Add ½ fluid ounce (1/2 OZ) of green crème de menthe . This is the key ingredient that gives the drink its signature minty flavor and distinctive jade-like hue.
• Using a spoon or pouring technique, gently layer freshly whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture.
• Drizzle a small amount of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.
• Finish with a pinch of colorful chocolate sprinkles or '' (multicolored candy rice) for decoration and texture.

Optional: You can also add the green mint liqueur directly onto the whipped cream instead of mixing it into the coffee, for a different flavor experience.

Flavor Profile and Best Time to Drink

This is a sweet, cool, and refreshing coffee drink. The bitterness of the coffee is balanced by the sugar, the cooling effect and herbal note of the mint liqueur, and the richness of the cream. It’s thick, smooth, and indulgent—but still coffee-forward. Most people enjoy it as a dessert coffee or after-dinner drink, especially in summer or after a heavy meal. It’s not a morning pick-me-up but rather a luxurious finish to your day.

Key Ingredients and Measurements

• Crushed ice: Fill glass 80% full
• Iced coffee: 1 cup (pre-sweetened)
• Green crème de menthe : ½ OZ (about 15 ml)
• Whipped cream: Generous dollop
• Chocolate syrup: To taste, drizzled on top
• Colorful chocolate sprinkles / : A small pinch for garnish

Pro Tips and Variations

The mint liqueur is potent but used sparingly. That ½ oz is enough to tint the drink and lend a cool mint aroma. Don’t skip the crushed ice—it keeps the drink cold and dilutes it just enough to mellow the flavors. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can skip the green crème de menthe, though you’ll lose both the minty taste and the iconic jade hue. For a stronger coffee flavor, use a more concentrated iced espresso. And yes, you can reverse the order and put the mint liqueur on the whipped cream instead—that’s an accepted variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lily Anna iced coffee?

Lily Anna iced coffee, also known as 'jade ice coffee' or 'emerald ice coffee', is a cold coffee drink made with iced coffee, green crème de menthe, crushed ice, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles. It’s named for its vibrant jade-like color and is served as a sweet, refreshing dessert-style coffee.

What gives Lily Anna coffee its green color?

The jade or emerald green color comes from the combination of dark iced coffee, a small amount of green crème de menthe (½ oz), and the visual contrast with the white cream and dark chocolate. When mixed, the drink takes on a pale minty-teal, translucent shade resembling jade.

Can I make Lily Anna coffee without alcohol?

Yes, you can skip the green crème de menthe for a non-alcoholic version, but you’ll lose the mint flavor and the characteristic green color. The drink will still be sweet and coffee-based but won’t have the same visual appeal or herbal taste.

What kind of coffee should I use for this drink?

Use a strong brewed coffee, preferably iced. It can be espresso-based or filter coffee, but it should be chilled and sweetened in advance. The original recipe doesn’t specify the roast, but a medium or medium-dark roast works well to balance the sweetness and mint.

What is green crème de menthe and where can I find it?

Green crème de menthe is a sweet, green-colored mint-flavored liqueur commonly used in cocktails. It provides the minty taste and helps achieve the jade color in this drink. Look for it in liquor stores or well-stocked supermarkets in the cocktail or liqueur section.

Is Lily Anna coffee a dessert coffee or a morning drink?

Lily Anna is a sweet, dessert-style coffee best enjoyed after a meal or as a cool evening treat. It’s not typically consumed as a morning coffee due to its sweetness, cream, and alcohol content (unless made without the liqueur).

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced Coffee

For an iced coffee like Lily Anna, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes, or their Classic Blend for a balanced medium roast that holds up well when chilled. Both beans produce clean cups that pair nicely with the mint and cream in this style. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.