Let me start by saying that I love coffee. I hate mornings but what keeps me sane is that warm cup of slightly sweet (I add creamer – International Delights Coldstone Creamer to be exact) and warm cup of heaven. I was watching Barefoot Contessa on the Food network one morning and she made this crazy, yummy desert called Viennese Iced Coffee and I knew I had to make it.

Ina Garten made this for dessert using decaf coffee, but I have also been known to enjoy this crazy good cup of heaven mid-day as well. I love  her recipe as is, but I love to make a few fun additions as well.
First, in the evenings I love adding a liqueur to this concoction. Either Kahlua (see my homemade Recipe for Kahlua here), Baileys (click here for my homemade version of that one too!) or Godiva liqueur are amazing choices. When using liqueur I always add my sugar at the end since liqueur already has a quite a bit of liqueur already.

The next thing I like to add is chocolate shavings. Dark, milk or white chocolate are all excellent options and add a little beauty to this tasty treat.

The last thing I like to add is just a dash of salt which I find brings out the flavor in anything sweet.

So that is it! I hope you try this delicious treat out. It is the perfect way to surprise for your love on a weeknight since it is so easy and a great way to wow guests at a dinner party. Enjoy and have fun customizing this one.

Ingredients
6 (1-ounce) shots of espresso, regular or decaf
3 tablespoons sugar
Dash of kosher salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 (1-ounce) shots of liqueur, optional
1/4 cup hot water
2 cups ice
4 scoops vanilla or coffee ice cream
Unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
Short straws, for serving

Directions
Combine the espresso, sugar, salt, vanilla, liqueur (if using) and hot water in a blender and stir until the sugar dissolves. Put the ice in the blender and process on high until the mixture is almost completely smooth. Divide the mixture among 4 short glasses.

Place the ice cream in a microwave on high for 15 seconds, until softened. Scoop one ball of ice cream into each glass. With a small sifter, sprinkle each drink lightly with cocoa powder. Serve with a short straw and a teaspoon.