A big chill is sweeping the coffee industry as iced coffee beverages gain popularity.

According to the National Coffee Association, the percentage of Americans who drink iced coffee beverages increased from 20 percent in 2003 to 29 percent in 2004. Following the popularity of cappuccinos and mocha lattes, consumers are discovering that coffee is just as tasty - and even more refreshing - when served cold.

Iced coffee can be as easy to prepare as iced tea. A variety of options, such as flavoring syrups, cold milk, chocolate and spices, allow you to create personalized coffee concoctions that are just as delicious as those served in your favorite cafe.

Beverages such as iced vanilla mocha, iced rum coffee and iced latte are easy to make at home. Here are some tips for refreshing iced coffee drinks.

* Pour the flavoring syrup into the cup first. To complete the drink, pour in espresso or coffee, then the ice, and top it off with cold milk.

* Don't let your beverage become watered down. Cool your favorite coffee beverage with ice cubes made from fresh-brewed coffee instead of water.

* Use a machine that produces a high quality coffee or espresso. The Capresso CoffeeTeam Luxe, for example, grinds coffee beans right before brewing and allows you to control the strength of your coffee.

* Be creative. Add a personalized touch to your iced coffee beverages with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, nutmeg or cinnamon.

The coffee craze has swept the nation! Starbucks are popping up on every street corner, in grocery stores, book shops, shopping malls, and even libraries. This coffee fever has spread to fast food restaurants, cafes, and restaurants, who are striving to provide their customers with a wider variety that black coffee in a Styrofoam cup. Since everyone is walking around sipping espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and every other coffee creation in existence, it is no surprise that the coffee business if a booming enterprise. If your yearly coffee budget has left you aghast, consider alternatives to buying those tasty espresso fixes. Many individuals find that the purchase of a home espresso machine can save them enough to pay for the machine many times over.

You do not have to have professional barista training in order to run a home espresso machine, as most are incredibly simple to use with perfect results each and every time. Instead of running out and buying a fantastically expensive espresso machine that you think will provide you with the best results, consider researching the most appropriate machine for your specific needs. A simple search on the World Wide Web will provide you with a great variety of machines that are geared towards individuals with a wide variety of needs.

For those individuals with smaller kitchens or limited countertop space, the stovetop varieties of espresso machines may be the best option. These machines are not electric and work on the principle similar to that of a double boiler. Although these espresso pots are not equipped with an element that froths milk, they can produce a great cup of espresso nonetheless.

Another option that is quickly becoming more and more popular is a machine that runs off specially designed pods. These pods contain the coffee ingredients and are inserted into the machine and the espresso is brewed. Pod espresso machines have come onto the market in the last couple of years, but are just reaching the height of their popularity. Instead of hassling with grinding coffee beans or spilling ground coffee, these pods are mess and maintenance free. Also, many of the top name brand coffee producers are making pods with their signature blends, allowing you to enjoy the rich taste without the mess.

So what exactly is espresso coffee?  An espresso coffee is sold at the café in a small cup and is an extremely strong cup of coffee.  Espresso is used in making café latte, cappuccino and café mocha.  Espresso is made in the espresso machine by forcing about two ounces of hot water through tightly packed finely ground espresso coffee.  The resulting liquid is a deep brown color with a slight froth on top.  Espresso makers differ in the water temperatures, the fineness of the espresso coffee, the pressure with which the water is pressed through the coffee and how tightly the coffee grinds are packed in the machine.

There are many different types of espresso machines available in the market place today in different sizes, styles and abilities.  Just like any other appliance it is important to do your homework before venturing out on your shopping excursion.  Start by asking yourself how often will you use your espresso machine, what will you be using your machine for, how much are your willing to spend and are you willing to trade quality for price.

If you rarely partake in the espresso ritual and prefer an occasional cappuccino or latte, then don’t spend too much money on your machine.  If you are a coffee enthusiast and have acquired a preference for espresso taste then a high end espresso machine is worth the investment.  An espresso coffee machine doubles as both a coffee maker and espresso maker.  If you have limited counter space and like the best of both worlds this machine gives you that option.  Diligently compare espresso machines and find one with features that suit your particular need.

Do your homework before heading out.  Make sure to read espresso machine reviews.  These unbiased consumer reviews give valuable consumer insights.  There are many places to purchase your home style espresso machine; kitchen supply stores, department store home sections, catalogues and online vendors.  Make sure you purchase a machine that matches your level of expertise.  Making espressos is considered an art with a professional espresso maker being referred to as a Barista.  Being an espresso barista in some countries is considered a serious occupation requiring occupational training.  Baristas learn and practice making a consistently high quality shot of espresso.  They learn how to grind the perfect espresso coffee, how to pack the coffee right and how to operate the commercial espresso maker.  Being a home espresso maker however does not require that you take Barista training.  Home style espresso machines are simplified versions of the more complex café style espresso maker. 

Once you have purchased your espresso machine remember to purchase the accessories that make the espresso/cappuccino experience more enjoyable.  There are special espresso cups and spoons and espresso machine cleaning brushes and detergents that can be purchased from different vendors online.  It is important to care for your espresso machine as recommended by the manufacturer for the machine to last longer producing delicious tasting espresso each time.