Beat the Heat (and the Crossword): A Summer Sip of Puzzle Solving
Summer’s here, and with it comes a whole new wave of tricky crossword clues to tackle. The longer days mean more time for lounging by the pool, sipping iced drinks, and, of course, wrestling with those pesky puzzles. Speaking of iced drinks, today’s crossword clue is all about a coffee specification that sees a major surge in popularity when the temperatures rise.
For seasoned crossword aficionados, the words “coffee” and “summer” might immediately trigger a few common associations. We know the crossword setters love to play on seasonal favorites. Think about words relating to coffee strength, maybe something that describes the roasting process, or even a particular type of coffee bean often associated with lighter, refreshing brews. However, this particular clue hinges on the
specification
of the coffee, not just the coffee itself.
What does “specification” mean in this context? Think about the characteristics that define this type of coffee. Is it the way it’s prepared? Is it an added ingredient? Is it the serving style?
Consider also the word “more popular.” This implies a comparison. What distinguishes this coffee specification from others, and why does its appeal increase during the warmer months?
To unravel this clue, you might find it helpful to brainstorm around the following lines of questioning:
Cold Coffee Drinks:
What are the most common ways people drink coffee cold? Think beyond just iced coffee. What methods are used to brew specifically for cold consumption?
Coffee Preparation Methods:
Does the way coffee is made influence its suitability for summer? Does a certain method result in a lighter, brighter, and more refreshing cup?
Coffee and Temperature:
How does temperature affect the taste and aroma of coffee? Do some specifications specifically cater to the way our taste buds respond to cold beverages?
Summer Trends:
What are some contemporary coffee trends that emphasize freshness and lightness, and which are particularly noticeable during summer?
Regional Variations:
Does the answer vary by region or culture? Is it possible that a specific coffee preparation is a summer staple in certain parts of the world, but less common elsewhere?
Remember that crossword clues are often cleverly worded to mislead you. Don’t immediately jump to the most obvious answer. Instead, consider all the possible angles and nuances of the wording. The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to make you think critically and creatively.
The length of the answer is also a vital piece of information in cracking this crossword clue. Make sure that any words you consider fit perfectly within the available spaces in the grid. Double-check for any possible abbreviations, or hyphenated terms that might be appropriate.
Happy puzzling, and stay cool! Keep your eyes peeled for the next post which will contain the solution for this coffee-related conundrum!
Available Answers:
ICED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Set The Table By Matt Revis