Iced Coffee and Mormonism: Can Mormons Enjoy It?

Introduction:

For millions of people worldwide, iced coffee is more than just a drink – it’s a refreshing ritual, a daily delight, and a beloved way to energize throughout the day. But when it comes to iced coffee and Mormonism, the situation becomes a bit more complicated. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) follow the teachings of the Word of Wisdom, a health code that prohibits certain substances, including hot drinks like coffee and tea. This leads to the question: can Mormons drink iced coffee?

The Word of Wisdom doesn’t directly mention iced coffee, but it does provide guidelines on the consumption of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. In this blog post, we’ll explore the intersection of iced coffee and Mormonism, delve into the Church’s stance on caffeine, and discuss alternatives that allow Mormons to enjoy an iced coffee-like beverage while still adhering to their faith.

1. Understanding Mormon Health Guidelines: The Word of Wisdom

1.1 What Is the Word of Wisdom?

The Word of Wisdom is a set of guidelines and teachings that appear in the Doctrine and Covenants, one of the sacred texts used by members of the LDS Church. It’s not just a health code – it is considered a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, who founded the church in the early 19th century. The Word of Wisdom outlines various health recommendations for the physical and spiritual well-being of church members. These guidelines cover everything from the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to the eating of wholesome foods and the avoidance of harmful substances.

1.2 The Role of Caffeine in Mormon Doctrine

While the Word of Wisdom does not specifically mention caffeine, it prohibits the consumption of “hot drinks,” a term traditionally interpreted to mean coffee and tea. Over the years, the Church has emphasized avoiding coffee and tea, particularly because these beverages contain caffeine, a stimulant.

The ambiguity surrounding caffeine’s role in the Word of Wisdom has led to confusion and debate. Some members of the church interpret the prohibition against coffee and tea strictly, avoiding all caffeinated drinks, while others focus more on avoiding the beverages that are harmful or addictive, rather than the caffeine itself.

1.3 The Mormon Interpretation of “Hot Drinks”

The term “hot drinks” is often cited as the key reason that coffee and tea are prohibited for Mormons. While this is a clear instruction in the Word of Wisdom, the definition of “hot drinks” has been a subject of debate over the years. Since iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled, many members of the LDS Church wonder whether it falls under the same prohibition.

Some individuals argue that iced coffee, being a cold beverage, does not fall under the church’s health code, while others maintain that because iced coffee originates from hot coffee, it is not permissible. This difference of opinion often depends on personal interpretation and understanding of the Word of Wisdom.

2. Can Mormons Drink Iced Coffee?

2.1 The Question of Iced Coffee and Church Teachings

The question of whether Mormons can drink iced coffee is complicated. At its core, it centers around whether iced coffee, made from hot-brewed coffee, falls under the Church’s prohibition of coffee. Since iced coffee cools down after brewing, some Mormons believe it does not violate the Word of Wisdom. However, not all members of the LDS community accept this view.

Official church guidance is somewhat vague when it comes to iced coffee. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not specifically addressed the consumption of iced coffee, which leaves the matter open to personal interpretation. For some Mormons, drinking iced coffee is permissible as long as it does not contain excessive amounts of caffeine or additives. On the other hand, others prefer to avoid it altogether due to its coffee base.

2.2 Official Stance on Iced Coffee

While the LDS Church has not made an official ruling on iced coffee specifically, it generally advises its members to avoid substances that might be harmful or addictive. Because iced coffee is made from coffee beans, which contain caffeine, many church members choose to refrain from drinking iced coffee to stay in line with the spirit of the Word of Wisdom.

The Church’s teachings focus more on the impact of coffee and tea as addictive substances that can harm the body. Since iced coffee contains caffeine, many members choose to avoid it, even though they serve it cold. The Church focuses more on the underlying substance—coffee itself—rather than the temperature at which they serve it.

2.3 The Role of Personal Revelation and Individual Choice

Ultimately, the decision to drink iced coffee is a personal one for Mormons. While the Church provides guidelines, it leaves room for individual interpretation and personal revelation. Some members may feel comfortable drinking iced coffee, especially if they believe it does not interfere with their faith, while others may choose to avoid it altogether.

For many Mormons, the key question isn’t necessarily whether they can drink iced coffee, but whether it aligns with their spiritual and health values. Each person is encouraged to seek guidance through prayer, scripture, and personal reflection to live in accordance with the Word of Wisdom.

3. Iced Coffee Alternatives for Mormons

3.1 Caffeine-Free Cold Brew

For Mormons who want to enjoy the refreshing taste of iced coffee but wish to avoid caffeine, caffeine-free cold brew is an excellent alternative. Cold brew coffee can be made using decaffeinated coffee beans, which deliver a rich flavor without the stimulating effects of caffeine. The process for making decaffeinated cold brew is very similar to regular cold brew, but it’s free of caffeine.

Recipe for Decaffeinated Cold Brew:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of coarsely ground decaffeinated coffee beans
  • 4 cups of cold filtered water
  • Ice cubes
• Instructions:
  1. Add the coarsely ground decaffeinated coffee to a jar or pitcher.
  2. Pour in the cold filtered water, ensuring that the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
  3. Stir gently and cover the jar. Let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
  4. Strain the coffee through a fine mesh filter or coffee filter into a clean container.
  5. Serve over ice and enjoy a smooth, caffeine-free cold brew.

Decaffeinated cold brew offers the perfect iced coffee experience without the concern of caffeine intake. It’s a great option for Mormons who want to enjoy a coffee-like drink without breaking their faith’s health guidelines.

3.2 Herbal Iced Teas as a Coffee Alternative

Another excellent alternative for iced coffee lovers is herbal iced tea. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and come in a wide range of flavors. Mormons can enjoy iced versions of teas like peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, and hibiscus, all of which make for a refreshing, caffeine-free beverage.

Recipe for Iced Herbal Tea:

• Ingredients:
  • 1-2 herbal tea bags (depending on desired strength)
  • 4 cups of boiling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Sweetener (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Boil 4 cups of water and pour it over the tea bags in a heatproof container.
  2. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your flavor preference.
  3. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
  4. Pour the cooled tea over ice and add sweetener if desired.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Herbal teas are a great alternative to iced coffee, offering a wide variety of flavors that are both refreshing and relaxing.

3.3 Iced Mocha with Carob

For those who enjoy a chocolatey, creamy iced beverage, iced carob mocha is a fantastic substitute for a traditional iced mocha made with coffee. Carob is a naturally caffeine-free alternative to cocoa, offering a similar taste to chocolate.

Recipe for Iced Carob Mocha:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon carob powder
  • 1 cup of milk (or milk alternative)
  • 1-2 teaspoons sweetener (e.g., honey, agave syrup)
  • Ice cubes
• Instructions:
  1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the carob powder and sweetener until fully dissolved.
  3. Let the mixture cool before pouring it over ice.
  4. Stir and enjoy a rich, chocolatey beverage without the caffeine.

Carob is an excellent, caffeine-free substitute for cocoa, making it a great option for Mormons who want to indulge in a chocolatey iced beverage without violating their health guidelines.

4. How to Make Iced Coffee at Home (For Non-Mormons)

While iced coffee may be off-limits for some Mormons, there are plenty of non-Mormons who enjoy this refreshing beverage. If you’re interested in making iced coffee at home, here are a few easy and popular methods.

4.1 Brewing Iced Coffee with a French Press

The French press is one of the simplest ways to brew strong, concentrated iced coffee. It’s a great option for those who want to make coffee quickly without needing fancy equipment.

Recipe for Iced Coffee with French Press:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee
  • 4 cups of cold filtered water
  • Ice cubes
• Instructions:
  1. Add the coarsely ground coffee into your French press.
  2. Pour the cold water over the coffee grounds.
  3. Stir and let the coffee steep for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Press down the plunger and pour the coffee into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Enjoy your chilled iced coffee!

4.2 Cold Brew Iced Coffee Recipe

Cold brew is a popular method for making iced coffee, known for its smooth, less acidic taste. It’s easy to make and produces a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Recipe for Cold Brew Iced Coffee:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee
  • 4 cups of cold filtered water
  • Ice cubes
• Instructions:
  1. Add the coarsely ground coffee to a jar or pitcher.
  2. Pour in the cold filtered water and stir.
  3. Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
  4. Strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter.
  5. Serve over ice and enjoy.

Conclusion:

For Mormons, enjoying iced coffee is a nuanced issue rooted in the teachings of the Word of Wisdom. While the Church prohibits hot drinks like coffee and tea, it does not provide explicit guidance on cold-brewed alternatives like iced coffee. Therefore, it is up to each individual to decide how best to interpret the Word of Wisdom in their daily lives. However, Mormons can still enjoy cold beverages by opting for caffeine alternatives, such as decaffeinated cold brew, herbal teas, or iced carob mochas. These options offer a way to stay true to their faith while still indulging in a refreshing, coffee-like drink.

Ultimately, the choice is personal, and Mormons are encouraged to seek inspiration and guidance from their faith and their own consciences as they navigate this complex issue. Whether you enjoy iced coffee or explore alternatives, there is always room for faith, choice, and personal revelation.

👉 Check out our collection of easy iced coffee drinks here!