You know those days when it’s hot and humid outside and you’re dying for something cold and refreshing coolatta? That’s when a tasty frozen drink really hits the spot. If you’re like most people, you’ve tried the famous Coffee Coolatta from Dunkin’ Donuts. One sip of that frozen coffee drink and you’re hooked. But did you know there are tons of other delicious Coolatta-style beverages you can make at home?
From fruit smoothies to milkshakes and everything in between, you’re about to discover a whole new world of frozen drink possibilities. Get ready to beat the heat and satisfy your taste buds with the coolest drinks around. In this article, we’ll explore the wonderful world of Coolattas so you can quench your thirst in style.
What Is a Coolatta?
Ah, the Coolatta. That frosty, flavorful frozen drink from Dunkin’ that’s like a milkshake, but better. Let’s break it down:
- A Coolatta is a frozen beverage made with ice and flavored syrups, blended to a smooth, creamy consistency. The end result is cold, thick, and oh-so-refreshing!
- Dunkin’ offers a bunch of tasty Coolatta flavors like Mocha, Strawberry, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, and more. There are even Girl Scout cookie-inspired options like Thin Mint!
- You can customize your Coolatta with extras like whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate drizzle – go wild with the toppings.
- Sizes range from small to extra large to quench any thirst. Try a small for a lighter snack or go big with a 24 oz for sharing.
- Compared to milkshakes, Coolattas have a lighter, almost sorbet-like texture that makes them ideal for cooling down on a hot summer day.
- They’re made fresh when you order, so you get that straight-from-the-blender frosty goodness. No pre-made mixes here!
- Nutritionally, Coolattas range from 220-830 calories depending on size and flavors. So they make a nice treat in moderation.
With so many flavors to choose from, Coolattas are a delicious way to chill out. Stop by your local Dunkin’ and try one – your taste buds will thank you!
The Origins of the Iconic Coolatta
The Coolatta – that delicious frozen coffee drink from Dunkin’ – has become an iconic menu item since it first appeared in 1997. But where did this frosty sensation come from?
- The Coolatta was the brainchild of Dunkin’ executive Stan Frankenthaler. He wanted to create a new frozen beverage to compete with McDonald’s popular Frappé.
- After months of research and development, Frankenthaler and his team landed on an icy coffee concentrate that could be mixed with milk and ice to create a slushy, frozen drink.
- The name “Coolatta” was chosen to emphasize the “cool” factor and evoke feelings of relaxation. Early marketing positioned it as the ultimate way to chill out on a hot summer day.
- The Coolatta debuted across the country in 1997 with just three flavors – Mocha, Vanilla Bean, and Coffee. It was an instant hit and led to many more flavor innovations over the years.
- By combining the caffeinated kick of coffee with the fun of an ice-cold blended beverage, Dunkin’ struck gold with the Coolatta. It became so popular that a whole new frozen drink category was born.
- Nowadays, the Coolatta comes in over 20 unique flavors and variations. It makes up 10% of Dunkin’s annual beverage sales. Nearly 200 million are sold each year!
So next time you’re sipping a Cold Brew Coolatta or Cookie Dough Coolatta, thank visionary Stan Frankenthaler for creating this beloved frozen coffee sensation!
Coolatta Flavor Options: Find Your Favorite
When it comes to Coolattas, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of the tasty frozen drink flavors you can choose from:
- Coffee Coolatta – This classic option combines rich coffee flavor with sweet cream for a delicious iced coffee drink. You can customize it with flavors like mocha, caramel, or hazelnut.
- Strawberry Coolatta – A sweet strawberry puree swirled together with creamy soft serve ice cream. This fruity drink tastes just like strawberry shortcake.
- Mocha Coolatta – Get the best of both worlds with coffee and chocolate blended together. The mocha Coolatta also has a hint of sweetness.
- Vanilla Bean Coolatta – Cool, creamy and smooth, the vanilla bean Coolatta is subtly sweet with specks of real vanilla beans. It’s a great choice if you want something simple.
- Chai Tea Coolatta – Spicy chai tea concentrate blended with soft serve ice cream makes a unique, exotic frozen drink. Try it with added pumps of vanilla or honey for extra sweetness.
- Minion Coolatta – Kids will love this bright yellow Coolatta loaded with banana flavoring. It’s delicious and fun.
- Reese’s Coolatta – Chocolate and peanut butter come together for an indulgent treat. Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups add even more flavor and texture.
The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and combine flavors to craft your perfect Coolatta creation. Try mixing coffee and mocha or adding chocolate syrup to vanilla. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
Where to Get Coolattas Near You
Craving an icy, coffee-flavored treat? Luckily, Coolattas are easy to find! Here are some tips for getting your frozen fix:
- Visit any Dunkin’ Donuts. This popular chain first introduced the Coolatta and still serves up classic flavors like Mocha, Caramel, and Strawberry. Use their store locator to find one near you.
- Check your grocery store. Many supermarkets now sell bottled Dunkin’ Coolatta drinks in the refrigerated section. Grab a bottle in flavors like French Vanilla and Cinnamon Bun.
- Swing by a gas station. Brands like Speedway and Thorntons offer their own versions of frozen coffee drinks. Look for them in the chilled beverage fridges.
- Order coffeehouse style. Starbucks, Caribou, Peet’s and other cafes have frozen blended mochas and lattes. Ask for a chocolate, coffee, or fruit flavor.
- Make your own. Blend coffee, milk, sugar, and ice for a homemade frosted coffee treat. Add cocoa powder, extracts, or fruit like strawberries.
- Try fast food options. McCafe at McDonald’s, Frozen Cappuccinos at Tim Hortons, and Frozen Coffee at Wawa are all solid choices.
With so many spots to get refreshing frozen coffee drinks, there’s no excuse not to chill out with a tasty Coolatta or similar beverage. Stay cool and caffeinated all summer long with these frozen coffeehouse classics!
FAQs About the Coolatta Craze
Got questions about the delicious Coolatta frozen drink? Here are some common ones:
- How many calories are in a Coolatta? Calorie counts range from 190 to 270 for a small, depending on flavor. Go with a medium for around 380 calories.
- What’s the difference between a Frappe and a Coolatta? Frappes are made with coffee, Coolattas are coffee-free. Both are blended ice drinks though!
- What flavors does the Coolatta come in? Classic choices are strawberry, blue raspberry, pina colada, and mocha. Limited edition seasonal flavors pop up too.
- Can you customize a Coolatta? Absolutely, get creative! Ask for a swirl of two flavors, or top it with sprinkles, caramel drizzle or whipped cream.
- How much caffeine is in a Coolatta? None! Since it’s just a frozen fruit drink without coffee. Frappe is the way to go if you need a caffeine kick.
- Are Coolattas dairy-free? Most are made with non-fat milk, so not dairy-free. But you can request it made with almond or coconut milk instead.
- Can kids enjoy Coolattas? In moderation. A small size is a fun occasional treat for kids. An excellent way to cool down!
- When did the Coolatta first appear on the menu? This iconic frozen drink has been a staple since 1997.
- Where can you find Coolattas? Exclusively at Dunkin’ shops. Grab a Coolatta on the go or enjoy it in-store.
- How long does a Coolatta take to make? Around 1-2 minutes. The fruits and flavors are pre-made, then it’s just a quick blend with ice and milk.
Satisfy your curiosity and quench your thirst with a tropical Coolatta today! This beloved frozen Dunkin’ drink is a summertime treat.
Conclusion
So now you know what the Coolatta craze is all about! These tasty frozen coffee and fruit drinks from Dunkin’ have been delighting people for over 20 years. With so many delicious flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find a Coolatta that suits your tastes.
The next time you’re looking for a refreshing frozen treat, skip the ice cream and milkshakes and go for a Coolatta instead. They’re the perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day or an afternoon snack to give you an energy boost. Don’t knock it ’til you try it – get out there and see what the Coolatta craze is all about for yourself. You won’t regret it!