Aberdeen has been sent into a state of shock this week with the scorching weather we’ve had – “Aberdeen, you OK hun?”

For once, luck has been on my side as I chose this week to book off some annual leave – winner!

The city looks a million times better when the sun shines down. The skyline is clearer, buildings look brighter and everyone is in an all round cheerier mood.

It’s great to walk through Aberdeen to see the streets lined with outdoor cafe seating packed with locals sporting sunglasses with ice cold beverages in hand. If you’re not as blessed, you’ll be like me looking with envy from across the street to catch a glimpse of the sweet sweet smell of disposable income.

Coffee is my go to in the morning to lift me out of my zombie-like state and draw me back into the real world but when it’s a scorcher, a hot coffee just doesn’t hit the spot.

The coffee shops (chain and independent) are pushing the boat out with their different takes on iced coffee, showcasing them on sandwich boards to lure you in and spend your money.

I hope to be at a point where I don’t have to worry about spending £3 on a drink in the future, but for now I have to power walk past temptation and pretend to find interest in a street sign to avoid spending money.

It’s times like these that you need to channel your inner Heston Blumenthal and create your own masterpiece to fill the caffeine void.

But if you’re not one for kitchen trial and error this recipe for a simple iced coffee will do the job.

What you need:

• 200ml of strong black coffee
• 100ml milk
• A handful of ice cubes

How to make for one:

1. Take one heaped teaspoon of your go to coffee brand
2. Add 200ml of hot water and leave to cool completely
3. Take a handful of ice cubes, add the cooled coffee and blend until the ice is smooth
4. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy

Change it up with some extras:

• I like my coffee without sugar, but if you fancy a sweeter cooler add in your usual sugar amount or try a teaspoon of maple syrup
• Swap the milk for soya milk to create a creamier drink
• If a mocha is your drink of choice, add a spoonful of drinking chocolate or switch the regular milk for chocolate milk (Alpro soya chocolate milk is my fave)
• Reduce the milk to 150ml, miss the ice and add a spoonful of ice cream for a sweet treat

Perfect in a travel mug on your sunny walk to work or a lunch time cooler, you can rely on your take on iced coffee to make your day.

It may not have the barrista flare but at least you don’t have to prepare for the eye roll in response to your name being spelt wrong on your cup.