Native to Africa, coffee was introduced to Europe via the Middle East in the 17th century. The mysterious caffeinated beverage provided a much-needed jolt and woke Europeans from the alcoholic daze they’d been under for the entire Middle Ages. Unlike ale – which was the beverage of choice at the time – coffee provided clarity of thought and quickly became the drink of choice among scientists and philosophers, bringing the world into the Age of Enlightenment.

Save your leftover morning coffee and turn it into an afternoon treat.

1 cup cold coffee
2 tablespoons cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
4 generous scoops vanilla ice cream

Place all ingredients in a blender, blend and serve immediately.

Makes 1