[Beat the heat offers interesting and entertaining ways to cool off in New Orleans this summer.]

One of my favorite things to do whenever I'm in New Orleans is get an iced coffee. I know I could do that practically anywhere, given the prevalence of Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, but for some reason the coffee in New Orleans just tastes different to me. And it tastes better.

Nola is an import town after all, sitting on the river as it does. One of the main things it imports is coffee. So, it should be no surprise that folks around here know their stuff when it comes to the bean. Despite setbacks from the Big K, coffee is indeed still a brewing business for both local mom and pop shops and chains.

So, this tip to beat the heat in New Orleans this summer is:

1. Enjoy an iced coffee from a local cafe.

To me, there is simply nothing better than kicking back with an iced coffee (or iced cappuccino, if you want me to be specific) from Royal Blend Coffee in the French Quarter. While some prefer to sit indoors munching on breakfast pastries and reading the free local papers, I prefer to sit in the beautiful and well-maintained courtyard pretending to be in a different era.

More tips on how to Beat the Beat after the jump!

It's easy to do in such a courtyard, with its bubbling fountain (complete with goldfish last time I checked), lush greenery and shady umbrella tables.

Which brings to mind another tip:

2. After purchasing your refreshing iced coffee, ensure you find someplace shady in/under which to drink it.

Other local cafes serving up the best of the iced bunch include perennial favorite Cafe du Monde, who will:

3. Pair your iced latte with their world-famous beignets (which go down a lot smoother in the summer months with an iced latte).

Some folks in the past have argued that local chain CC's Coffee isn't really that tasty. The one time I sampled it I enjoyed a nice iced coffee, so I can't complain. If you haven't tried CC's yet, give it a whirl--it's easy since there are so many locations, although if I were you I'd:

4. Hit the CC's Coffee by the World War II Museum and then hang out indoors.

Finally, if you find yourself in the Garden District (and you should):

5. Hit the coffee shop in the bookstore nestled in a shopping center called the Rink. They make a fabulous iced cappuccino, which you can enjoy along with the air conditioning while perusing new titles from local authors.

I am sure there are innumerable places to enjoy a nice cup of iced joe during the summer months in New Orleans, Can you think of any hot (cool) spots I've missed to add to the list?

If not, then sip up! Iced coffee season only lasts so long, you know!