Chilly Espresso With Milk

I have, in the past, considered the espresso machine too much of a hassle.  I don't like straight espresso, so I always make lattes.  The machine takes a while to heat up, it's hard not to make a mess filling the portafilter (I had to look up the name of it!), I never know how hard/soft to tamp, and then you have to rinse the portafilter, wipe down the machine, wait for the steamer to heat up, stress over getting the milk hot enough without it becoming too bubbly, and then wash the stuck-on milk off the steamer. Ugh!

portafilter

But now I have a new love in my life: the Chilly Espresso With Milk.  OK, you still have to do half of the stuff above, but the milk-steaming is eliminated.  It's just a shot of espresso into a jar, agave or sugar or honey, some milk, and ice. A pretty fast way to enjoy a deeeeeeelicious cold drink.  I mean we're talking coffee shop deliciousness.

My first Chilly Espresso With Milk (center)
A very good to-go drink!

Why does it taste so good?  Why is it so much easier to make a good cold drink than a hot one?  I may never know...