What is a common preparation step for all iced beverages mentioned?

The process of pulling espresso shots first is a fundamental preparation step for iced beverages that include espresso as an ingredient. This step is crucial because it ensures that the espresso is freshly brewed, allowing the flavors to develop fully before being served cold. When espresso is prepared, it typically involves extracting concentrated flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds, which makes it a key component in drinks like iced lattes or iced Americanos.

Once the espresso shots are pulled, they can be cooled or served over ice, which preserves the quality and richness of the coffee flavor in the final drink. This attention to brewing quality is especially important for iced beverages, as the dilution from ice can potentially mask the espresso's taste if not carefully managed. This step of brewing espresso first supports the integrity of the iced coffee experience, ensuring that it is not just cold but also flavorful and balanced.

In contrast, steps such as stirring in syrup, blending ingredients, or chilling the drink pertain to final adjustments or presentation but do not encompass the essential brewing aspect required for espresso-based iced beverages. Therefore, pulling the espresso shots first is a distinct and necessary step that applies across various iced coffee preparations.