When the summer heat reaches its peak, nothing beats a refreshing drink that not only cools you down but also gives you the caffeine boost you need to power through the day. That’s why cold coffee drinks have become a summertime essential! From iced coffee and frappe to mazagran, affogato, and nitro cold brew, there are endless possibilities to explore. Whether you crave something citrusy and invigorating or prefer a rich, creamy treat, you’re sure to find a perfect match.

Here’s our curated selection of must-try summer coffee drinks for this season. Get creative, experiment with flavors, and savor every sip!

 

 

Mazagran

Mazagran is an exotic coffee drink with origins in Algeria, but it has gained popularity in Portugal, Spain, and Austria.

There are many variations of mazagran—some include mint, cane sugar, rum, or other spirits—but at its core, it’s a simple combination of strong coffee and lemon or lime juice, served over ice. To prepare a basic version, combine chilled espresso or doppio (double espresso) with the juice of half a lemon and 3–4 ice cubes.

Our favorite version (for two people) involves brewing 200 ml of Kenya Ndaroini AA TOP coffee using a Chemex or drip method, then mixing it with 2 tablespoons of cane sugar. Let it cool (preferably refrigerate for at least an hour), then add 4–5 tablespoons of lime juice and two handfuls of crushed ice. Shake well and pour into glasses, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and lime slices.

Mazagran offers a refreshing and complex flavor, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional iced coffee.

 

 

Iced coffee with vanilla syrup and cocoa

For lovers of classic flavors, this iced coffee is a must-try. Brew 50 ml of strong espresso and let it cool. Then, prepare:

• 150 ml of ice-cold milk
• 5–10 small ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and mix well. Pour into a glass, adding extra ice cubes if desired. The result? A creamy, rich chocolatey coffee with a subtle vanilla twist—delicious!

 

Frappe – the Greek classic

Frappe is a Greek staple that refreshes, energizes, and doubles as a dessert—a true 3-in-1 experience! Loved by coffee enthusiasts for over 60 years, frappe is a blended coffee drink with a light, frothy texture.

To make it, blend espresso with milk, ice cubes, and a flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or coffee syrup all work well). Once blended into a thick, foamy mixture, pour it into a tall glass. Top it with whipped cream, cocoa, cinnamon, or even crumbled cookies for extra indulgence.

The ratio of coffee to milk and ice depends on personal preference. We suggest:

• 50 ml of strong espresso + 100 ml of milk for a bold coffee flavor
• 50 ml of espresso + 200 ml of milk for a creamier, milder version

No hard rules here—adjust and experiment to find your perfect frappe!

 

Nitro Cold Brew – the modern favorite

Nitro Cold Brew is one of the biggest innovations in the coffee world in recent years. This cold brew coffee is infused with nitrogen gas, giving it an incredibly smooth, creamy, and velvety texture.

Nitro Cold Brew is prepared using specialized equipment that allows nitrogen to be infused into the coffee, creating a naturally sweet, cascading effect similar to draft beer. Because of its unique brewing method, you won’t find Nitro Cold Brew in every café. But if you ever get the chance to try it—go for it!

 

Iced pour-over – a simple yet flavorful option

Iced pour-over is exactly what it sounds like: coffee brewed using a dripper, directly over ice cubes.

How does it work? The amount of water normally used for brewing is reduced by the weight of the ice cubes in the server. For example, if you’re making a 300 ml pour-over and plan to use 100 g of ice cubes, you’ll only add 200 g of hot water to the dripper.

Here’s how to brew it:

1. Grind the coffee slightly finer than usual for a pour-over.
2. Place ice cubes in the server.
3. Use a ratio of 6–7 g of coffee per 100 g of water.
4. Pour 50 g of hot water (94–96°C) in slow, circular motions, then wait 30 seconds.
5. Gradually add another 100 g of water.
6. Let the water pass through, then add the remaining water in the same slow, circular motion.
7. Serve immediately!

For this method, we highly recommend Kenya Ndaroini AA TOP or Rwanda Muhondo for their bright, fruity profiles.

 

Iced coffee with caramel and coconut milk

Cold coffee is a summer classic, but adding coconut milk and caramel takes it to another level.

To make this delicious iced drink:

1. Brew a double espresso (we love using Brazilian Roast).
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of caramel syrup and let it cool.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in the caramel-infused coffee.
4. Top it off with chilled coconut milk.

The result? A lightly sweet, creamy, and refreshing coffee with a tropical twist.

 

 

Espresso tonic

Espresso tonic is a refreshing, fizzy take on iced coffee. You’ll need:

• Your favorite tonic water
• A few ice cubes
• 50 ml of espresso

To prepare, start by adding ice to a glass, then pour in 150–200 ml of tonic water. Slowly pour the espresso over the ice to create a beautiful layered effect—and you’re done!

 

 

The beauty of espresso tonic lies in its versatility. Since both tonic and coffee have unique flavor profiles, the result varies depending on your ingredient choices. For a citrusy version, pair a citrus-infused tonic with a coffee featuring orange or grapefruit notes, like Midday Chill or Under Control. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit for an extra zing.

Feel free to get creative—experiment with different coffees, tonics, and additions like mint, berries, chocolate, flavored syrups, or herbs!

 

Affogato – part dessert, part coffee

Affogato is an Italian classic that perfectly combines coffee and ice cream. The word "affogato" literally means "drowned," referring to the way the ice cream gets "drowned" in hot espresso.

To make affogato, simply:

1. Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream in a glass.
2. Pour freshly brewed espresso over it.

The warm espresso melts the ice cream, creating a rich, creamy, and indulgent treat.

There are endless affogato variations—try vanilla, chocolate, caramel, nut, or even fruity ice cream flavors. You can also experiment with different espresso blends to find your ideal flavor combination.

Our favorite? A classic affogato with vanilla ice cream and Brazilian Roast espresso—simply delicious!

 

 

 

Summer coffee drinks offer a refreshing escape and a world of flavors to explore. Try out these ideas—you might just discover your new go-to summer favorite!