Cool Down with These Iced Coffee Drinks

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Iced coffee is a great way to enjoy your favorite drink when it’s hot outside. There are many different types of iced coffee, from simple to fancy. This guide will explain ten popular iced coffee drinks, so you know what to order or how to make them yourself.

Simple Iced Coffee

Iced Espresso is the most basic iced coffee drink. It’s just a shot of espresso poured over ice. Some people like to pull the espresso shot directly onto the ice. This helps it cool down faster. You can also pour the espresso into a separate glass and then add it to the ice.

Shaken, Not Stirred

The shakerato is espresso’s glamorous, ice-cold alter ego—proof that a little motion can turn a simple shot into something extraordinary. Hailing from Italy, this drink leans into a single, dramatic step: shaking, which transforms hot espresso into a frothy, chilled delight with a texture that’s both velvety and invigorating.

Here’s the magic: Start with 1–2 shots of freshly pulled espresso (the hotter, the better, to contrast with ice). Add a teaspoon of sugar (or simple syrup, for faster dissolving) and a handful of ice to a metal shaker. Seal it tight and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds—enough to chill the espresso, dilute it slightly, and create a thick, creamy foam from the coffee’s natural oils.

Strain into a small, elegant glass (think coupe or Nick & Nora) to showcase its rich, dark hue and the frothy crown that forms on top. No milk, no frills—just pure, concentrated coffee flavor with a refreshing kick. For a modern twist, swap sugar for a dash of orange zest or a splash of amaretto, but purists argue the classic version needs nothing more than espresso and a hint of sweetness.

What makes it special? The shake doesn’t just cool the coffee—it aerates it, softening the bitterness and creating a luxurious mouthfeel that’s far more complex than a regular iced espresso. It’s quick to make, stunning to serve, and perfect for coffee lovers who crave intensity without heaviness. In the world of iced coffee, the shakerato is proof that sometimes, a good shake is all you need to elevate the ordinary.

Iced Coffee with Milk

Iced Cappuccino

The iced cappuccino is a masterclass in balancing structure and refreshment, honoring its hot counterpart’s signature ratio—equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam—while embracing the chill of ice. What sets it apart? The foam: unlike iced lattes, which lean into smooth milk, iced cappuccinos star cold microfoam—light, airy, and velvety, created by frothing cold milk (not heating it) to preserve its texture and prevent ice from melting too quickly.

Here’s how it comes together: Start with a base of freshly pulled espresso, cooled for 60 seconds to avoid shocking the ice. Fill a glass with crushed ice (for faster chilling) or large cubes (to maintain structure), then layer in cold, frothed milk—just enough to reach halfway. Spoon the thick, frothy top layer over the milk, leaving space for the espresso. Finally, pour the espresso slowly over the foam; it should sink gently, creating a striking two-tone effect of dark coffee against white foam.

The result? A drink with depth: the espresso’s bitterness cuts through the milk’s sweetness, while the foam adds a luxurious, cloud-like texture that lingers on the tongue. For a twist, dust the foam with cocoa powder or cinnamon, or add a dash of vanilla syrup. Served with a small spoon to mix layers, it’s a sophisticated pick that’s bold enough to satisfy coffee purists and creamy enough to feel indulgent—ideal for warm days when you crave something more elevated than a basic iced coffee.

Iced Latte

An iced latte is the laid-back cousin of hot lattes, prized for its smooth, milky profile and refreshing chill. Unlike iced cappuccinos— which emphasize frothy microfoam—iced lattes prioritize a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, creating a mellow, approachable drink that’s easy to sip all day.

The basics are simple: start with a shot (or two) of espresso, cooled slightly to avoid melting ice too quickly. Pour it over a glass filled with ice, then top with cold milk—dairy, oat, almond, or soy all work beautifully, each adding its own subtle flavor. For extra sweetness, a drizzle of vanilla syrup or a dash of cinnamon elevates the profile without overpowering the coffee’s notes.

Served with a straw (to mix layers as you sip) or a long spoon (to stir in syrups), it’s a versatile canvas. Add a splash of caramel for richness, a pump of peppermint for brightness, or even a scoop of cold foam on top for texture. Light enough for warm afternoons but satisfying enough to kickstart your morning, the iced latte strikes the perfect balance between coffee boldness and creamy comfort.

Blended Iced Coffee

Blended iced coffee, like the iconic Greek frappé, is a masterclass in balancing bold flavor and icy refreshment. Originating in 1957 when a Nestlé employee mixed instant coffee, water, and sugar in a shaker during a heatwave, the frappé evolved into a beloved staple—now often made with espresso for deeper richness.

The magic lies in the blend: espresso’s bitterness, milk’s creaminess, and simple syrup’s sweetness merge into a smooth, frothy texture. For extra flair, add a dash of cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve in a tall glass with a straw to savor the layers—foam on top, icy blend in the middle, and a hint of espresso at the bottom. Perfect for hot days, it’s a customizable treat that bridges coffee’s intensity with summer’s chill.

Layered Iced Coffee

Layered iced coffee, exemplified by the Greek Cappuccino Freddo, is a visual and flavor masterpiece—where distinct layers collide to create a drink that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Unlike its hot or blended counterparts, this beverage thrives on separation: bold espresso, icy chill, and frothy milk coexist in perfect harmony, each element shining through until the first sip mixes them into something new.

The process is a study in precision. Start with a double shot of espresso, brewed strong and then poured over a glass packed with ice to shock it into coldness—this rapid cooling locks in the coffee’s rich, roasty notes without bitterness. Next, the milk: instead of steaming, it’s blended with a handful of ice until it transforms into a thick, fluffy foam with tiny air bubbles. This cold foam is poured gently over the espresso, where it floats on top, creating a stark contrast between deep brown coffee and bright white milk.

The result? A drink with three distinct layers: ice at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and pillowy milk foam on top. The first sip hits with the espresso’s intensity, followed by the milk’s creaminess, while the ice keeps every sip crisp. For extra flair, a dusting of cocoa or a drizzle of honey on the foam adds a subtle sweet note without muddling the layers.

What makes the Cappuccino Freddo special is its intentionality. It’s not rushed—each layer is crafted to stand alone, yet together they create a balanced, refreshing experience. Served in a clear glass to show off its striking layers, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying drinks are those that let each ingredient shine, one sip at a time.

Cold Brewed Coffee

Cold Brew is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold water for a long time, usually 12 hours. This makes a coffee that is less acidic and naturally sweet. It is served over ice. The type of coffee bean, like a washed Rwandan coffee, can change the flavor.

Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro cold brew isn’t just cold coffee—it’s a sensory experience, where science and simplicity collide to create something unexpectedly indulgent. At its core, it starts with cold brew: coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acid base that’s naturally less bitter than hot-brewed coffee. But the magic happens when nitrogen gas enters the mix.

Injected under pressure, nitrogen dissolves into the cold brew, creating tiny, tight bubbles that transform the texture. Unlike carbonation (which adds sharp fizz), nitrogen produces a velvety, creamy mouthfeel—think Guinness beer, but for coffee. Served straight from a tap (often a sleek, beer-like dispenser), it cascades into the glass with a rich, dark hue and a thick, frothy head that clings to the sides, almost like a milk foam.

This bubbly addition does more than please the palate: nitrogen acts as a preservative, keeping the cold brew fresh for up to 2 weeks in the tap system, far longer than regular cold brew’s 5–7 day fridge life. It also amplifies the coffee’s natural sweetness, making it often enjoyable without added sugar or milk.

What makes it a standout? It’s bold yet approachable—intense enough for coffee lovers, but smooth enough for those who find black coffee harsh. Served chilled, no ice needed (to avoid dilution), it’s a summer staple that feels like a treat, whether sipped black or with a splash of oat milk. Nitro cold brew proves that sometimes, a little gas is all it takes to turn a simple drink into something truly special.

Coffee Desserts

Affogato

Affogato is a simple coffee dessert from Italy. It’s made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You eat it with a spoon.

Espresso Tonic

Espresso Tonic is an unusual but refreshing drink. It’s made with tonic water and espresso. The tonic water is bitter and bubbly, and the espresso adds sweetness and acidity.

Quick Guide to Iced Coffee Drinks

Here is a list of the iced coffee drinks mentioned:

• Iced Espresso: Espresso poured over ice.
• Shakerato: Espresso shaken with sugar and ice.
• Iced Cappuccino: Espresso and foamed milk over ice.
• Iced Latte: Espresso and more milk over ice.
• Frappé: Blended espresso, milk, and syrup over ice.
• Cappuccino Freddo: Espresso over ice, topped with foamed milk.
• Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for many hours, served over ice.
• Nitro Coffee: Cold brew infused with nitrogen, served from a tap.
• Affogato: Espresso poured over vanilla ice cream.
• Espresso Tonic: Espresso and tonic water over ice.

Enjoy Your Iced Coffee

These are just some of the iced coffee drinks you can try. The recipes can change depending on where you are. Now that you know more about these drinks, you can try making them yourself or order them at a coffee shop.

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