Some people love it, others hate it, and for many parents with young children, cold coffee is the only kind they drink. However, most of us only think about cold coffee when the weather gets hot. Yet, there’s no denying it—cold coffee is a drink that refreshes like no other. In this post, we’ll explore 14 different drinks and how to make them. We’ll start with the queen of cold coffee—cold brew.
Cold Brew is one of the most popular cold coffees. To make this coffee, ground coffee is steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, usually in the fridge. The long steeping process creates a smooth, low-acid taste that pairs perfectly with ice or even diluted with water or milk. Cold Brew is an excellent base for experimentation; you can add syrup, milk, or even tonic to create a new flavor.
Iced Coffee is traditional hot coffee that has been chilled and served with ice. This method is very simple—brew your favorite coffee, let it cool, and pour it into a glass with ice. This drink retains the coffee’s flavor while cooling and refreshing you. You can add a bit of sugar or milk to vary the taste.
Iced Latte is a classic latte with ice. Espresso is mixed with cold milk and ice, creating a creamy yet light drink. You can experiment with plant-based milk, like oat or almond, to create different flavors. You can also add vanilla, caramel, or other syrups.
Iced Americano is a cold, strong coffee made from espresso and cold water. This method retains the espresso’s flavor but makes it lighter and more refreshing. You can adjust it to your taste by adding more or less water or ice. It’s an excellent choice if you want pure coffee without milk.
Iced Mocha is the chocolate version of coffee. Espresso is mixed with chocolate syrup, cold milk, and ice, creating a sweet and refreshing drink. You can use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your taste. You can also add a splash of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra treat.
Frappé is a Greek cold coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, and sugar, shaken until a thick foam forms. The drink is usually served with ice and often with a splash of milk. It’s a very refreshing drink, perfect for a hot day. Frappé can also be made with chocolate or vanilla, giving the coffee an extra flavor boost.
Affogato is an Italian dessert that consists of one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with hot espresso. This drink/dessert creates a unique flavor contrast between the cold ice cream and hot coffee, making it a perfect sweet treat after lunch or dinner. Often, this drink is garnished with chocolate shavings or liqueur.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a rich, flavorful coffee made using a traditional Vietnamese filter (phin). The coffee is slowly filtered and mixed with condensed milk, which adds sweetness and creaminess to the drink. It is often served with ice to make it even more refreshing. Due to its strong flavor and sweetness, this coffee is an excellent choice for those who enjoy intense coffee drinks.
Nitro Cold Brew is a version of Cold Brew enriched with nitrogen, giving the drink a smooth and creamy texture. Nitro Cold Brew is often served from a special tap, similar to beer. The drink is almost bubble-free but extremely smooth and refreshing. Nitro Cold Brew is usually served without any additional ingredients, allowing you to enjoy its natural, smooth flavor.
Mazagran is a coffee drink originating from Algeria, considered one of the first types of cold coffee. This drink is made from espresso mixed with cold water, lemon juice, and sometimes a splash of rum. Mazagran is refreshing and easy to make, with a unique flavor combination of coffee and lemon. It’s an excellent choice for those who like to experiment with different tastes.
Shakerato is an Italian coffee drink made by shaking espresso with ice and sugar until a thick foam forms. The drink is usually served in a martini glass, adding a touch of elegance. It’s easy to prepare, but the flavor is intense, and the texture is delightful.
Iced Cortado is a coffee drink made from one or two shots of espresso mixed in equal parts with cold milk. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy strong coffee with a hint of milk. Iced Cortado contains less milk than an Iced Latte, so it maintains an intense coffee flavor while offering a bit of creaminess.
Cold Brew Tonic is a refreshing and unique drink where Cold Brew coffee is mixed with tonic water. This drink has a slight bitterness and carbonation, making it a great choice for those who like to experiment with different flavors. You can also add a splash of lemon or orange juice for extra freshness.
Iced Flat White is a coffee drink similar to an Iced Latte, but with less milk and slightly less frothy milk. This drink perfectly balances the coffee-to-milk ratio, maintaining a strong coffee flavor with a hint of creaminess. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a strong coffee flavor with less milk.
The world of cold coffee is vast and varied. From the classic Cold Brew to the exotic Vietnamese Iced Coffee or the refreshing Cold Brew Tonic, every coffee lover can find their favorite. Experiment with different preparation methods and ingredients to create new and delicious drinks. Enjoy your cold coffee at any time of the year!
What’s your favorite cold coffee?
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just love a good morning brew. Espresso is one…
What is Cold Brew? Cold brew is a cold coffee drink made by steeping coffee…
How Caffeine Wakes Us Up: Having a tough morning and need coffee? The caffeine in…
The heart is pounding, sweat is pouring. I look at my heart rate on the…
I decided to delve into the history of coffee and how it traveled from the…
If you want to know who truly cares about coffee, ask them what brewing methods…