Summer’s here at last and, while there’s nothing wrong with lapping up some ice cream or sucking on an ice lolly in the sun, I always find myself reaching for an iced coffee when I need to cool down. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a picnic in the park, or just enjoying a lazy day at home, switching up your regular Americano or latte for the iced equivalent makes for a refreshing, energising treat.
Here are some of my favourite iced coffee drinks to enjoy on a hot, sunny day.
Iced coffee recipes
Iced coffee is a classic summer favourite. Not only does it taste delicious, and it’s a great way to cool down and perk yourself up on a summer’s day, but it’s also an incredibly simple, quick, and versatile way to enjoy coffee at home.
Classic iced coffee
Let’s begin with the basics. A strong brew of your favourite coffee is all it takes to make a classic iced coffee. If you want a quick and convenient option, Dolce Gusto Pods are a great choice. Just brew your coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature, before popping it in the fridge until chilled. Next, fill a glass with ice and pour the chilled coffee over the top, adding a splash of milk or cream if you fancy. Sweeten to taste with sugar, honey or flavoured syrup, and enjoy!
Vietnamese iced coffee
For a twist on the classic iced coffee recipe, give Vietnamese iced coffee instead. Brew some strong healthy coffee and, rather than letting it cool before adding milk or cream, mix in a little sweetened condensed milk while it’s still hot. Stir well, then allow the drink to cool before pouring over a glass of ice. The result is a rich, creamy treat that’s both sweet, and refreshing.
Blended coffee concoctions
Blended coffee drinks are perfect for when you’re craving a cold, coffee-based drink, yet fancy being that little bit extra. Go all out with a smooth, creamy frappé or shake. Here are some of my favourite flavours, although this is by no means an exhaustive list. Not a coffee fan? Simply opt for a fruit-based frappé or shake instead.
Coffee frappé
A coffee frappé is a delightful blend of coffee, milk, ice, and a sugar. Begin by brewing a cup of strong coffee, and letting it cool. In a blender, combine the cold coffee with a cup of milk (whole milk makes for a super creamy frappé, but please feel free to use any variety you like), a handful of ice cubes, and a spoonful of sugar. Blend until smooth, pour into a tall glass, and top with whipped cream for added indulgence.
Mocha shake
If you can’t choose between coffee and chocolate, a mocha shake is the way to go. Blend a cooled cup of coffee brew with a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and a splash of milk. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup too, if you like. Blend until smooth and enjoy a deliciously creamy, chocolatey coffee shake.
Cold brew creations
Cold brew coffee is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It’s smooth, less acidic, and incredibly refreshing, while it can also be prepared in advance for added convenience.
Basic cold brew
To make a classic cold brew, you’ll need coarsely ground coffee and cold water. Combine one part coffee to four parts water in a large jar or pitcher. Stir well and let it steep in the fridge for about 12 to 24 hours. Strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter and serve over ice, adding milk or sweetener if you like.
Vanilla cold brew
To add a little flavour to a classic cold brew coffee, try vanilla cold brew. Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup to your cold brew concentrate before serving. Feel free to experiment with any flavour of syrup that takes your fancy – hazelnut and caramel work well too.
Coffee cocktails
Sometimes, you just want a bit of a kick with your coffee! Coffee-based cocktails are perfect for those summer evenings when you need to chill out and unwind.
Espresso martini
An espresso martini is a sophisticated choice. Shake together a shot of espresso, a shot of vodka, and a shot of coffee liqueur with ice. Strain into a martini glass, and garnish with coffee beans. It’s as simple as that!
Irish iced coffee
For a twist on the classic Irish coffee, try the iced version. Fill a glass with ice, pour over a shot of Irish whiskey, and top with cold brew coffee. Add a bit of cream and sugar too, if you like.
Dairy-free delights
If you’re avoiding dairy, there’s no need to miss out on these tasty treats.
Coconut iced coffee
Coconut iced coffee is a tropical delight. Simply brew your coffee as usual, let it cool, then mix it with coconut milk. Pour over ice, and add a bit of sweetener if desired.
Almond milk cold brew
Almond milk cold brew is another great dairy-free option. Simply replace the milk in your cold brew with non-dairy milk. It’s light, nutty, and more sustainable than drinking cow’s milk.
With this iced coffee recipe repertoire at your disposal, keeping cool this summer will be a total breeze! Which recipes will you be trying out first?
Do you have a favourite iced coffee recipe I haven’t mentioned here? Please let me know about it in the comments; I’m always looking for new ideas!