Summer is in full swing! We’re all feeling the scorching heat and the humid air, and have a strong desire to stay near the air conditioning. For those of us who need a caffeine boost but still want to stay cool, a cold coffee drink is on the menu.
We all love our coffee, and nothing beats a warm cup of your favorite brew in the middle of winter. But you don’t have to give up the caffeine cravings in summer just because of the heat. There are loads of delicious cold coffee drinks to try out. From an Nitro Cold Brew to Coffee Milkshakes, there’s something for everyone.
If you want a sweet treat, an Iced Vietnamese Coffee is perfect, and if you just want a strong hit of caffeine without the warmth, grab a Cold Brew.
We’ve put together a detailed list of the top 10 cold coffee drinks from around the world for you to taste this summer – enjoy!
10 Popular cold coffee drinks in 2021
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Iced Mocha
This is one of the most popular cold coffee drinks out there. Iced Mocha consists of equal parts espresso, milk, and chocolate syrup. The ingredients are then blended to create a fun summer drink. If you want to add some extra flavor, try adding vanilla or almond extract instead of chocolate.
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Iced Caramel Macchiato
For those of you who want a sweet summer drink but don’t like Mocha, then try an Iced Caramel Macchiato.
The ingredients are almost the same as that of Iced Mocha except for one main difference; caramel syrup is added instead of chocolate syrup, and steamed milk is used instead of frothed milk. What’s great about this recipe is not only its deliciousness but also how simple it is to make.
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Iced Caffe Latte
If you are looking for something that is both sweet and bitter, then an Iced Caffe Latte is the drink for you. This cold coffee drink consists of espresso shots combined with ice, milk, and a touch of sugar.
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Cold Brew Coffee
Cold Brew Coffee has grown immensely in popularity over the past few years.
It’s a very simple recipe to make at home. All you need is good quality ground coffee beans, filtered water, and time! The cold brewing process makes it one of those rare summer cold drinks that do not require refrigeration. It also gives you a bolder taste than hot brewed coffee.
Take it up another notch and infuse the cold brew with nitrogen using the PEAKCOLD Nitro Coffee Kegerator.
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Iced Ethiopian Coffee
Ethiopian coffee is a rare cold coffee drink to find in the US, but it’s well worth trying for those of you who get the chance. Iced Ethiopian Coffee is made with dark roasted beans that are boiled and served over ice with no milk or sugar added. The bitterness of the coffee mixed with the sweet, cold ice water makes for an unusual “invigorating buzz” experience!
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Coffee Milkshake
Milkshakes aren’t just for ice cream anymore! You can now have a cold coffee drink that is more delicious than any ice-cream shake you will ever try. Just add chocolate syrup, a few shots of espresso, some ice, and milk to your blender, and voilà, you have yourself a Coffee Milkshake!
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Café Affogato
If you have ever tried Affogato, then you know that this summer cold coffee drink is one of the best. It’s a basic recipe consisting of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream and a shot of espresso poured over it.
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Iced Vietnamese or Thai coffee
Iced Vietnamese coffee or Iced Thai Coffee is a perfect summer cold drink. Basic ingredients include strong brewed coffee, condensed milk, and ice cubes. You can also try adding chocolate syrup or vanilla extract instead of condensed milk!
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Iced Horchata Latte
Horchata is a very popular summer cold drink in Spain. It’s made with ground almonds that are blended with sugar and water. To make Horchata Latte, you will need to brew some espresso shots and then mix them with milk, ice cubes, vanilla extract, and Horchata syrup.
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Coffee Frappuccino
Coffee Frappuccino is a unique summer cold coffee drink. It is a little cheaper to make than most other Frappuccinos since it doesn’t require ice cream. But that does not mean that it’s not delectable! Just add milk, ice cubes, and espresso shots to your blender.
What makes cold coffee drinks so special?
Cold coffee drinks are not just for summer, they are great to have all year long!
What makes iced coffee so special is the fact that it is served chilled and has a different taste to hot brewed coffee. This cold drink also gets you up and out of your house in 100-degree weather.
Many people enjoy cold coffee more because it’s like having a dessert in a glass that also fulfills your daily caffeine requirement.
What type of coffee should I use?
When making cold coffee drinks, you want to make sure that you use the proper type of coffee. You don’t want to buy coffee beans that are already ground because they will not make a good cold brew. Already-ground coffee is not rich enough for an iced latte.
A better option is to buy strong, quality beans and grind them at home just before use. Not only will they last longer, but freshly ground coffee also has a stronger, fuller flavor. Some people enjoy using French roast beans while others prefer medium roast. Try them all and see what floats your boat!
What kind of milk should I use?
For most cold drinks, regular 2% milk is preferred over whole and skimmed milk. But feel free to experiment with lactose-free alternatives like almond and soy milk as well as coconut milk if those suit your tastebuds better. For some recipes, though, sweetened condensed milk can add a different dimension of flavor.
What type of ice is best for cold coffee drinks?
Most people would say that crushed ice is the best type of ice for cold drinks. Since it melts faster than cubed, though, it won’t last long when pouring hot coffee directly on top!
To be honest, you can use whatever type of ice is available to you. If you are planning to take your coffee outside, then we would recommend using large cubes of ice because they melt slower.
Can you store leftover iced coffee?
You can store leftover iced coffee in the refrigerator for up to two days, but we don’t recommend drinking it after 24 hours. It’s usually best to make your cold drink right before you consume it.
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