Summer Coffee Trends: The Best Iced Coffee Recipes and Refreshing Drinks
im Magazin.
Reading time: approx. 1.5 minutes
When temperatures rise, coffee doesn't have to take a break. Quite the opposite: refreshing coffee drinks are becoming more popular every summer. From smooth Cold Brew and creamy Iced Lattes to the vibrant Matcha Latte, today's coffee trends bring café-style refreshments straight to your home. Discover the most popular summer coffee trends, easy recipes to recreate, and practical tips for preparing them with the right coffee machine.
Everything you need for delicious coffee
Cold Brew – Smooth, Refreshing and Full of Flavor
Cold Brew has become one of the biggest coffee trends in recent years. Instead of using hot water, coarse coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for 12 to 18 hours. This slow extraction creates a coffee with lower acidity, fewer bitter notes and naturally sweet aromas. Many premium coffee machines now even offer dedicated Cold Brew or Cold Extraction programs. Alternatively, you can prepare Cold Brew using a French press or a glass carafe.
Recipe: Classic Cold Brew
Ingredients:
- 100 g coarsely ground coffee
- 1 litre cold water
Preparation:
- Combine coffee and water in a large jar or French press.
- Refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
- Filter through a paper filter or press down the French press.
- Serve over ice.
Our Tip: Garnish with orange slices or fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
What you need to make your own cold brew
Having the right equipment helps cold brew develop its full flavor. A glass carafe or a cold brew maker is ideal for the long steeping process in the fridge. With a fridge with an ice maker, you have fresh ice cubes ready at hand, while a fully automatic coffee machine or a coffee grinder ensures freshly ground beans—the best foundation for a flavorful cold brew.
Iced Latte – Coffee Shop Favorite at Home
Fresh espresso, cold milk and plenty of ice create one of the simplest and most popular summer coffee drinks. Add vanilla or caramel syrup for an extra treat. A fully automatic coffee machine or an espresso machine makes preparation quick and effortless.
Recipe: Iced Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- 200 ml cold milk
- Ice cubes
Optional:
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel syrup
Preparation:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the milk.
- Slowly add the freshly brewed espresso.
- Sweeten with syrup if desired.
How to make the perfect iced coffee at home
Freshly brewed espresso or coffee combined with cold milk creates the perfect creamy iced coffee. A fully automatic coffee machine with an espresso function provides the ideal base at the touch of a button. Refrigerators with an ice maker are particularly convenient, ensuring that ice cubes are always on hand to keep your coffee pleasantly cool.
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![[Zweite Wahl] Smeg MFF02PGEU Milchaufschäumer Pastellgrün](https://mykitchens.de/media/d4/eb/65/1762460073/smeg-mff02pgeu-milchaufschaeumer-pastellgruen-produktbild-1.webp?ts=1762460073 "[Zweite Wahl] Smeg MFF02PGEU Milchaufschäumer Pastellgrün")
Espresso Tonic
Bold espresso meets refreshing tonic water in this surprisingly balanced drink.
Recipe: Espresso Tonic
Ingredients:
- 1 double espresso
- 200 ml tonic water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice
Preparation:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add tonic water.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the top.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Make the perfect Espresso Tonic in no time
Espresso Tonic delights with its fresh, slightly bitter notes. A fully automatic coffee machine ensures an intense aroma and a beautiful crema. With a fridge with a built-in ice maker, ice cubes are always close at hand—the ideal foundation for this summery coffee drink.
Iced Matcha Latte – The Green Alternative
Not every trendy summer drink needs coffee. Matcha Latte has become a favourite thanks to its vibrant colour, earthy flavour and gentle caffeine boost. Using a temperature-controlled kettle and a milk frother makes preparation especially easy.
Recipe: Iced Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 g matcha powder
- 60 ml hot water (around 80°C)
- 200 ml cold milk or oat milk
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Whisk the matcha with the hot water until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the milk.
- Slowly pour the matcha over the milk.
Accessories for the Perfect Matcha Latte
Finely sifted matcha powder, cold milk, and ice cubes are the key ingredients for a refreshing iced matcha latte. A kettle with temperature control ensures the water is heated to the perfect temperature. A powerful milk frother allows you to whisk the matcha into a particularly smooth and creamy consistency. Double-walled glasses help keep the matcha latte pleasantly cool for longer on hot summer days.
Affogato – Coffee Meets Dessert
A simple Italian classic: creamy vanilla ice cream topped with freshly brewed espresso.
Recipe: Affogato
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 shot espresso
Preparation:
- Place the ice cream in a bowl or glass and pour the hot espresso over it just before serving.
Must-haves for this coffee dessert
Affogato works best with an aromatic espresso and high-quality vanilla ice cream. An espresso machine prepares the espresso quickly and consistently. You can easily make creamy ice cream yourself using an ice cream maker. Served in small dessert glasses, this Italian classic makes for a stylish finish to a summer meal.
Which Coffee Machine Is Best for Summer Drinks?
Different devices are suitable for cold brew, iced lattes, and the like—depending on which drinks you prefer.
Fully Automatic Coffee Machines
Perfect for espresso, milk-based drinks and, on selected models, even Cold Brew programs.
Espresso Machines
Ideal for anyone who enjoys preparing authentic espresso and café-quality iced drinks.
Filter Coffee Machines
Fresh filter coffee also makes an excellent base for iced coffee when chilled properly.
Milk Frothers
Perfect for creating creamy foam for iced lattes and matcha drinks.
How to make the perfect summer coffee at home
Coffee is just as enjoyable in summer as it is during the colder months. Whether you prefer Cold Brew, Espresso Tonic, Iced Latte or Matcha Latte, these refreshing recipes are easy to prepare at home with the right equipment. Discover new flavours, experiment with seasonal ingredients and enjoy your favourite coffee in a whole new way.
More summer ideas in the magazine
Discover plenty more summer ideas in our magazine and ensure a refreshing way to cool off! Here are a few examples.
Summer Cocktails
Zesty Aperol, fruity Daiquiri, or a refreshing classic—these trendy summer cocktails offer the perfect refreshment for a balmy summer evening.
Delicious Ice Cream Recipes
Fruity, creamy strawberry ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt—making your own ice cream is easy with the Smeg stand mixer.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers about preparing summer coffee.
Which coffee is best for iced coffee?
Medium- to dark-roast coffee beans are particularly well-suited for flavorful iced coffee. They retain their robust aroma even after cooling and pair perfectly with ice cubes, milk, or vanilla ice cream. Freshly ground beans used to make espresso or strong filter coffee provide the ideal base for summery coffee drinks.
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
The main difference lies in the preparation method. Cold brew is extracted using cold water over a period of 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a particularly mild, sweet flavor profile with low acidity. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is made from hot-brewed coffee or espresso and then chilled with ice cubes, giving it a bolder, more intense taste.
Which matcha is best for an iced matcha latte?
High-quality matcha—specifically premium or ceremonial grade—is recommended for an iced matcha latte. These varieties are distinguished by their vibrant green color, fresh taste, and subtle sweetness. For everyday enjoyment, a high-quality latte-grade or culinary-grade matcha—specifically suited for preparation with milk—can also be used.
How long does cold brew keep in the refrigerator?
When stored in a sealed container, cold brew keeps in the refrigerator for about five to seven days. It is best stored in a clean glass bottle or carafe. To preserve the flavor for as long as possible, you should only add ice cubes, milk, or syrup to the cold brew right before serving.