14 Summer Coffee Drinks: Refreshments in the Sun

Coffee is timeless! It transcends seasons by embracing the unique flavors and aromas of each time of year. While coffee may seem synonymous with cozy mornings or colder months, the truth is that you can enjoy coffee in any season. Can you enjoy coffee in the summer? Which summer coffee recipes can you try at home? Let’s consider summer coffee drinks that are refreshing and a must-try!

The Rise of Iced Coffee

Chill drinks and summer pair well. That is why iced coffee is coffee connoisseurs' number one coffee drink in summer. In fact, iced coffee orders keep soaring with each passing year.

Brewing methods for making flavorful iced coffee

Flash Brew Method – This is the process of brewing coffee directly onto ice. This brewing method makes tastier iced coffee compared to cold brewed coffee.

Cold brew method– This involves combining coffee grounds with water, then letting it steep overnight or for about 12 hours, and then pouring over ice.

Aeropress method– This process involves utilizing air pressure and immersion to extract flavors from coffee grounds. 

Tips for enhancing the flavor of iced coffee

Iced coffee has a strong flavor. However, some brewing methods can result in less flavorful iced coffee. Fortunately, you can enhance its flavor using syrups, flavored ice cubes, garnishes, and milk.

Syrups are great, healthy syrups are even better! You can choose classic variations such as vanilla, lavender, raspberry, mint, caramel, hazelnut, or chocolate. Still, syrups give you the liberty to be creative and mix them for unique flavor profiles.

Another way to flavor your summer coffee drinks is by garnishing your iced coffee using whipped cream or sprinkling cinnamon, cocoa powder, or nutmeg.

You can use syrups, fruit juices, and extracts to make flavored ice cubes. And so, when brewing your iced coffee, simply replace regular ice cubes with flavored ones for a delightful and refreshing twist. 

Lastly, milk and milk alternatives can also greatly enhance the flavor of your summer coffee drinks. How? Well, by frothing your milk or milk alternative for a velvety texture and a café-style touch!

1. Simple iced coffee recipe

Making iced coffee at home is not only cost-effective but also quite simple and allows you to customize the brew to your taste.

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup of freshly brewed coffee
2. 1 cup of ice
3. Sugar or sweetener to taste (optional)
4. Milk or cream to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew your coffee: Start by brewing your coffee. You can use any brewing method you prefer, whether that's a classic drip machine, a French press, or a pour-over cone. The key is to make it stronger than usual because the ice will dilute it. Allow the coffee to cool.
2. Sweeten your coffee: If you like your iced coffee sweet, add your desired amount of sugar or sweetener while the coffee is still warm. This will allow it to dissolve more easily. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can skip this step or use a sugar substitute.
3. Chill your coffee: Once your coffee has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours. For the best results, chill your coffee overnight.
4. Prepare your iced coffee: Fill a glass with ice, then pour the chilled coffee over it.
5. Customize your iced coffee: If you prefer your iced coffee with milk, add as much as you like until it reaches your desired creaminess. You can use any type of milk you prefer, from whole milk to almond milk.
6. Serve: Stir well, serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade iced coffee.

Enjoy this refreshing beverage on a hot day or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up!

Cold Brew: Smooth and Satisfying

As warmer weather approaches, coffee lovers often swap their steaming cups of hot coffee for a refreshing cold brew. Cold brew coffee is not just regular coffee poured over ice. It's a distinct brewing method that results in a beverage that's uniquely smooth, less acidic, and satisfyingly robust in flavor.

Cold brewing involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This process extracts the flavorful oils and sugars from the coffee beans, but not the acids and bitter compounds that can come out with hot water. As a result, the resulting brew is noticeably smoother and sweeter.

Once the steeping period is over, the mixture is strained to separate the liquid from the coffee grounds. The result is a coffee concentrate that can be mixed with cold water or milk to create the perfect cup of cold brew. It's also quite versatile and can be used as a base for many different iced coffee recipes.

One of the most satisfying aspects of cold brew is its full-bodied, rich flavor. Because the coffee beans are extracted slowly over time, cold brew often has deeper, more complex flavors compared to traditional hot brew methods. The low acid level allows the inherent sweetness and chocolatey notes in the coffee to shine through.

Cold brew is also a satisfying choice for those seeking a coffee beverage that's less likely to upset sensitive stomachs, as its low acidity is gentler on the digestive system.

Making cold brew at home is relatively straightforward, requiring only a large jar or pitcher, coarse-ground coffee, cold water, and a little patience. With the right tools (scroll down for a list of curated products) and techniques, you can create a delicious, smooth, and satisfying cold brew to savor on a hot day or any time you want a refreshing coffee drink.

In summary, cold brew is a smooth, versatile, and satisfying alternative to traditional hot-brewed coffee. Its unique brewing method brings out the best in coffee beans, resulting in a full-flavored, low-acidity drink that can be enjoyed on its own or as the base for various coffee creations.

2. CBD-Infused Honey-Milk Cold Brew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cold brew Wandering Bear coffee
• 1-2 drops of CBD oil or a teaspoon of CBD Honey Dust
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a glass, add the honey and milk and microwave or heat in a pan. Do not let it boil. Let it cool once the honey as melted into the milk.
2. Pour in your cold brew coffee in a glass and stir in the CBD oil.
3. Add ice cubes, milk and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
4. Enjoy this sweet, refreshing, and calming cold brew.

3. Raspberry Cold Brew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cold brew coffee
• 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey, or to taste
• Ice cubes
• Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the raspberries with a fork until they're broken down into a chunky puree. You can add a little bit of honey at this point to help break down the raspberries if needed.
2. Pass the mashed raspberries through a fine-mesh strainer over a glass to remove the seeds. Press down with the back of a spoon to get all the juice out. You should be left with a raspberry juice in the glass.
3. Add honey to the raspberry juice and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
4. Pour your cold brew coffee into the glass, on top of the raspberry and honey mixture.
5. Stir until the raspberry mixture and coffee are fully combined.
6. Add ice cubes, then garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
7. Enjoy your fruity and refreshing Raspberry Cold Brew!

4. Spiced Orange Cold Brew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cold brew coffee
• 1/2 of a fresh orange
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey, or to taste
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the juice from half of the orange into a glass.
2. Add the cloves and cinnamon stick to the glass with the orange juice. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the spices to infuse the juice.
3. Remove the cloves and cinnamon stick from the glass, then add the honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
4. Pour your cold brew coffee into the glass, on top of the orange and spice mixture. Stir until fully combined.
5. Add ice cubes, then garnish with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
6. Enjoy your Spiced Orange Cold Brew!

5. Cold Brew Martini

Ingredients:

1. Vodka 
2. Cold brew coffee
3. Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
4. Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka, cold brew coffee, and coffee liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds in order to chill the mixture.
4. Strain your cold brew martini into a martini glass and enjoy.

Frappes and Frozen Blends: Summer Flavors

Frappes and frozen coffee blends are the epitome of indulgent icy treats. They are perfect for those hot summer days when you need a caffeine fix but crave something cooler, sweeter, and more satisfying than an ordinary iced coffee.

A frappe, derived from the French word 'frapper' which means 'to beat', originated in Greece and traditionally refers to an iced coffee beverage made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk. However, the term has evolved in various countries, especially in the United States, where it's used to describe a blended iced coffee drink often made with coffee or espresso, milk, sugar, ice, and sometimes flavorings like chocolate or vanilla. The mixture is blended until smooth and frosty, then typically topped with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

On the other hand, frozen coffee blends, or blended coffee drinks, come in an array of flavors and styles. Much like frappes, these beverages generally consist of coffee or espresso, milk, sugar, ice, and various flavorings, all blended until smooth. Depending on the recipe, they might also include ice cream, chocolate or caramel syrup, or even liqueur for an adult twist.

Making frappes and frozen coffee blends at home is quite simple and allows for a great deal of creativity. You can experiment with different types of coffee, various kinds of milk (including plant-based options), a wide range of sweeteners, and an array of flavorings like vanilla, caramel, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Add-ins like protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter can make your icy treat more filling and nutritious.

Here is a simple classic frappes recipe and summer-themed frappe and frozen blend recipes:

6. Classic frappes recipe

Ingredients:

1. ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
2. Brown sugar
3. Vanilla syrup
4. ½ cup crushed ice
5. 3 tablespoon milk
6. Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
7. Chocolate syrup (for drizzling, optional)
8. Oreo Cookies Toppings (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the cooled brewed coffee, milk, sugar, and ice cubes.
2. Blend using the speed setting until the ingredients are smooth and frothy.
3. Pour the frappe into a glass.
4. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup, if desired, and enjoy

7. Coconut Cream Coffee Frappe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong cold brew coffee or chilled espresso
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the coffee, coconut cream, ice cubes, and sweetened condensed milk in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, tropical twist on your coffee.

8. Mango and Coffee Frappe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold of light roast coffee
• 1/2 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the cold brew coffee, chopped mango, milk, ice cubes, and honey or agave nectar.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour into a glass, garnish with a slice of fresh mango, and serve immediately. Enjoy this fruity and caffeine-rich summer treat!

9. Chocolate Mint Frozen Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled dark coffee or espresso
• 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint syrup
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, and additional chocolate syrup for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, peppermint extract, and ice cubes in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a few fresh mint leaves.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy this indulgent, refreshing summer coffee treat!

Tropical Infusions: Adding a Twist to Coffee

While coffee is traditionally enjoyed hot and black or with a dash of milk, adding a tropical twist can completely transform your coffee experience. From exotic fruits to refreshing herbs, there's a whole world of flavors out there that can lend an unexpected and delightful layer of complexity to your cup of joe.

One popular tropical infusion involves coconut, which pairs particularly well with coffee due to its natural sweetness and creaminess. Adding coconut milk or cream to your coffee not only provides a delicious tropical twist but also offers a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of coconut water to your cold brew or iced coffee for a subtly sweet and refreshing change.

Another interesting tropical pairing is coffee with citrus. Although it may sound unusual, the bright, tart flavor of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can beautifully complement the deep, robust notes of coffee. An easy way to add a citrusy twist to your coffee is by incorporating a bit of citrus zest to your coffee grounds before brewing. Alternatively, you can garnish your iced coffee with a slice of your favorite citrus fruit for a refreshing and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Pineapple is yet another tropical fruit that can add an exciting twist to your coffee. While it may sound unconventional, pineapple and coffee share several flavor compounds, making them surprisingly compatible. You can try brewing your coffee with a slice of fresh pineapple to impart a sweet, tangy flavor, or add a dash of pineapple juice to your cold brew for a fruity kick.

Herbs and spices, particularly those used in tropical cuisines, can also add a unique spin to your coffee. Ginger, lemongrass, and cardamom are a few examples that can introduce a warming, aromatic layer to your coffee, while mint can add a cool, refreshing twist.

10. Pineapple Coconut Iced Coffee

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey
• Ice cubes
• Pineapple slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, mix together the cold brew coffee, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and agave syrup or honey.
2. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Add ice cubes and garnish with a slice of pineapple.
4. Enjoy this tropical twist on your iced coffee.

11. Citrus Mint Iced Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Lemon and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, mix together the cold brew coffee, lemon juice, lime juice, and honey.
2. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
3. Bruise a few fresh mint leaves and add them to the glass.
4. Add ice cubes and garnish with slices of lemon and lime.
5. Enjoy this refreshing, citrusy take on iced coffee.

12. Ginger and Lemongrass Infused Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, to taste

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee as usual.
2. While your coffee is hot, add the freshly grated ginger and bruised lemongrass stalk into the coffee.
3. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Strain the coffee into a cup, add honey or sugar to taste, and stir until dissolved.
5. Enjoy this aromatic, tropical-infused hot coffee.

Nitro Coffee: Bubbles of Refreshment

Nitro coffee is a cold brew infused with nitrogen gas, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. It has a visually appealing cascading effect when poured and offers a velvety mouthfeel. The nitrogen enhances the coffee's natural sweetness and reduces bitterness. Nitro coffee is often enjoyed chilled and can be served without additional sweeteners or dairy. Its unique qualities and flavor have made it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts seeking a different cold coffee experience.

13. Nitro Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans
• 4 cups of cold water
• Nitrogen gas cartridge or nitrogen-infusing system

Instructions:

1. Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to what you would use for a French press.
2. In a large jar or container, combine the coarsely ground coffee and cold water.
3. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated with water.
4. Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for about 12-24 hours, allowing the coffee to cold brew.
5. Once the cold brew is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove the grounds.
6. Transfer the cold brew concentrate to a clean container.
7. If you have a nitro coffee system, follow the manufacturer's instructions to infuse the cold brew with nitrogen gas. If you're using nitrogen gas cartridges, carefully follow the cartridge instructions and attach it to a nitro coffee dispenser or a whipped cream dispenser with a nitro attachment.
8. Shake the container gently to distribute the nitrogen gas evenly throughout the cold brew.
9. Let the nitrogen-infused cold brew rest for a few minutes to allow the gas to settle.
10. When ready to serve, pour the nitro coffee into a glass, and you should notice the cascading effect and creamy texture.

Simplicity of a Classic Italian Dessert: The Affogato

An affogato is a delightful and straightforward coffee-based dessert that originates from Italy. The word "affogato" in Italian means "drowned", and in the case of this dessert, it perfectly describes the concept: a scoop of ice cream 'drowned' in a shot of hot espresso.

The classic version of affogato requires just two key ingredients: freshly brewed espresso and a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream. It's the juxtaposition of hot and cold, bitter and sweet that makes this treat so irresistible. As the hot espresso pours over the cold ice cream, it begins to melt, creating a creamy and frothy mix that is perfect to the last spoonful.

Despite its simplicity, the affogato is a flexible dessert. You can customize it in many ways to suit your personal preferences or to elevate it to a more gourmet level. Variations might include using different flavors of ice cream, such as hazelnut or chocolate, adding a shot of amaretto or other liqueur, or garnishing with nuts, chocolate shavings or biscotti.

Here's a simple recipe to make a classic affogato:

14. Classic Affogato Recipe

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Ingredients:

• 1 scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream
• 1 shot of hot espresso (about 1.5 ounces)

Instructions:

1. Place the scoop of ice cream in a coffee cup or dessert glass.
2. Brew the espresso, then immediately pour it over the ice cream.
3. Serve right away with a spoon and enjoy!

An affogato is a perfect dessert for a warm day, but it's also a luxurious treat any time you want to combine your after-dinner coffee and dessert into one.