20 Refreshing Summer Coffee Drinks to Beat the Heat

Welcome to the ultimate summer coffee journey, where the sun is bright, and your coffee is cool. Imagine sipping on a drink so refreshing, it whispers “summer” with every taste.

So, grab your favorite cup, and let’s embark on this flavorful adventure together. Let’s make this summer unforgettable, one sip at a time.

1. Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is your summer day’s best friend. Think of it as coffee’s cooler, mellower sibling. Unlike its hot-brewed counterpart, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. The result? A coffee that’s not just cold, but incredibly smooth and almost sweet in its lack of acidity.

To make this at home, all you need is coarsely ground coffee, water, and a bit of patience. Strain it after its long steep, serve over ice, and there you have it.

If you like a bit of variety, feel free to experiment: add a touch of milk for creaminess or a few drops of vanilla extract for sweetness. Cold brew is like a blank canvas, ready to be customized to your heart’s content.

Ingredients •1 cup coarsely ground coffee •4 cups cold water Instructions Let steep for 12-24 hours, then strain.

2. Iced Latte

The iced latte is a summer staple. Picture your favorite espresso shot, now dressed down for the summer with a pour of cold milk over ice.

Making it is a breeze: brew a strong shot of espresso — or even two if you need that extra caffeine kick — then cool it down over a cup filled with ice cubes. Top this with a splash of cold milk, and watch it swirl and mix with the espresso.

The beauty of an iced latte lies in its versatility. Add a hint of sweetness with syrup — caramel, vanilla, or chocolate — or, for a dairy-free version, swap in almond or oat milk.

It’s like wearing your favorite outfit but with a new twist each time. An iced latte isn’t just a drink; it’s a statement. A statement that says, “I’m here to enjoy summer, one sip at a time.

Ingredients: •1 shot espresso (about 1 oz) •1 cup milk (any variety) •Ice cubes

3. Affogato

Affogato is the dessert coffee hybrid you didn’t know you needed until now. Picture this: a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream with a hot espresso shot poured over it.

The espresso slowly melts the ice cream, and creates a creamy coffee treat that’s both your dessert and after-dinner drink rolled into one.

Making an affogato is as simple as it gets. All you need is a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream (or get adventurous with gelato) in a glass or bowl. Pour a freshly brewed espresso shot over the top. Watch the magic happen as the heat and cold collide.

Want to make it even more decadent? Sprinkle on some chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel. Affogato is your summer evening sorted: simple, elegant, and delicious.

Ingredients: •1 scoop vanilla ice cream •1 shot hot espresso (about 1 oz)

4. Frappé

The frappé is like the cool, laid-back friend we all have, making no fuss but always bringing the fun. Originating from Greece, this frothy summer drink is a blend of instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice, whipped to create a foam-topped iced coffee that’s as refreshing as a dip in the ocean.

To whip up a frappé at home, you’ll need instant coffee, water, and sugar to taste. Mix them together and shake or blend until frothy, then pour over ice in a tall glass.

The beauty of the frappé lies in its simplicity and the kick of caffeine hidden beneath the frothy exterior. You can add milk for a creamier texture, or keep it black for a strong, invigorating jolt.

The frappé is your go-to for beating the summer heat, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest.

Ingredients: •2 teaspoons instant coffee •2 teaspoons sugar •1/4 cup cold water •Ice cubes Instructions: Blend until frothy.

5. Iced Mocha

If summer had a taste, it might just be the iced mocha. This is where coffee meets chocolate in an icy embrace, creating a drink that’s as indulgent as a dessert but refreshing enough to sip in the summer sun.

Making an iced mocha involves blending a rich espresso with chocolate syrup, and then pouring over ice before adding a splash of cold milk. The result is a drink that has the boldness of coffee and the sweet comfort of chocolate.

To make your iced mocha stand out, top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a twist, swap out the dairy milk for coconut or almond milk for a different flavor profile.

Find the full iced mocha recipe here.

6. Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro cold brew takes your regular cold brew and gives it a superhero cape. It’s infused with nitrogen to create a silky, smooth texture that cascades in your cup like a Guinness stout.

It’s cool, creamy, and has a frothy head that feels like a cloud on your lips. To enjoy this at home might be a bit tricky without the right equipment, but many cafes now offer this drink, showing off the beautiful, slow-motion pour from a specialized tap.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a hint of sweetness with simple syrup or enjoy its sweet undertones brought out by the nitrogen infusion.

Nitro cold brew is for those days when you need something extra, that not only wakes you up but also gives you a smooth, creamy hug in a cup.

7. Coconut Iced Coffee

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with every sip of coconut iced coffee. This isn’t just your regular iced coffee; it’s a mini vacation in a glass.

Brew a strong coffee, let it chill, then pour it over ice, and add coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist. The coconut milk not only adds a silky texture but also gives a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the coffee.

For a little extra sweetness, add a splash of coconut syrup or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top. It’s refreshing, exotic, and everything you need for a summer afternoon pick-me-up.

Coconut iced coffee is your passport to enjoying the tropical vibes, right from your backyard.

Ingredients: •1 cup cold brew coffee •1/2 cup coconut milk •Ice cubes

8. Espresso Tonic

Espresso tonic sounds like the odd couple of the coffee world, but trust me, it’s a match made in heaven. This refreshing summer coffee drink combines the boldness of espresso with the tang of tonic water, to create a drink that’s both invigorating and surprisingly smooth.

Start with a tall glass filled with ice, pour in the tonic water first, and then gently add a shot of espresso over the top. The espresso floats on the tonic and creates a beautiful two-layer effect that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.

The bitterness of the espresso balances perfectly with the tonic’s sweetness, making it a perfect drink for those hot, lazy afternoons. Add a twist of lemon or lime for an extra zing.

Ingredients: •1 shot espresso (about 1 oz) •Tonic water (about 6 oz) •Ice cubes

9. Matcha Iced Latte

If you want a break from coffee but still crave that caffeine kick, the matcha iced latte is an excellent alternative. This drink combines the earthy, rich flavors of matcha green tea powder with the creaminess of milk, served over ice for a cooling, energizing beverage.

Whisk matcha powder with a little hot water to create a smooth paste, then pour over ice, add your choice of milk, and sweeten to taste.

For a vegan twist, almond or oat milk beautifully complements the matcha’s natural flavors. It’s an ideal drink for those mornings when you need a gentle yet invigorating start to your day.

Ingredients: •1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder •2 tablespoons hot water •1 cup milk (any variety) •Ice cubes •Sweetener (to taste)

10. Shakerato

The shakerato is Italy’s gift to the summer coffee menu. It’s a chilled, frothy, and flavorful coffee experience. It starts with a freshly brewed espresso, sweetened to taste, then vigorously shaken with ice until it becomes frothy and chilled.

The shakerato is then strained into a glass, leaving a layer of creamy foam on top. The preparation of this drink is an art form, that results in a coffee that’s smooth, cold, and invigorating.

Try a dash of vanilla or a shot of liqueur to elevate the shakerato to a new level of indulgence. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a sweltering day, that gives you a taste of Italian summer in every sip.

Ingredients: •1 shot espresso (about 1 oz) •1 teaspoon sugar (optional) •Ice cubes Instructions: Shake espresso and sugar with ice, then strain.

11. Iced Caramel Macchiato

Iced Caramel Macchiato layers espresso, milk, and vanilla syrup, topped with a generous caramel drizzle. It’s as fun to make as it is to drink.

Start with vanilla syrup in a glass, add cold milk, then ice. Carefully pour espresso over the top. The magic happens when you add the caramel – it’s the ribbon that ties it all together.

Want to mix it up? Swap caramel for chocolate or add a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s your sunshine in a cup, making any day a little brighter.

Ingredients: •1 shot espresso (about 1 oz) •1 cup milk (any variety) •2 tablespoons vanilla syrup •2 tablespoons caramel sauce •Ice cubes

12. Turkish Iced Coffee

Turkish Iced Coffee takes the rich tradition of Turkish coffee and chills it down for summer. It’s strong, sweet, and uniquely spiced.

Brew it traditionally with finely ground coffee, water, and sugar. Cool it down, then pour over ice. It’s a thick summer coffee drink, with a bold flavor that wakes up your taste buds.

Add a cardamom pod while brewing for an authentic touch. It’s like a trip to Istanbul, but cooler. It’s tradition, served on ice.

Ingredients: •2 tablespoons finely ground coffee •2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste) •1 cup water •Ice cubes Instructions: Traditionally brewed, then cooled and served over ice.

13. Mazagran

Mazagran might just be the most adventurous coffee drink out there. It’s coffee’s answer to lemonade. Originating from Algeria, it’s a cold, sweetened coffee with a splash of lemon.

Brew strong coffee, then chill. Mix with lemon juice and sugar to taste. Serve over ice. It’s surprisingly refreshing, with a zesty kick that’s perfect for hot days.

Want to be bolder? Add a shot of rum. Mazagran is summer’s unexpected twist on coffee.

Ingredients: •1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled •Juice of 1/2 lemon •2 teaspoons sugar •Ice cubes

14. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)

Vietnamese Iced Coffee is like a dessert you can sip. It’s strong, sweet, and creamy.

You’ll need robusta coffee, brewed strong, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix them, then pour over ice. It’s thick, indulgent, and totally satisfying.

The sweetness of the condensed milk complements the coffee’s intensity. For a lighter version, adjust the milk. It’s like a hug in a glass, from Vietnam with love.

Go here for the full Vietnamese Iced Coffee recipe.

15. Cold Foam Iced Coffee

Cold Foam Iced Coffee brings a touch of elegance to your coffee routine. It starts with your favorite cold brew, topped with cold, frothy milk.

Brew cold brew, pour it over ice, then whip skim milk until it’s airy. Gently add the foam on top. The first sip is creamy, followed by the cold brew’s depth. Add vanilla or caramel to the foam for a sweet surprise. 

Ingredients: •1 cup cold brew coffee •1/2 cup skim milk (for foam) •Ice cubes Instructions: Whip skim milk to create foam, then top cold brew.

16. Iced Horchata Latte

Iced Horchata Latte is like bringing two friends together: the rich taste of coffee and the sweet, comforting flavors of horchata.

You’ll want to mix your cold espresso or strong brewed coffee with horchata, which is an awesome rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon. Just pour it over ice, and you’ve got something really special.

If you like things a bit sweeter, add a little sugar or syrup. It’s perfect for when you want a coffee, but you also want something a bit different.

Go here for the full Iced Horchata Latte recipe.

17. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is super smooth and has that sweet hint of vanilla that feels like a treat. Make your cold brew coffee, then whip up some vanilla sweet cream by mixing vanilla extract with heavy cream and a sprinkle of sugar.

Pour the cream over your cold brew, and it becomes this cool, creamy drink. If you’re watching the calories, you can go for half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream.

It’s a great way to start your day or get that mid-afternoon boost.

Ingredients: •1 cup cold brew coffee •1/4 cup heavy cream •1 tablespoon vanilla syrup •1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste) •Ice cubes

18. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is like autumn in a glass, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to drink it all year round.

Brew up some cold brew coffee, then for the pumpkin cream, mix some pumpkin puree with heavy cream, a dash of vanilla, and pumpkin spice. Whip it until it’s light and frothy, then spoon it over your cold brew.

The pumpkin cream is rich and has all those fall spices that make you think of cozy sweaters and crisp mornings.

Pro tip: If you want a lighter option, try using milk instead of cream.

Ingredients: •1 cup cold brew coffee •1/4 cup heavy cream •2 tablespoons pumpkin puree •1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste) •1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice •Ice cubes

19. Mocha Frappuccino

Mocha Frappuccino is everyone’s favorite. It’s like a chocolate coffee milkshake, and who doesn’t love that?

Blend together ice, brewed coffee, milk, and chocolate syrup until it’s all smooth and frosty. Then, top it off with some whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

It’s rich, it’s chocolatey, and it’s got that coffee kick. Perfect for those days when you can’t decide between dessert and a coffee – just have both!

And if you want to switch it up, try using white chocolate syrup for a different twist.

Ingredients: •1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled •1 cup milk (any variety) •2 tablespoons chocolate syrup •1 cup ice cubes •Whipped cream for topping •Additional chocolate syrup for drizzle

20. Iced Sugar Cookie Latte

Iced Sugar Cookie Latte is like sipping on your favorite cookie but with a coffee twist. First, you’ll want to brew a strong espresso or coffee — that’s your base. Then, mix in milk.

Almond milk works great here, especially if you’re going for that authentic sugar cookie vibe. Now, for the sugar cookie flavor, stir in a bit of almond syrup and vanilla syrup. Pour it all over ice to keep things cool.

To top it off, sprinkle some sugar on top, maybe even some crushed sugar cookies if you’re feeling fancy. It’s sweet, refreshing, and it brings all the joy of biting into a sugar cookie without the crumbs.

Ingredients: •1 shot espresso (about 1 oz) or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled •1 cup milk (almond milk recommended for authentic flavor) •2 tablespoons vanilla syrup •1 tablespoon almond syrup •Ice cubes •Sprinkle of sugar or crushed sugar cookies for garnish (optional)

Go here for the full Iced Sugar Cookie Latte Recipe, and here for the Sugar Cookie Syrup Recipe.

As the sun sets on our summer coffee journey, remember that the end of one adventure is just the beginning of another. So, experiment with these recipes, find your favorites, and maybe even create some new concoctions.

Keep exploring, keep tasting, and most importantly, keep enjoying every moment of summer. Cheers to summer, coffee, and to you for making this season one for the books!