Cold Coffee or Iced Coffee: the main variants

cold coffee, also known as iced coffee, has become a popular alternative to traditional hot coffee, winning the hearts of caffeine lovers around the world. This refreshing drink offers an incomparable sensation of pleasure, combining the rich and complex essence of coffee with the freshness and liveliness of a cold drink.

Iced coffee is a versatile option that can be customized to individual tastes, offering a vast range of variations, from classic to more creative and innovative.

Whether you are guided by a passion for coffee or a curiosity to find new gustatory stimuli, get ready to discover the perfect refreshment for your summer days or for any moment in which you want to enjoy a tasty alternative to hot coffee traditional.

Let's discover some recipes for making at home an iced coffee for true coffee lovers:

• Cold Brew Coffee
• Iced Cortado
• Shaken coffee
• Caramel Flavored Shakered Coffee
• Frappuccino
• Coffee Granita
• Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk
• Coffee Cubes
• Iced Coffee with Fruit
• Coffee Tonic
• Mazagran
• Caffè Leccese
• Half Cold Coffee
• Iced Coffee with Cream and Cinnamon

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold Brew Coffee, or cold coffee, is a coffee-based drink which is prepared through a extraction process cold. Unlike traditional coffee, which is prepared by pouring hot water over the ground coffee, Cold Brew Coffee requires the infusion of the ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time ranging from 8 to 12 hours before being filtered.

This cold extraction method allows the coffee to gradually release its aromas and essential oils, creating a drink with a soft, sweet and less bitter taste than hot coffee traditional. The result is a cup of coffee with a balanced and pleasantly refreshing taste. Furthermore, Cold Brew Coffee has a lower acidity content than hot coffee, which makes it a popular choice even for those who prefer less intense drinks.

Cold Brew Coffee can be served diluted with cold water or ice, or it can be used as a base for other drinks such as milkshakes, cocktails or shaken coffee. It is a popular choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a refreshing drink full of flavour, especially during the summer months or on occasions when a variation of hot coffee is desired.

This drink has gained popularity for its versatility and ability to personalize. You can experiment with different types of coffee, vary brewing times and serving methods to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Which coffee to use
To prepare the Cold Brew we recommend a specialty coffee, a blend of Arabica that releases floral and citrus fruits, a quality coffee that has achieved at least 80/100 SCA points.

Iced Cortado

Iced Cortado is a refreshing and delicious variation of a classic drink, the Cortado. Cortado is an espresso blended with a small amount of hot milk to create a creamy and balanced drink. The Iced Cortado keeps the same basic idea, but is served cold, offering a refreshing taste experience.

In the Iced Cortado, the espresso is prepared normally and then poured over a generous amount of ice to cool it quickly: the rich intensity of the espresso blends with the freshness of ice.

One of the distinctive features of the Iced Cortado is its balanced proportion between espresso and milk. The small amount of milk is added to soften the intense flavor of the espresso, creating a balance between the sweetness of the milk and the aroma of the coffee. The result is a creamy and velvety drink, with a note of sweetness that blends perfectly with the strong taste of the espresso.

Iced Cortado is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy an iced coffee but prefer a less intense drink than the classic espresso. It's a versatile drink that can be customized to individual preferences: you can experiment with different types of coffee, add flavored syrups for a of sweetness, or opt for alternatives to traditional milk such as a soy, coconut, almond, rice or oat drink.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend of Brazilian Arabica, a coffee with a delicate aroma that conveys sweet and acidic notes end.

Shaken coffee

Caffè Shakerato is a cold coffee-based drink that combines the energy and intensity of an espresso with the freshness and vivacity of a drink refreshing. It was originally created in Italy and has spread around the world as a popular choice for coffee lovers looking for a fresh and inspiring alternative.

Caffè Shakerato is prepared by vigorously shaking together espresso coffee, ice and sometimes sugar or flavored syrups. This method of preparation creates an intense and refreshing drink, with a slightly frothy texture that forms during stirring.

One of the distinctive features of Caffè Shakerato is its elegant and sophisticated presentation. It is usually served in a tall glass or cup, with the addition of decorations such as a citrus zest or a cherry. This contributes to making the Caffè Shakerato experience not only tasty, but also visually appealing.

Coffee Shakerato is appreciated for its versatility. It is possible to customize it according to individual preferences: you can experiment with different types of coffee, adjust the amount of sugar or add flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel or chocolate. This allows you to create a wide range of tasty and satisfying variations to satisfy all palates.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend of Arabica and Robusta, the right compromise between a sweet coffee and a compact crema.

Caramel Flavored Coffee Shakerato

Caramel flavored Caffè Shakerato is a delicious variant of the classic Caffè Shakerato, which adds a sweet and creamy note to the drink. This version is loved by those who want an iced coffee with an extra touch of sweetness and a tempting aroma.

The Caramel flavored Caffè Shakerato is prepared using the same basic principles as the traditional Caffè Shakerato. It starts with an espresso that is vigorously shaken together with ice to create a sparkling and refreshing drink. However, the distinctive element of this variant is the addition of caramel syrup or a caramel sauce which gives the drink a sweet and rich taste, creating a balance between the intense flavor of the coffee and the creamy sweetness of the caramel.

This more delicate variant can be further customized according to individual preferences: you can experiment with different types of coffee, adjust the amount of caramel syrup to obtain a more or less sweet, and you can also experiment with adding milk or whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more velvety and creamy texture.

The Caramel Flavored Coffee Shakerato is ideal for a tasty break on a hot day or as a special alternative to traditional hot coffee. The enveloping aroma of caramel and the balanced taste of coffee combine to create an extraordinary and fulfilling taste experience for coffee connoisseurs.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend of Arabica from Central and South America, a delicate and velvety coffee with hints of caramel, toasted bread, chocolate and honey

Frappuccino

The Frappuccino is a cold and creamy drink, born from the fusion between a frappé and a cappuccino. This drink became particularly popular thanks to a famous chain of coffee shops, which made the Frappuccino an icon in the world of coffee-based drinks.

A Frappuccino is a refreshing blend of espresso or instant coffee, crushed ice and milk. Its consistency is thick and velvety, because it is often served with a generous amount of whipped cream and decorations such as chocolate flakes, granulated sugar or syrups on the top, which help make it even more inviting.

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Frappuccino is its versatility. It is possible to customize it according to individual preferences: you can experiment with different types of coffee and you can replace the milk with Greek yoghurt and vegetable drinks.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend Arabica and Robusta, a structured, full-bodied coffee with fruity aromatic notes

Coffee Granita

Coffee Granita is a delicious Sicilian specialty, perfect for fighting the summer heat and enjoying a moment of refreshment. It is a cold drink or sorbet based on coffee, which looks like a frozen and grainy mixture .

The Coffee Granita is prepared using espresso or instant coffee which is mixed with water and sugar. The mixture is then frozen and stirred periodically to obtain a grainy consistency, similar to that of crushed ice.

The taste of the Coffee Granita is a mix of coffee sweetness and intensity, with a slight bitter note that blends with the freshness of the ice. It is an extremely refreshing drink, which can be enjoyed alone or accompanied by a very sweet brioscia, a classic Sicilian combination.

Coffee Granita is a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. It is appreciated for its ability to offer a pleasant gustatory break and for its versatility. For example, you can experiment with different types of coffee, or you can add tasty ingredients such as whipped cream, chocolate flakes or flavored syrups, to further enrich your taste experience.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend of Guatemalan Arabica and Robusta coffee from the Santa Rosa region, a coffee that offers a perfect balance with strong notes of chocolate, round on the palate and fruity acidity.

Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk

Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk is a refreshing drink that combines the intense aroma of coffee with the creaminess and exotic flavor of coconut milk. This variant of iced coffee has become increasingly popular with those looking for an alternative to traditional milk or want to experiment with new flavours.

Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk is prepared using espresso or instant coffee, which is cooled and then mixed with coconut milk. The result is a cool and refreshing drink, with a taste combination that combines the bitterness and intensity of coffee with the sweetness and light freshness of coconut milk.

Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk can be personalized by choosing from different types of coffee or by adding sugar or flavored syrups, such as vanilla or caramel, for an extra touch of sweetness. This allows you to tailor the drink to individual tastes and create unique flavor combinations.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a 100% Arabica blend, in which the delicate taste of Central American Arabica blends with the fine acidity of Colombia to enhance the harmony with notes of cocoa.

Coffee in cubes

Coffee in cubes is a variant of coffee that offers a unique and practical way to enjoy this drink. Unlike traditional coffee, which is served in cups or glasses, Coffee Cubes is presented in the form of frozen cubes, which can be used to prepare cold drinks quickly and cheap.

To prepare Coffee Cubes, the coffee is prepared and poured into ice moulds, where it is frozen to form small cubes. These coffee cubes can be stored in the freezer and later used to prepare a variety of cold drinks.

One of the advantages of diced coffee is its practicality. Since the coffee cubes are ready-made, you don't have to wait for the coffee to cool down or prepare a new brew every time you want a cold drink. Simply take a few frozen coffee cubes, add them to your desired liquid (such as milk, water or coconut milk) and mix to get an instantly brewed cold coffee drink.

Furthermore, diced coffee offers the possibility of personalizing one's drink according to individual preferences. It is possible to choose between different types of coffee and adjust their intensity by adding more or less cubes. You can also enhance the taste with flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel or chocolate.

Coffee in cubes is an ideal choice for those who want a cold coffee drink quickly and effortlessly. It's perfect for busy mornings or a quick coffee break during the day.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend Arabica and Robusta from South America which give an intense taste and aromatic notes of bitter cocoa.

Iced Coffee with Fruit

Iced Coffee with Fruit is a fresh and fruity drink that combines the intense flavor of coffee with the sweetness and freshness of fruit. This variant of iced coffee is loved by those who want a refreshing and tasty drink with a fruity note.

Caffe Freddo con la Frutta is prepared using iced coffee or espresso which is then blended with a selection of fresh fruit or fruit syrups. The fruit can be chopped or blended to create a liquid base, which is combined with the coffee.

The choice of fruit can vary according to personal preferences and seasonal availability. Some of the more common options include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, mangoes, or citrus fruits like oranges or lemons. The fruit helps to enrich the drink with its sweet and juicy flavour, offering a fresh and lively contrast to the intense taste of the coffee.

Iced Coffee with Fruit is a versatile drink that can be personalized in many ways. You can choose between different types of coffee and add sugar or sweetening syrups for an extra touch of sweetness. It is also possible to combine different types of fruit to create a unique blend of flavors and add crushed ice to make the drink even more refreshing.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a 100% Arabica with a fine body and a balanced and refined taste

Coffee Tonic

Coffee Tonic is a drink that combines the energizing flavor of coffee with the freshness and effervescence of tonic water. This unusual combination creates a refreshing and stimulating drink that offers a surprising taste experience.

Coffee Tonic is prepared using cold coffee or espresso which is then combined with tonic water, a fizzy drink flavored with quinine. The encounter between coffee and tonic water creates a balanced blend of flavours, in which the bitterness of the coffee blends with the effervescence and distinctive character of the tonic water.

Coffee Tonic can be customized with the addition of other ingredients such as ice, flavored syrups or citrus slices for an additional touch of freshness. This allows you to create different taste variations and adapt the drink to your personal tastes.

Read the complete recipe for preparing the Coffee Tonic in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

Mazagran

Mazagran is a refreshing drink that combines coffee with lemon or lime juice, creating a unique combination of flavours. This drink is originated in North Africa, specifically the country of Maghreb, Algeria, and has become popular all over the world thanks to its simplicity and stimulating flavour.

Mazagran is prepared using fresh coffee or espresso which is then mixed with lemon or lime juice. This combination creates a drink with a balanced flavour, in which the bitterness of the coffee melts with the fresh note and slightly sour of citrus juice.

The drink is often served with ice and can be sweetened with sugar according to personal preference. This balance of flavors and temperatures creates an extremely refreshing drink, perfect for hot summer days or as a pleasant alternative to traditional hot coffee.

Mazagran is also easily customizable. You can choose from different types of coffee, and you can add other ingredients like flavored syrups or fresh herbs like mint to create unique flavor variations.

This drink is also appreciated for its versatility: it can be enjoyed in the morning to start the day on a fresh and stimulating note, or as a refreshing pick-me-up in the afternoon. The combination of coffee and lemon or lime juice offers a balance of flavors that satisfies both coffee lovers and those looking for a refreshing drink with a slight acidity.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a 100% organic Arabica blend characterized by fine acidity and a balanced body, with a sweet and aromatic taste with hints of hazelnut and chocolate and fruity and cereal notes.

Caffè Leccese

Lecce coffee is a traditional drink from the city of Lecce, located in the Italian region of Salento, in Puglia. It is one of the most representative expressions of coffee culture in southern Italy and is widely enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.

Lecce coffee is a variant of espresso coffee, but with a unique feature that makes it distinctive: the addition of almond milk , known as "leccese almond milk". Traditionally, this almond milk is made at home, using sweet almonds, water and sugar, and is a fundamental part of preparing Lecce coffee.

Leccese coffee is served in a glass cup with espresso coffee and Leccese almond milk mixed together. Unlike other coffee drinks, it is often consumed cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink, perfect for hot summer days.

The taste of Lecce coffee is a balanced mix of coffee bitterness and almond milk sweetness, creating a unique and pleasant taste on the palate. The drink can be accompanied by a traditional sweet from Salento, such as the Lecce pasticciotto, to complete the taste experience.

Furthermore, a particular variant is the "blown" coffee from Lecce, i.e. whipped for a few moments with steam.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a Arabica Robusta blend, with an excellent balance between body and pleasant acidity and spicy notes that give added value.

Half Cold Coffee

Mezzo cold coffee is a typical drink of eastern Sicily that combines the intense flavor of espresso coffee with the refreshing sweetness of granita of coffee. This delicacy is traditionally served in the glass of amaro, adding a touch of authenticity to the presentation.

Preparation of semi-cold coffee requires the use of high quality espresso coffee. Once prepared, the coffee is cooled and then the coffee granita is poured over it. The coffee granita, in turn, is made using an intense and sweetened coffee, which is frozen and then crushed into ice crystals. This combination of chilled espresso and coffee granita creates a refreshing drink with a unique taste.

A variant of the half cold coffee is the "half cold macchiato". In this version, the base drink is completed with a addition of whipped cream. This helps create an even creamier and more mouth-watering experience for those who like an extra touch of sweetness.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a 100% Central American Arabica blend, which gives the preparation that pinch of fruity acidity.

Iced Coffee with Cream and Cinnamon

Iced coffee with cream and cinnamon is a delicious refreshing drink that combines the robust taste of coffee with the sweetness of cream and the characteristic aroma of cinnamon.

Iced coffee with cream and cinnamon is prepared using chilled espresso or iced coffee concentrate. The whipped cream is then added on top of the coffee to create a contrast of textures between the smoothness of the cream and the liquid of the coffee. Cinnamon, with its characteristic aroma, is sprinkled over the cream to give a touch of warmth and aroma to the drink.

The result is a creamy cold coffee and indulgent, with a sweet note and a touch of cinnamon spice. It can be served in a variety of ways, depending on individual preferences. Some opt for a simple addition of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon on the top of the coffee, while others may prefer a generous amount of whipped cream and a generous cinnamon topping.

This drink is often enjoyed as a final dessert after a meal, or as a pleasant break during the day. Its inviting presentation, with the soft cream blending with the iced coffee and the cinnamon adding a touch of perfume, makes this drink an ideal option for cooling down and pampering yourself.

Which coffee to use
We recommend the Cold Brew created with Specialty coffee.