Cold Coffee or Iced Coffee: the main variations

The 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 unparalleled 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 wide range of variations,from the classic ones to the more creative and innovative.

Whether driving you is a passion for coffee or a curiosity to find new taste stimuli, get ready to discover the perfect refreshment for your summer days or for any moment when you want to enjoy a tasty alternative to hot coffee traditional.

So let's discover some recipes to make an iced coffee at home for true coffee lovers:

Cold Brew Coffee

cold bres coffee - variante caffè freddo

Cold Brew Coffee, or cold coffee, is a coffee-based drink that 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 coffee grounds 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 smooth, sweet and less bitter flavor 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 acid content than hot coffee, making 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's a popular choice for coffee lovers looking to enjoy a refreshing, flavorful drink, especially during the summer months or on occasions when you want a twist on hot coffee.

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

Which coffee to use
For the preparation of Cold Brew we recommend a specialty coffee, a blend of arabica which releases floral aromas and citrus fruits, a quality coffee that has reached at least 80/100 SCA points.

Iced Cortado

Iced cortado - variante caffè freddo

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

The 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 twist of sweetness, or opt for traditional milk alternatives such as a soy, coconut, almond, rice or oat drink.

Which coffee to use
We recommend a blend of Brazilian arabicas, a coffee with a delicate aroma that transmits sweet notes and acidity end.

Shaken Coffee

Coffee Shakerato is a cold coffee-based drink that combines the energy and intensity of espresso with the freshness and liveliness 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 stimulating alternative.

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

One of the distinctive characteristics of Caffè Shakerato is its elegant and sophisticated presentation. It is usually served in a tall glass or cup, with added decorations such as citrus peel or a cherry. This helps make the Coffee Shakerato experience not only tasty, but also visually inviting.

Coffee Shakerato is appreciated for its versatility. You can 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, a fair compromise between a sweet coffee and a compact cream.

Caramel flavored shaker coffee

Caffè Shakerato aromatizzato al caramello - variante caffè freddo

Caramel flavored Coffee Shakerato is a delicious variation of the classic Coffee 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 an inviting aroma.

Caramel flavored Coffee Shakerato is prepared using the same basic principles as traditional Coffee Shakerato. It starts with an espresso that is vigorously shaken together with ice to create a fizzy 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 flavour, creating a balance between the intense flavor of coffee and the creamy sweetness of caramel.

This milder 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 smoother, creamier texture.

The Caramel Flavored Coffee Shakera is ideal for a tasty break during 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 satisfying taste experience for coffee gourmets.

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

Frappuccino

Frappuccino - variante caffè freddo

The Frappuccino is a cold and creamy drink, born from the fusion between a frappé and a cappuccino. This drink has become especially popular thanks to a famous coffee shop chain, which has made the Frappuccino an icon in the world of coffee drinks.

The 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 to make it even more inviting.

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

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

Coffee Granita

Granita al caffè - variante siciliana caffè freddo

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

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 sweetness and intensity of the coffee, with a light 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 tasting 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 chips or flavored syrups, to further enrich your tasting experience.

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

Iced Coffee with Coconut Milk

Caffè freddo con latte di cocco

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 variation of iced coffee has become increasingly popular among those looking for an alternative to traditional milk or wanting to experiment with new flavors.

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 flavor 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 customized by choosing between different types of coffee or by adding sugar or flavored syrups, such as vanilla or caramel, for a touch of extra sweetness. This allows you to adapt 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 Cubes

Caffè freddo a cubetti

Cube Coffee 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, Cubed Coffee is presented in the form of frozen cubes, which can be used to prepare cold drinks quickly and cheap.

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

One of the advantages of Cube Coffee is its practicality. Since the coffee cubes are already prepared, you don't have to wait for the coffee to cool 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 (like milk, water, or coconut milk), and mix to get an instantly brewed cold coffee drink.

Furthermore, Cube Coffee offers the possibility of customizing your drink according to individual preferences. It is possible to choose between different types of coffee and adjust the intensity by adding more or fewer cubes. You can also enrich the taste with flavored syrups such as vanilla, caramel or chocolate.

Coffee 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 of Arabica and Robusta from South America which gives 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 variation of iced coffee is loved by those who want a refreshing and tasty drink, with a fruity note.

Iced Coffee with Fruit is prepared using iced coffee or espresso which is then mixed with a selection of fresh fruit or fruit syrups. Fruit can be cut into pieces or blended to create a liquid base, which is combined with coffee.

The choice of fruit may vary based on personal preferences and seasonal availability. Some of the most common options include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, mangoes, or citrus fruits such as 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 flavor of the coffee.

Iced Coffee with Fruit is a versatile drink that can be customized in many ways. You can choose between different types of coffee and add sugar or sweetening syrups for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also 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 - variante caffè freddo

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, which 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 meeting between coffee and tonic water creates a balanced blend of flavors, in which the bitterness of the coffee blends with the effervescence and distinctive character of the tonic water.

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

Read the complete recipe to prepare the Coffee Tonic in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic version.

Mazagran

Mazagran - variante magrebina caffè freddo

Mazagran is a refreshing drink that combines coffee with lemon or lime juice, creating a unique combination of flavors. This drink is originally from North Africa, in particular the Maghreb country, Algeria, and has become popular throughout the world thanks to its simplicity and stimulating flavour.

Mazagran is prepared using fresh or espresso coffee 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 merges with the fresh note and slightly acidic of citrus juice.

The drink is often served over 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.

The Mazagran is also easily customizable. You can choose between different types of coffee and you can add other ingredients such as flavored syrups or fresh herbs such as 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 hint of 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

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

Leccese coffee is a variant of espresso coffee, but with a unique characteristic that makes it distinctive: the addition of almond milk, known as "Leccese almond milk". Traditionally this almond milk is homemade, using sweet almonds, water and sugar, and is a fundamental part of the preparation of 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 flavor 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 dessert from Salento, such as pasticciotto leccese, to complete the tasting experience.

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

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

Half Cold Coffee

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

The preparation of half-cold coffee involves 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 intense, sweetened coffee, which is frozen and then crushed into ice crystals. This combination of cooled espresso and coffee granita creates a refreshing drink with a unique taste.

A variant of the half cold coffee is the "mezzo cold macchiato". In this version, the basic drink is completed with an addition of whipped cream. This helps create an even creamier and more delicious 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 hint of fruity acidity.

Iced Coffee with Cream and Cinnamon

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

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

The result is a creamy and indulgent iced coffee, with a sweet note and a touch of spice from cinnamon. It can be served in various ways, depending on individual preferences. Some opt for a simple addition of whipped cream and a light sprinkling 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 sweet finish after a meal, or as a pleasant break during the day. Its inviting presentation, with the soft cream that blends with the cold coffee and the cinnamon that gives a touch of aroma, makes this drink an ideal option to refresh and pamper yourself.

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