When the heat arrives, coffee isn't abandoned: it transforms. Iced coffee is the perfect way to enjoy the aroma you love even in summer, fresh and thirst-quenching. From the shakerato to cold cream, here are the most beloved recipes to whip up in just a few minutes at home, starting from a good espresso.
The foundation of it all: a good espresso
Every iced coffee recipe starts with a well-made espresso. Prepare it as usual with your capsule machine, pods or with the moka, and use it right away or let it cool to room temperature. A tip: make it a little stronger and sweeter than usual, because cold and ice tend to dull the aroma and sweetness.
The caffè shakerato
It's the king of summer: creamy on the outside, ice-cold on the inside. You'll need a shaker (or a jar with a tight-sealing lid).
- Prepare 1-2 espressos and sweeten them while still hot, so the sugar dissolves well.
- Pour the coffee into the shaker with 4-5 ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the surface turns cold.
- Strain out the ice and pour into a coupe glass: you'll get a dense, velvety foam.
For an indulgent version, add a dash of syrup (vanilla, hazelnut) or serve it in a glass chilled in the freezer.
Cold coffee cream
Thick like soft-serve gelato, it's perfect to enjoy by the spoonful. The quick recipe:
- Prepare 2 espressos and let them cool completely (even in the fridge).
- Whip cold coffee, sugar and a little fresh cream (or very cold milk) with a whisk until it becomes foamy and pale.
- Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours, stirring every so often, until it reaches a creamy consistency.
If you're short on time, there are also ready-made mixes for cold coffee cream on the market: just add cold water and whip. Super handy when guests turn up out of the blue.
Iced coffee "over ice"
The simplest and most refreshing version: prepare a lungo espresso or a coffee, sweeten to taste and pour it into a glass full of ice. Add cold water or milk to taste. For a result that doesn't get watered down, make some coffee ice cubes by freezing leftover coffee in the molds.
Indulgent variations
- Iced coffee with milk: cold espresso + cold milk + ice, sweet and creamy.
- Affogato al caffè: a scoop of vanilla or fiordilatte gelato "drowned" in an espresso. An irresistible hot-cold contrast.
- Flavored iced coffee: a touch of cocoa, cinnamon or lemon zest to perfume the cup.
- Decaffeinated version: perfect for the afternoon or evening, with all the flavor and no worries.
Tips for a perfect iced coffee
- Use plenty of ice and cold glasses: the coffee needs to chill quickly to stay aromatic.
- Sweeten while hot: in cold coffee the sugar struggles to dissolve.
- Choose an intense blend: it stands up better to ice and milk without "disappearing".
In conclusion
With a good espresso and a few ice cubes, summer becomes the chance to reinvent coffee in a thousand fresh and indulgent ways. In our catalog you'll find intense, creamy blends in pods and capsules, ideal for shakerati and cold creams: choose yours and refresh your days in style.
