Let's dive into the cool world of iced coffee – and we mean that literally! In Germany, "Eiskaffee" means iced coffee with ice cream: a gloriously refreshing summer hit that doesn't just tickle your taste buds but knocks out the heat with an ice-cold punch.
Picture this: it's a boiling hot day, the sun is blazing, and you're longing for something that doesn't just cool you down but wakes you up, too. That's where iced coffee comes in – your rescue in times of need. Not a boring hot coffee that makes you sweat, but a cool, invigorating drink that flows through your veins and brings you back to life. But not all iced coffee is the same. There's the classic with ice cubes that wipes the sweat off your brow, or the creamy version with vanilla ice cream that sends you off into sweet dreams. And then there are experimental creations with syrup, cream or even a shot of liqueur for those who like it a bit wilder.
Iced coffee: the cool story of a summer classic
Got your sun hat and sunglasses? Because now we're diving into the frosty-cool history of iced coffee, a drink that doesn't just bring the temperature down but lifts your mood, too.
Who'd have thought that bringing coffee and ice together could be anything other than magic? People in the 19th century had this brilliant idea, and it spread like a refreshing summer breeze.
Algeria or Greece, two places known for their heat (and their stunning holiday photos), could be the birthplaces of our beloved iced coffee.
When iced coffee first took the stage, it wasn't just meant for sweaty summer days. No, it was the cool alternative for everyone who wanted their caffeine kick without risking heatstroke. Especially in places where the sun seems to have a permanent subscription to the sky, iced coffee was the refreshment of choice. You're sitting in a street café somewhere on the Mediterranean, and instead of making you sweat, the coffee cools you pleasantly from the inside. Today, with iced coffee coming in so many variations that even the longest menu gets jealous, it's fascinating to know how deep and culturally rooted it is.
Iced coffee conquers the world
Over time, iced coffee evolved and found its place in cafés and restaurants around the world. In recent decades it has become a symbol of urban lifestyle and modern coffee culture. Its versatility means it can be made in lots of ways – as a classic iced coffee, as a frappé or in creative variations with different flavours and toppings.
The spread of iced coffee has also led to a whole range of ways to make it, from simple recipes to make at home to more complex techniques in ice cream cafés.
Today iced coffee has found a place not only in coffee culture but in the wider food scene, too. From special iced coffee blends to inventive versions with different milk alternatives and wild ice cream flavours, iced coffee offers huge variety for coffee lovers and anyone looking for a refreshing caffeine fix.
What makes iced coffee so appealing?
Iced coffee has become an essential summer companion – and for good reason. Apart from being refreshing, it's a lovely way to enjoy your love of coffee in the warmer months, too. With its cool, refreshing character, iced coffee isn't just a way to cool down but a delicious alternative to hot coffee.
For many people, iced coffee is more than a drink – it's a lifestyle. The variety of flavours and ways to make it turns iced coffee into a creative playground for baristas and home coffee lovers alike. Being able to explore different ingredients and flavour combinations makes the iced coffee experience especially appealing.
The perfect change
Another reason iced coffee is so popular is how adaptable it is. Whether you prefer the classic version or are looking for new taste experiences, iced coffee leaves room for experimenting and making it your own. It's also an alternative to the sugary, high-calorie drinks often consumed in the hot summer months. When you make iced coffee yourself, you control the ingredients and can adjust the sugar, too, for a less sweet option. Besides its refreshing taste and adaptability, iced coffee is also a symbol of good company. Whether meeting friends at a café or on a relaxed day at home, iced coffee creates a pleasant atmosphere and invites you to sit back and enjoy.
The recipe for the best iced coffee with ice cream
There are thousands of iced coffee recipes doing the rounds online. In one photo whipped cream sits enthroned on top, the next post shows the coffee speciality as a mix of cold brew and vanilla ice cream, and some pictures have ice cubes in the coffee. But does whipped cream even belong on an iced coffee, and does it contain ice cubes? Let's find out. And don't worry, you don't need any special equipment ;)
The ingredients for a classic iced coffee
For a classic iced coffee you need just a few essential ingredients. Here's a simple list for the perfect drink.
Coffee: Start with a good coffee. Although some people prefer cold coffee, freshly brewed coffee is the better choice because it has a more intense flavour. To be precise, we use the full-bodied intensity of an espresso shot.
Milk or milk alternative: Choose your favourite milk or a plant-based alternative. Cow's milk is the classic choice, but you can also use almond, soy, coconut or oat milk.
Ice cream: Vanilla ice cream is the popular classic here. But if you fancy something else, at our shops you can have any other flavour in your coffee, too. That's how we offer vegan versions as well as the classic in our ice cream café – something for everyone!
Cream: We think whipped cream is a must as a topping on a good iced coffee. It's the perfect finishing touch to the best recipe. Just ask at your ice cream parlour whether they have cream and give it a try!
Sauce (optional): If you like your iced coffee a little sweeter, we can add a sauce of your choice. We're happy to decorate your cold drink with chocolate or caramel sauce.
If you're wondering which other flavours there are to choose from, come and visit us in the shop or find out more in our ultimate list of ice cream flavours HERE.
How to make a classic iced coffee
Make the coffee: First, the coffee base. We pull an espresso from our portafilter machine. If you're making iced coffee yourself, it's up to you how you make your coffee base. We recommend a coffee with a strong aroma – it brings just the right intensity to your creation. A tip from our team: let the coffee cool down briefly afterwards. That way you don't need ice cubes in the coffee.
Prepare the glasses: Before the ice cream goes into the glass, it's time to decorate. For example, grab your favourite sauce and drizzle it around the inside of the glass. It doesn't just look good – it tastes even better!
The scoop of vanilla ice cream: Finally, it's time to scoop a big ball of the ice cream of your choice into your glass. The most popular iced coffee recipes use vanilla – a sweet treat that makes every heart beat faster.
Add the milk: Now slowly pour the cold milk or milk alternative of your choice into the glass or cup. Leave enough space for the espresso (or filter coffee) and, if you like, the cream.
Add the espresso: Now carefully pour your espresso into the glass with the vanilla ice cream and milk.
Don't forget the cream: To finish, of course, there's a cream topping if you want one. And don't skimp on it!
Decorate as you like: If you like, ask for toppings like a sauce or sprinkles on your iced coffee. Pop in a glass straw and a spoon and enjoy your ice cream creation!
Making a classic iced coffee is easy and leaves room for creative variations to suit your taste. Experiment with the ratio of coffee, milk and ice cream to create your perfect iced coffee! Want to know what else the classic vanilla ice cream is good for? Find out more about Germany's favourite sundae HERE!
Conclusion – iced coffee wins in every form and variation
As we've seen, there are lots of reasons to love iced coffee. Whether you prefer the classic version or are looking for new taste experiences, the world of iced coffee offers plenty to explore. Whether you make your iced coffee with ice cream yourself or buy it from us – both have their own charm and are well worth it.