As a coffee enthusiast, I want variety when it comes to beating the heat. That led me to write this massive list of coffee beverages you could drink on a hot day.
Here are some of the points that I will cover:
Dive in to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Most cold drinks will have 100 to 160 mg of caffeine.
- Coffee & espresso aren’t the same; the latter is a more concentrated variation of coffee.
- You’ll need a coffee maker or espresso machine to make most drinks.
- Cold coffee drinks don’t have more caffeine than hot drinks.
Types of Cold Coffee & Espresso Drinks
Here are all the cooling drinks you could try to cool you down:
Drink | What it Includes |
Iced Coffee | Coffee |
Cold Brew | Cold-brewed coffee |
Nitro Cold Brew | Nitrogen-infused cold-brewed coffee |
Vietnamese Iced Coffee | Coffee & condensed milk |
Mazagran Iced Coffee | Coffee & lemon juice |
Iced Mocha | Espresso, milk, chocolate syrup, & whipped cream |
Iced Macchiato | Espresso, steamed milk, & foamed milk |
Shakerato | Espresso & a lot of ice |
Frappé | Coffee, milk, & sugar |
Iced Latte | Espresso & milk |
Dalgona Iced Coffee | Instant coffee, sugar, & milk |
Eiskaffee | Coffee, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, & ice cream |
Cappuccino Freddo | Espresso & frothed milk |
Affogato al Caffe | Espresso & ice cream |
Iced Zorro | Espresso & cold water |
Cookie Dough Iced Coffee | Coffee, milk, vanilla ice cream, & cookie dough bites |
Iced Banana Coffee | Cold coffee, frozen banana, & milk |
The following sections will explain what each drink is, its caffeine content, its recipe, the best cups to serve them in, and the specific equipment you’ll need to make each beverage.
Let’s get to it. We have a lot to cover
1. Iced Coffee

Caffeine Content * | 165 mg |
Recipe | 7–8 g ground coffee Instant coffee (alternative) Ice Sweetener (optional) Creamer/milk (optional) |
Cup Served in | Any |
Device/s needed to make | Drip coffee maker, French Press, or pour-over |
Iced coffee is a coffee beverage served cold. You could make it in various ways, but the most common method is to brew drip coffee and then add ice. Or brew your coffee over ice.
Enjoy plain, or add milk, sugar, cream, and other flavorings to your liking.
Want a less acidic drink? Consider the next drink.
2. Cold Brew

Caffeine Content * | 205 mg |
Recipe | 1 g coffee for every 8 g of waterWaterCreamer/milk (optional)Sweetener (optional) |
Cup Served in | Glass that’s narrower at the bottom |
Equipment | Cold brew system |
Cold brew coffee is a type of coffee made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12–24 hours. This results in a less acidic coffee and smoother flavor than coffee brewed with hot water.
It’s a great option for people looking for a smooth and flavorful coffee that’s easy on the stomach.
It sounds a bit like iced coffee, but it’s not. Let’s check out the differences.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Let’s clear the air and cover the differences between both cold coffee drinks:
Cold Brew | Iced Coffee | |
Caffeine * | 205 mg | 165 mg |
Calories | 5 | 5 |
Flavor Notes | Chocolatey | Caramel & cold |
Device/s Used to Make | Cold brew maker system | Drip coffee maker, French Press, pour-over, phin |
Time to Make | 12–24 hours | 5 minutes |
Grind | Extra-Coarse | Medium |
Acidity | Less acidic | More acidic |
Avg. Cost Per Cup ** | $3.95 | $2.25 |
Consistency | Smooth & slightly syrupy | Varies depending on the brewing method & coffee beans used |
** Cost for a tall drink at Starbucks as of 2023.
Iced coffee has a bolder flavor, while cold brew has a smoother flavor. Cold brew is also slightly less acidic than iced coffee.
Then the brewing methods vastly differ. For iced coffee, you have various ways to make your coffee like:
- Instant coffee
- Pour over
- Drip coffee
- AeroPress
- Moka pot
- Percolator
With cold brew, you’d use a cold brew system such as a Toddy, which doesn’t use any electricity. This has nothing to do with taste, but it could save you money on making coffee at home.
What if I told you there’s another way to make cold brew? Here’s what it would look like.
3. Nitro Cold Brew

Caffeine Content * | 280 mg |
Recipe | 1 g coffee for every 8 g of water Water Creamer/milk (optional) Sweetener (optional) |
Cup Served in | Tall glass |
Equipment | Cold brew system & keg-tap or whipper system |
Nitro cold brew coffee is a type of coffee made by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas at a pressure of 40 psi. This gives the coffee a creamy texture and a foamy head, similar to a draft beer.
Here’s a fun fact: Nitro cold brew is sometimes called “coffee on tap” because it’s typically served from a keg.
Want something sweeter? Read on.
4. Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Caffeine Content * | 100 mg |
Recipe | 2 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk 1 ½ tbsp. coarse ground Coffee Hot Water Ice |
Cup Served in | 8–10 fl oz glass |
Equipment | Phin |
Vietnamese iced coffee is a delicious and refreshing coffee drink made with strong, dark roast coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. It’s typically brewed using a phin filter, which is a small metal filter that sits on top of a glass.
It’s a popular drink in Vietnam and becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious and refreshing cup of coffee on a hot day.
Many consider this drink as “too sweet.” The next one should prove as a better choice.
5. Mazagran Iced Coffee
Caffeine Content * | 80–100 mg |
Recipe | 8 fl oz coffee 1 tsp. sweetener 2 tbsp. lemon juice Ice |
Cup Served in | Tall glass |
Pronunciation | ma-za-gran |
Mazagran iced coffee is a drink made with coffee, lemon juice, sugar, and ice. It’s often garnished with a slice of lemon and a mint sprig.
Mazagran iced coffee originated in Algeria during the French colonial era. The name comes from the town of Mazagran. A place where French soldiers stayed during a siege in the 1840s. The soldiers reportedly drank the coffee to keep cool and hydrated in the hot Algerian climate.
Mazagran iced coffee is a popular drink in many countries around the world, including Portugal, Spain, and Austria.
We’re going to shift to an espresso-based drink. Prepare yourself.
6. Iced Mocha

Caffeine Content * | 69–83 mg 63 mg (espresso) + 6–20 mg (chocolate) |
Recipe | 1 shot espresso 4 fl oz steamed milk 1 fl oz chocolate syrup Or 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder Whipped cream for topping (optional)Ice |
Cup Served in | 6–8 oz Irish coffee mug |
Equipment | Espresso machine |
Iced mocha is made with espresso, chocolate syrup, and milk. It’s typically topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Iced mocha is a great way to enjoy your coffee and chocolate at the same time. It’s also a delicious and refreshing alternative to soda or other sugary drinks.
Too much sugar? Keep reading.
7. Iced Macchiato
Caffeine Content * | 63 mg |
Recipe | 1 shot espresso 1 tbsp. steamed milk & foamIce |
Cup Served in | 3 fl oz glass espresso cup |
Pronunciation | mah-key-AH-toh |
Equipment | Espresso machine |
An iced macchiato is a drink made with espresso, milk, and ice, and topped with a drizzle of flavored syrup.
Here are some different flavored syrups that you can add to your iced macchiato:
- Caramel
- Vanilla
- Hazelnut
- Mocha
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
- White chocolate
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
Experiment with different combinations of flavors to create your own unique iced macchiato. For example, you could try a caramel vanilla macchiato or a hazelnut mocha macchiato.
To make an iced macchiato, brew a shot of espresso and pour it over a glass of ice. Then, add milk until the glass is almost full. Finally, drizzle your favorite flavored syrup on top.
If you want more of a boost, you’ll want to try the next beverage.
8. Shakerato: Iced Shaken Latte
Caffeine Content * | 126 mg |
Recipe | 1 double shot espresso 1 tsp. sugar 6–8 ice cubes |
Cup Served in | Martini glass |
Devices Needed | Espresso machine & cocktail shaker |
Shakerato is an Italian iced coffee drink made with espresso, sugar, and ice, all shaken together until frothy. It’s typically served in a chilled martini glass.
The iced shaken latte is a popular drink in Italy during the summer months.
It’s also a good option for people looking for a caffeine boost without adding milk or cream.
Did you say you want milk? I have a great drink for you to try.
9. Frappé (or Coffee Smoothie)

Caffeine Content * | 125 mg |
Recipe | 8 fl oz coffee ½ cup milk 3 tbsp. sugar whipped cream & caramel syrup (optional) |
Cup Served in | Tall glass |
Equipment | Coffee maker |
A frappé is an iced coffee drink that’s made by blending or shaking espresso or coffee, milk, sugar, and ice together. It’s typically served in a tall glass and you can top it with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or other toppings of your choice.
Is it the same as a Frappuccino? Not quite.
Frappé vs. Frappuccino
The main difference between a frappé and a Frappuccino is the type of coffee used. A frappé uses instant coffee, while a Frappuccino uses espresso. This difference in coffee results in different flavors and textures.
Frappé is more bitter and has a coarser texture. A Frappuccino is sweeter and has a creamier texture.
Also, Frappuccino is exclusive to Starbucks. Look on their website, and you’ll see a registered trademark symbol (®) beside the name.
Here’s a drink not exclusive to Starbucks.
10. Iced Latte
Caffeine Content * | 63 mg |
Recipe | 1 shot espresso 8 fl oz milk A thin layer of foam |
Cup Served in | 14 oz tall glass |
Equipment | Espresso machine |
An iced latte is a drink made with espresso, cold milk, and ice. The espresso gives the latte a rich coffee flavor, while the milk and ice make it smooth and creamy.
Iced lattes are typically served in a tall glass. Enjoy plain or with added flavorings, such as vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, or hazelnut syrup. Or top them with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Are you sick of espresso-based drinks? Here’s one that uses coffee.
11. Dalgona Iced Coffee

Caffeine Content * | 105 mg |
Recipe | 1 tbsp. sugar 1 tbsp. instant coffee 1 tbsp. hot water Ice ¾ cup to 1 cup milk |
Cup Served in | Any |
Pronunciation | dal-gow-nuh |
Dalgona iced coffee—달고나 커피 in Korean—is a coffee drink that’s made with instant coffee, sugar, water, and milk. It’s also known as whipped coffee, because you’d whip together the instant coffee and sugar until they form a thick, creamy foam.
To make a dalgona iced coffee, whip together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until the mixture is thick and creamy. Then, pour a glass of cold milk and top it with the whipped coffee foam.
We’re moving west and checking out a drink from Germany.
12. Eiskaffee
Caffeine Content * | 160 mg |
Recipe | 16 fl oz cold coffee 4 scoops vanilla ice cream Whipped cream Chocolate syrup or sprinkles |
Cup Served in | Any |
Pronunciation | eis-café |
Equipment | Coffee maker |
Eiskaffee is a German iced coffee drink that’s made with cold coffee, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. It’s a popular summer treat in Germany, and it’s also becoming more popular in other parts of the world.
To make an Eiskaffee, pour cold coffee over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass. Then, top with whipped cream and any other desired toppings, such as chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or caramel sauce.
Here’s a Greek drink.
13. Cappuccino Freddo
Caffeine Content * | 126 mg |
Recipe | 2 shots espresso 4 fl oz cold frothed milk Ice cubes |
Cup Served in | coffee mug |
Equipment | Espresso maker |
A Cappuccino Freddo is a delicious iced coffee drink that’s made with espresso, frothed milk, and ice. It’s a popular drink in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, and it’s a great way to cool down on a hot day.
On to Italy.
14. Affogato al Caffe
Caffeine Content * | 63 mg |
Recipe | 1 shot espresso1 scoop vanilla ice cream |
Cup Served in | 5–7 fl oz dessert dish |
Pronunciation | ah-faw-gah-toh |
Equipment | Espresso maker |
Affogato al caffè—which means “drowned in coffee” in Italian—is an Italian dessert made with espresso and vanilla gelato.
To make an Affogato, scoop a ball of vanilla gelato into a small bowl or glass and pour a shot of hot espresso over it. The espresso will melt the gelato slightly, creating a rich and creamy coffee-flavored dessert.
Serve Affogato immediately. That way, the gelato doesn’t melt. It’s a delicious and refreshing treat to enjoy on a hot day, or as a sweet ending to a meal.
Here’s a drink that isn’t as sweet.
15. Iced Zorro
Caffeine Content * | 126 mg |
Recipe | 2 shots espresso 2 fl oz cold waterIce |
Cup Served in | coffee mug |
Pronunciation | zaw-row |
Equipment | Espresso maker |
An Iced Zorro is a type of espresso drink made with double espresso, hot water, and ice. It’s similar to an Americano, but served cold and has a more concentrated espresso flavor.
To make an Iced Zorro, brew double espresso and pour it into a glass with ice. Then, add hot water to taste. You can also add milk or sugar to taste, but this is optional.
Iced Zorro is a great drink for people who love the strong flavor of espresso but want a cold and refreshing drink. It’s also a good option for people who are lactose intolerant.
If you’re not lactose intolerant and want cavities, check out this next pick.
16. Cookie Dough Iced Coffee
Caffeine Content * | 80 mg |
Recipe | 1 cup coffee ½ cup milk 1 scoop vanilla ice cream ¼ cup cookie dough bites Whipped cream & chocolate chips, for garnish (optional) |
Cup Served in | Any |
A Cookie Dough Iced Coffee is a coffee drink that combines the flavors of cookie dough and coffee. It’s a perfect treat for anyone who loves sweet and creamy coffee drinks.
Cookie Dough Iced Coffees are typically made with vanilla ice cream, but you can also use other flavors, such as chocolate or mint chocolate chip. Or add other toppings to your coffee, such as chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, or sprinkles.
Want something that’s still sweet, but a bit healthier? Check out the last drink.
17. Iced Banana Coffee
Caffeine Content * | 80 mg |
Recipe | 1 cup cold coffee 1 frozen banana ½ cup milk or cream |
Cup Served in | Any |
Iced banana coffee is a coffee drink made by blending together cold coffee, frozen bananas, and milk or cream. The bananas give the coffee a sweet and creamy flavor, and the ice makes it a refreshing treat.
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk or cream to your liking. You can also add other ingredients to your iced banana coffee, such as cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or cinnamon.
As you’ve seen, many of these drinks call for coffee or espresso. Learn the differences.
Know the Difference Between Coffee & Espresso
Many of the drinks above have coffee or espresso. Learn the differences between them to prevent any mistakes:
Coffee | Espresso | |
Taste | Mild to bold | Intense |
Flavor | Varies by roast | Rich, bold |
Aroma | Aromatic, nuanced | Strong, complex |
Avg. Caffeine Content * | 95 mg (8 oz) | 63 mg (1 oz) |
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee made by an espresso machine using 9 bars of pressure to blast water through coffee grounds in a portafilter. This form of coffee goes in drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
You’d make coffee using any other type of coffee maker. For instance, AeroPress, drip coffee makers, pour-over, French Press, moka pot, etc.
With that knowledge in mind, let’s continue with alcoholic drinks.
Cold Coffee Alcoholic Drinks
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up that’ll add a bit of excitement to your day, I found a couple of recipes that’ll taste good while providing a bit of a refreshment on a hot day [1].
1. Baileys Irish Ice
Caffeine Content * | 63 mg |
Recipe | 1 tbsp. espresso1 cup chipped ice 1 fl oz cooled coffee 1 fl oz Irish cream liqueur Whipped cream (garnish) Mint leaf (garnish) |
Cup Served in | Hurricane glass |
2. Wake the Dead
Caffeine Content * | 63 mg |
Recipe | ½ fl oz espresso1 fl oz coffee liqueur1 fl oz blanco tequilaIce |
Cup Served in | Any |
Wake the Dead originally doesn’t call for any ice, but adding whiskey cubes or ice will make your drink more refreshing.
13 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks at Starbucks
Here are a bunch of cold and iced coffee and espresso drinks you’ll find at many Starbucks locations [2]:
Cold brew | Nitro cold brew | Iced Caffè Americano |
Iced lattes | Iced flat whites | Iced macchiatos |
Frappuccino | Crème Frappuccino | Oleato |
Iced mochas | Iced shaken espresso | Iced coffee |
Iced Starbucks blonde latte |
Almost all these drinks (e.g., cold brew), have several flavors, such as vanilla sweet cream and salted caramel cream cold brew. And on top of their cold coffee and espresso drinks, they have Refreshers and iced tea.
Wrapping Up
Whether you want a sugary drink, one that’ll wake you up, or give you a buzz, you now have an arsenal of beverages to try the next time you’re looking for a chilling drink on a hot day.
Still need more ideas? Check out a huge list we wrote about other coffee- and espresso-based drinks.
Footnotes:
* Estimated numbers