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18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks

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This is an overview of many types of cold coffee and espresso drinks. Keep reading to learn more.

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:

DrinkWhat it Includes
Iced CoffeeCoffee
Cold BrewCold-brewed coffee
Nitro Cold BrewNitrogen-infused cold-brewed coffee
Vietnamese Iced CoffeeCoffee & condensed milk
Mazagran Iced CoffeeCoffee & lemon juice
Iced MochaEspresso, milk, chocolate syrup, & whipped cream
Iced MacchiatoEspresso, steamed milk, & foamed milk
ShakeratoEspresso & a lot of ice
FrappéCoffee, milk, & sugar
Iced LatteEspresso & milk
Dalgona Iced CoffeeInstant coffee, sugar, & milk
EiskaffeeCoffee, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, & ice cream
Cappuccino FreddoEspresso & frothed milk
Affogato al CaffeEspresso & ice cream
Iced ZorroEspresso & cold water
Cookie Dough Iced CoffeeCoffee, milk, vanilla ice cream, & cookie dough bites
Iced Banana CoffeeCold 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

image 16
18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks 7
Caffeine Content *165 mg
Recipe7–8 g ground coffee
Instant coffee (alternative)
Ice
Sweetener (optional)
Creamer/milk (optional)
Cup Served inAny
Device/s needed to makeDrip 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

image 15
18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks 8
Caffeine Content *205 mg
Recipe1 g coffee for every 8 g of waterWaterCreamer/milk (optional)Sweetener (optional)
Cup Served inGlass that’s narrower at the bottom
EquipmentCold 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 BrewIced Coffee
Caffeine *205 mg165 mg
Calories55
Flavor NotesChocolateyCaramel & cold
Device/s Used to MakeCold brew maker systemDrip coffee maker, French Press, pour-over, phin
Time to Make12–24 hours5 minutes
GrindExtra-CoarseMedium
AcidityLess acidicMore acidic
Avg. Cost Per Cup **$3.95$2.25
ConsistencySmooth & slightly syrupyVaries 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:

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

image 14
18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks 9
Caffeine Content *280 mg
Recipe1 g coffee for every 8 g of water
Water
Creamer/milk (optional)
Sweetener (optional)
Cup Served inTall glass
EquipmentCold 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
Recipe2 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
 1 ½ tbsp. coarse ground
Coffee
Hot Water
Ice
Cup Served in8–10 fl oz glass
EquipmentPhin

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
Recipe8 fl oz coffee
1 tsp. sweetener
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Ice
Cup Served inTall glass
Pronunciationma-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

image 13
18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks 10
Caffeine Content *69–83 mg
63 mg (espresso) + 6–20 mg (chocolate)
Recipe1 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 in6–8 oz Irish coffee mug
EquipmentEspresso 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
Recipe1 shot espresso
1 tbsp. steamed milk & foamIce
Cup Served in3 fl oz glass espresso cup
Pronunciationmah-key-AH-toh
EquipmentEspresso 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
Recipe1 double shot espresso
1 tsp. sugar
6–8 ice cubes
Cup Served inMartini glass
Devices NeededEspresso 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)

image 12
18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks 11
Caffeine Content *125 mg
Recipe8 fl oz coffee
½ cup milk
3 tbsp. sugar
whipped cream & caramel syrup (optional)
Cup Served inTall glass
EquipmentCoffee 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
Recipe1 shot espresso
8 fl oz milk
A thin layer of foam
Cup Served in14 oz tall glass
EquipmentEspresso 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

image 11
18 Types of Cold Coffee Drinks 12
Caffeine Content *105 mg
Recipe1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. instant coffee
1 tbsp. hot water
Ice
¾ cup to 1 cup milk
Cup Served inAny
Pronunciationdal-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
Recipe16 fl oz cold coffee
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Chocolate syrup or sprinkles
Cup Served inAny
Pronunciationeis-café
EquipmentCoffee 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
Recipe2 shots espresso
4 fl oz cold frothed milk
Ice cubes
Cup Served incoffee mug
EquipmentEspresso 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
Recipe1 shot espresso1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Cup Served in5–7 fl oz dessert dish
Pronunciationah-faw-gah-toh
EquipmentEspresso 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
Recipe2 shots espresso
2 fl oz cold waterIce
Cup Served incoffee mug
Pronunciationzaw-row
EquipmentEspresso 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
Recipe1 cup coffee
½ cup milk
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
¼ cup cookie dough bites
Whipped cream & chocolate chips, for garnish (optional)
Cup Served inAny

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
Recipe1 cup cold coffee
1 frozen banana
½ cup milk or cream
Cup Served inAny

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:

CoffeeEspresso
TasteMild to boldIntense
FlavorVaries by roastRich, bold
AromaAromatic, nuancedStrong, 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
Recipe1 tbsp. espresso1 cup chipped ice
1 fl oz cooled coffee
1 fl oz Irish cream liqueur
Whipped cream (garnish)
Mint leaf (garnish)
Cup Served inHurricane glass

2. Wake the Dead

Caffeine Content *63 mg
Recipe½ fl oz espresso1 fl oz coffee liqueur1 fl oz blanco tequilaIce
Cup Served inAny

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 brewNitro cold brewIced Caffè Americano
Iced lattesIced flat whitesIced macchiatos
FrappuccinoCrème FrappuccinoOleato
Iced mochasIced shaken espressoIced 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

Photo of author

Author

Tim Lee is, as you might have guessed the founder of TimsCoffee.com. He is a former barista and a professional web publisher. He has now combined his knowledge and expertise in both subjects to create TimsCoffee.com.
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