Summer is the time to cool down, but you do not have to stop drinking coffee. There are a lot of summer coffee drinks to try, like cold brew, iced coffee, and frappes. These drinks let you get your dose of caffeine without heating up.

You can enjoy a sweet Caramel Iced Macchiato or try something different like Coffee Lemonade. These summer coffee drinks mix the taste of coffee with the cool feel of ice. Let’s check out some of the best summer coffee ideas so you can make your mornings and afternoons better with cold brew, iced coffee, caramel drinks, or any new brew you want to try.

Key Highlights

• Discover 14 exciting summer coffee drinks that blend creativity with refreshing flavors like iced coffee, cold brew, and espresso.
• Learn how to make popular choices like Affogato, Iced Vanilla Latte, and Coconut Iced Latte at home without fancy equipment.
• Explore global cold coffee favorites, including Greek Freddo Espresso and Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
• Find tips on creating dairy-free versions with almond milk or coconut.
• Indulge in dessert-inspired coffee drinks that pair ice cream, caramel, and whipped cream for a luxurious treat.

14 Best Summer Coffee Drinks to Beat the Heat This Season

When the hot weather comes, summer coffee drinks are the best way to cool down. You can pick from many cold treats, like creamy iced lattes or fun coffee-based cocktails. The flavors go from smooth vanilla to sharp lemonade. Each drink gives its own twist to regular coffee.

The best thing about these drinks is that they are very flexible. You can make the recipes in many different ways. Use any kind of milk, mix in different sweeteners, or get ideas from around the world. You can try a Japanese Iced Coffee or treat yourself to an Affogato. Each sip is a new and cool coffee trip made to help you beat the heat. If you love iced coffee, there is something for everyone during summer.

1. Classic Iced Coffee

The Classic Iced Coffee is a top summer drink for many people. It is simple, but it always hits the spot. To make it, first brew some hot coffee. Stronger coffee works best for this. Let the coffee cool down, then pour it over ice cubes. Add some simple syrup if you want to make it sweet. If you like things creamy, mix in a bit of milk. Want to make it special? Put in one scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to boost the flavor. The mix of the bold taste of coffee and cold ice always feels good, even on the hottest days.

You do not need an espresso machine to make this iced coffee recipe. You can use a strong drip brew or make it in a Moka pot. This drink is a great way to sit back, sip, and enjoy summer days. You can even try out your own style of this classic iced coffee by using different add-ins like vanilla or ice cream.

2. Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee brings out the best of summer with its smooth taste and light, easy flavor. The good thing is that it’s very simple to make. You just take coarse coffee grounds and mix them with cold water. Then you put the mix in the fridge and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. After that, strain it with a coffee filter.

Pour your cold brew over ice, and you get a very refreshing drink. Its low-acid taste means you can change it up to make it your own. Try adding things like almond milk, flavored syrups, or whipped cream to it.

This cold brew method is great if you want your coffee to have less of that bitter bite and be the base to many iced coffee drinks. It’s something you should really try as part of your summer brew lineup.

3. Iced Vanilla Latte

An Iced Vanilla Latte is a summer drink that many people enjoy. It has the rich taste of espresso shots with a smooth, sweet flavor. To make it, you pour espresso over ice. Then, you add cold milk and a bit of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup.

You can change this beverage to fit what you like. Swap regular milk for something like almond or oat milk if you want it dairy-free. This mix of strong coffee flavor and light vanilla makes it a great drink to sip on during hot days.

Garnish your latte with some extra vanilla syrup or even whipped cream to make it look and taste even better. Take a sip and enjoy how the flavors blend so well together. This iced latte is sure to brighten your day.

4. Espresso Tonic

For the people who love coffee, the Espresso Tonic can be a fun new drink to try. This drink gives you the strong taste of coffee with the bubbly and bitter flavor of tonic water. You need to fill a glass with both ice and tonic water, then slowly pour fresh espresso shots on the top.

Add lime or frozen fruit on top as a garnish to make it look and taste even better. The quinine in the tonic water has a special bite that can wake you up. This is a good choice if you want a drink that does not use dairy.

The cool, fresh taste of Espresso Tonic is great for hot summer days. You can enjoy it as a non-alcoholic cocktail or have it at brunch. This drink will stand out and impress anyone who tries it.

5. Coconut Iced Latte

The Coconut Iced Latte gives you a taste of summer right at home. First, fill half the cup with ice. Next, pour in some coconut milk. After that, add one or two espresso shots. Then, mix in a little vanilla extract or syrup to get a sweet touch.

If you want to make this summer drink even better, you can put some frothed coconut milk on top. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or brown sugar. The cold coffee, the coconut milk, and the soft vanilla come together to make a nice summer treat.

This latte is great if you want a dairy-free option. It’s easy to make, and it mixes the strong taste of espresso with the nutty, dairy-like feel of coconut. Every sip of the Coconut Iced Latte brings a cool, tasty moment on a warm day.

6. Affogato

Combining coffee and dessert, Affogato is a fun way to enjoy your espresso. Start with one scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cup. Next, pour one or two shots of hot espresso over the ice cream.

The mix of creamy vanilla ice cream and strong coffee gives you the best taste of both. Make it even better with whipped cream or some caramel sauce on top. If you do not have an espresso machine, you can use strong filter coffee instead.

This cool and sweet treat with vanilla ice cream is great for summer. Affogato is a café-style dessert that adds something special and new to your coffee time.

7. Iced Dirty Chai Latte

The Iced Dirty Chai Latte brings a spiced touch to summer coffee drinks. To make it, start with chai powder or syrup. Mix it with milk or almond milk until it all comes together. Add ice, then pour one shot of espresso on top.

This drink mixes the warm, spicy flavors of chai with the strong taste of coffee. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder on top to give it even more flavor.

Try the Iced Dirty Chai Latte with almond milk if you do not want dairy. This drink is cool, rich, and good for any summer day. It is a latte you can enjoy again and again.

8. Mocha Frappuccino

Chocolate lovers, this drink is for you! The Mocha Frappuccino mixes chocolate syrup, ice, milk, and strong espresso to make a tasty treat. Blend it all together until it’s smooth. After that, add whipped cream on top and pour more chocolate syrup over it.

The thick and rich feel, along with the coffee inside, makes this a nice drink for a warm day. You can adjust how sweet you want it by adding simple syrup. You can also choose sugar-free chocolate syrup if you want to cut down on sugar.

This mocha is like dessert and coffee together in one glass. It will be great for anyone who likes chocolate or coffee.

9. Coffee Lemonade (Mazagran)

Coffee lemonade, also called mazagran, is all about mixing bold cold brew coffee with lemon juice. This summer drink brings together the rich taste of coffee and the fresh kick of lemon. It is not just something for hot days. This drink feels like summer any time you make it, with all that good caffeine. To serve, pour it over ice. Add a twist of orange peel or a bit of black pepper on top for a fun extra flavor. It is a great choice for any afternoon when you want a cool pick-me-up. This drink is a new way to enjoy your cold brew and get the most out of your summer.

10. Greek Freddo Espresso

Drinking Greek freddo espresso is a cool way to get your caffeine in the warm time of year. This drink has espresso shots that are poured over ice. It feels new and different from the regular cup of coffee. You make it by mixing strong espresso, a bit of simple syrup, and some cold water. This helps the taste be smooth and not too strong. The flavor of the espresso is still rich and good. It will remind you of sitting in a café on a bright summer day. You also do not need any fancy equipment to make this beverage at home.

11. Vietnamese Iced Coffee

A great way to enjoy summer is with Vietnamese iced coffee, also called cà phê sữa đá. In this drink, hot, dark-roasted coffee is brewed right on top of sweetened condensed milk. When you pour it over ice, it makes a bold and tasty flavor that stands out. You can give it a new twist by adding almond milk or a drop of vanilla extract. Both of these will make the coffee creamier and add something extra to every sip. This isn’t just regular iced coffee. It’s a good choice if you want something different than what you usually find. The cool, sweet coffee will make you feel like you are on vacation every time you take a sip. Try out the refreshing flavor now!

12. Japanese Iced Coffee

Japanese iced coffee is a great way to enjoy your summer drinks. You brew hot coffee right over ice. This method helps keep all the fresh taste from the coffee beans. You can use an espresso machine or a pour-over setup to do this. All you do is pour the hot coffee onto the ice. This gives you a cold coffee drink that is full of flavor. The taste is a nice mix of sour and sweet. It is a perfect beverage for those hot afternoons. This iced coffee lets you get the best out of your coffee beans, no matter if you like hot coffee or cold coffee.

13. Caramel Iced Macchiato

Enjoying a caramel iced macchiato is the best way to get a mix of cool and sweet flavors on a hot day. You start with cold brew coffee, then add creamy milk, and top it with a bit of caramel sauce. This iced coffee drink mixes the strong taste of espresso shots and the sweetness of caramel to give you a treat. You can drink this cold brew coffee as a quick afternoon boost or as your morning smoothie for breakfast. This beverage is something you need to try this summer!

14. Coffee Breakfast Smoothie

A coffee breakfast smoothie gives you great taste and is full of good stuff for your body. It’s the perfect way to start your morning. When you blend cold brew coffee, almond milk, and a banana, you get a smooth, thick drink. It will wake you up and fill you up at the same time. For more fun, you can mix in a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little cocoa powder. This cool drink gives you some caffeine to make you feel ready to go. It also gives you things you need for your health. So it’s a good summer coffee drink. Pour it in your favorite mug, take a sip, and feel the energy!

Conclusion

As we finish talking about the best summer coffee drinks, you can see that there is something for everyone. The warm months are perfect for trying all kinds of cool drinks. You can stick with a classic iced coffee, or try new things like coffee lemonade or a coconut iced latte. Each drink can help you cool down and enjoy your coffee in a new way. Trying out the different flavors and ways to make these drinks can help you find new favorites. Every sip can be a moment to enjoy.

When you are at the pool or spending time in the park, you should treat yourself to one of these summer coffee drinks. It is a good way to enjoy your day. Cheers to summer, and to having a great sip while you enjoy the sunshine!

FAQ

What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee first, and then cooling it down. Cold brew is different. To make it, you soak coffee grounds in cold water for several hours. Cold brew will have a smoother and less sour taste. Iced coffee keeps the strong flavor you get by brewing it the usual way.

Can I make summer coffee drinks without dairy?

Yes! You can swap out dairy for almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in recipes like iced coffee or lattes. These choices help you get tasty summer coffee drinks. They also keep the drinks light and creamy.

How can I sweeten my summer coffee drinks naturally?

Sweeten your summer drinks with natural options. You can use honey, vanilla extract, or homemade simple syrup. These are good to add to cold coffee. They give you a nice taste and are a better choice than processed sugars. Vanilla and simple syrup blend well into your drinks and make them taste great.

What coffee beans are best for making cold coffee drinks?

For cold coffee drinks, it is good to pick medium or dark roast coffee beans. They really help bring out the flavor, which you will notice in your cold brew or iced coffee. Always try to get fresh and good-quality beans to make your summer cold coffee smell and taste great when you brew it.