Coffee is more than just a habit for many people: it is a daily ritual, an indispensable treat or the best way to start the day. But when summer brings scorching temperatures and muggy days, the idea of a hot cup is not so appealing. That’s when iced coffee comes into play: cool, refreshing, and surprisingly versatile.
The great thing is that, with the right ingredients and a good espresso machine, you can make it at home, experimenting with new recipes every day. And behind every sip there’s a story, a culture, a different way of enjoying coffee. In this article, we tell you about the origins of iced coffee and all its most famous variations around the world.
The origins of iced coffee: between legend and reality
The origins of iced coffee are lost in history. According to one of the most reliable versions, it all began in 1840 in Algeria, during French rule. Soldiers of Foreign Legion allegedly invented a drink made from coffee syrup, cold water and sugar, called Mazagran. Back in France, they brought the recipe with them, contributing to the rise of modern coffee shops.
In the 1920s, a campaign of the Joint Coffee Trade Publicity Committee in the United States contributed to the spread of iced coffee in North America, where this drink became a real cult favourite.
The most famous iced coffee variations around the world
Each country has reinterpreted iced coffee according to its own culinary traditions. Here are some of the most interesting and popular variations:
Vietnam – Cà phê đá
One of the leading coffee-producing countries, Vietnam offers a unique recipe with condensed milk, ice and coffee extracted with a French press. The result is an intense and sweet drink, much loved among locals.
Chile – Café Helado
Here, iced coffee becomes a dessert: espresso, Chantilly cream, cinnamon, vanilla, dulce de leche, chopped dried fruit and sometimes vanilla ice cream. A real treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Australia – Ice Coffee
A more commercial version, it includes ice cream, whipped cream, cocoa, coffee beans and various syrups. A complete drink, almost like a milkshake.
Spain – Café del Tiempo
Originally from Valencia, it is a long coffee served with ice and slices of lemon or orange for a citrus touch. Fresh, simple, elegant.
Greece – Nescafé Frappé
A must-have drink during the Greek summer, prepared by shaking instant coffee, water and ice until a frothy foam is obtained. It can be enriched with milk or sugar.
United States – Iced Coffee and Frappuccino
The first is a long American coffee served cold with ice, while the second is a creamy mix of crushed ice, milk, sugar and cream, often enriched with flavours such as vanilla or caramel.
Iced coffee in Italy: tradition and innovation
Italy has also turned cold coffee into a true art form, with regional variations that are all worth trying:
Salento – Caffè leccese
Born in Otranto, it consists of espresso, crushed ice and a special touch: almond milk. Sweet and thirst-quenching, it represents the Apulian summer.
Northern Italy – Shaken coffee
It is prepared by shaking coffee, ice and sugar. Served in a cocktail glass, it has a velvety texture and a light foam on the surface.
Sicily – Granita di caffè
A timeless classic. Sicilian coffee granita, served with whipped cream and brioche, has been a favourite breakfast treat for generations.
Amalfi – Caffè granito
A semi-liquid version of iced coffee with ice crystals. It is prepared by shaking it during freezing to obtain a light, grainy consistency.
Coffee cream
Popular throughout the peninsula, this is a cold mousse made from coffee and cream, eaten with a spoon. Perfect as a dessert or afternoon snack.
How to make the perfect homemade iced coffee
Making excellent homemade iced coffee is easier than you might think. The important thing is to choose high-quality coffee and a professional espresso machine, such as a lever machine.
Ingredients:
- Espresso coffee at room temperature (preferably extracted with a lever machine)
- Ice cubes
- Sugar, sweet syrup or condensed milk
- Fresh milk (optional)
Preparation
- Prepare the coffee and let it cool.
- Put ice cubes in a tall glass.
- Pour the cold coffee over the ice.
- Add sugar or milk to taste.
- Stir with a long spoon until you get the desired mixture.
- Enjoy your cold coffee!
Extra tip: for an extra aromatic touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, a few drops of vanilla extract or some lemon zest.
Conclusion
Today, iced coffee is no longer just a summer drink, but a cultural phenomenon that combines ancient traditions and modern innovation. Its many variations tell stories of travel, different climates and local tastes, but they all have one thing in common: a love of coffee.
Whether at the beach, in the office or at home, a good iced coffee can provide a refreshing break and a moment of pure pleasure.
And to make it at its best, all you need is good coffee… and the right machine.
Discover the coffee machine that’s right for you and bring the authentic taste of iced coffee into your summer routine.
