As the summer heat shows some signs of finally emerging, there’s nothing quite like the prospect of a refreshing coffee drink to keep you cool and invigorated. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a summer brunch, or simply looking for a delicious way to wake up, we’ve got you covered. Our curated selection of five delightful, light and refreshing coffee recipes will transform your regular coffee routine into a series of refreshing adventures.
Iced Coffee Lemonade
Why It’s Ideal for Summer: The coffee combined with lemonade creates a unique and refreshing drink. It’s an unexpected pairing that is sure to invigorate your taste buds and keep you cool on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 cup of lemonade
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
- Simple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
Instructions:
- Brew your favourite coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a glass, combine the cooled coffee and lemonade. Adjust the ratio to your taste preference.
- Add ice cubes to the glass.
- Stir well and sweeten with simple syrup or honey if desired.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a few mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.]
Coffee Smoothie
Why It’s Ideal for Summer: This coffee smoothie is a nutritious and delicious way to start your day or recharge after a workout. The banana and Greek yoghurt provide a creamy texture and a dose of protein, while the cocoa powder and coffee add a rich, satisfying flavour. It’s a perfect balance of taste and health.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cold brewed coffee
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup of Greek yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of ice
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the cold brewed coffee, banana, Greek yoghurt, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, and ice.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Coffee Mojito
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: The coffee mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, and the ideal summer drink. The mint and lime add a zesty, herbal note that complements the smooth, rich flavour of cold brew coffee. This drink is perfect for a summer brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, offering a unique and refreshing way to enjoy your coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cold brew coffee
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Sparkling water
Instructions:
- In a glass, muddle the lime wedges, sugar, and mint leaves together to release the flavours.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice.
- Top with a splash of sparkling water.
- Stir gently and garnish with additional mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Read: 8 of London’s best chocolate cocktails
Coffee Frappe
Why It’s Ideal for Summer: A coffee frappe is a creamy, icy delight that provides a perfect mix of caffeine and cool refreshment. It’s customisable to your sweetness preference and can be topped with indulgent garnishes for an extra treat – we like to add banana to ours. The frappe is perfect for those hot summer days when you need a cool, caffeinated pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cold brewed coffee
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- Whipped cream and salted caramel sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the cold brewed coffee, milk, sugar, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into a tall glass.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle salted caramel, if desired.
And if the frappe is your thing, you’ll love the ultra fashionable Freddo Cappuccino, too!
Frozen Coffee Granita
Why It’s Ideal for Summer: Frozen coffee granita is an Italian-inspired treat that provides a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy coffee on hot days. The granita’s icy texture and coffee make it an ideal summer dessert or afternoon pick-me-up. The addition of whipped cream and chocolate shavings adds a touch of indulgence, making it a perfect treat for coffee lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of strong brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Place the dish in the freezer.
- After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals that form.
- Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, until the granita is fully frozen and has a fluffy, icy texture.
- Scoop the granita into serving glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
It doesn’t matter if you have a common coffee maker or a commercial coffee machine, these five recipes will help you cold down on the hottest days.
Experiment with these recipes and discover new ways to enjoy your coffee this summer. Cheers to refreshing and delicious coffee adventures!
