Refreshing Iced Coffee
Drinks To Add To
Your Menu

What could be more delightful than sipping on a refreshing iced coffee drink? Whether you're a cafe owner looking to enhance your menu, or an avid coffee lover seeking for a new easy to drink favourite, there are a range of delicious iced coffee drinks to try for the best in caffeinated refreshment.

Read on to explore our curated list of tantalising and invigorating iced coffee concoctions that will excite your taste buds and keep you cool all season long.

The Rise In Popularity Of Iced & Cold Coffee

In recent years, the popularity of iced and cold coffee has skyrocketed, becoming a staple in the beverage industry. From trendy independent coffee shops to favourite local cafes, these chilled creations have captured the hearts and taste buds of coffee enthusiasts in the UK and around the world.

As data from Google shows, interest in iced coffee has increased quite significantly amongst UK consumers over the last two decades, and typically tends to peak during the summer.

When the temperatures rise, customers seek icy alternatives to their beloved hot brews, making it a perfect opportunity for businesses to capitalise on this growing demand.

By incorporating summer coffee drinks into your menu, you not only cater to the evolving preferences of your customers but also attract new patrons looking for refreshing beverages to beat the heat.

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew is a smooth and rich iced coffee beverage that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours.

This slow extraction process brings out the coffee's natural flavours while minimising acidity and bitterness, resulting in a mellow and less acidic taste profile. The resulting concentrate is then diluted with water or milk and served over ice, creating a refreshing and satisfying drink that can be customised with various flavours and toppings.

As with hot coffee, using the best quality coffee beans is essential for making a great cold brew. Look for convection roasted coffee, which results in a smoother taste that perfectly suits cold brew.

How to make...
Cold Brew Coffee

Making cold brew is a relatively simple process that requires a few key ingredients and some patience. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful drink:

1. Grind your coffee beans

Start by grinding coarse coffee beans. The coarser grind helps with a slower extraction process and prevents over-extraction.

2. Combine coffee and water

In a container or jar, add your coffee grounds and cold water in a ratio of approximately 1:4 or adjust according to your desired strength. Stir well to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated.

3. Steep for the desired duration

Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the concentration will be.

4. Strain the mixture

After the steeping period, use a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter to strain the mixture into a separate container, removing the coffee grounds.

5. Dilute and serve

To serve, dilute the cold brew concentrate with equal parts water or milk, depending on preference. Pour the mixture over ice and enjoy the smooth and refreshing flavours of cold brew.

We We Love Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew provides a refreshing alternative to hot coffee during the summer months. The slow extraction process of cold brew creates a smoother, less acidic taste that appeals to those who find traditional iced coffee too bitter. It’s the perfect option for coffee lovers who want a cold drink on a hot day.

The versatility of cold brew also allows for customisation with different flavours, coffee syrups, or toppings, providing customers with a personalised coffee experience.

For retailers, incorporating cold brew into their menus presents an opportunity to attract new customers and boost sales. The rising popularity of cold brew means that offering this trendy beverage can attract coffee enthusiasts seeking unique and satisfying options.

Additionally, cold brew can be prepared in larger batches and stored, making it convenient for busy cafes or restaurants to meet customer demand efficiently.

Frappe

Frappes are a popular and indulgent iced coffee drink that originated in Greece and have become a beloved beverage worldwide. It is a blended concoction of coffee, milk, sugar, and ice, resulting in a creamy and frothy texture.

Frappes often include flavourings like chocolate, caramel, or vanilla, and are topped with whipped cream for an added touch of decadence. This delightful drink offers a perfect combination of coffee, sweetness, and chill, making it a favourite treat for coffee lovers.

How to make...
A Frappe

Creating a frappe is a straightforward process that requires a few basic ingredients and a blender. Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting this delicious beverage:

1. Prepare the coffee

Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method. Instant coffee works well for frappes, but you can also use brewed coffee that has been cooled.

2. Sweeten and chill

Add sugar or sweetener of choice to the hot coffee and stir until dissolved. Allow the coffee to cool completely before proceeding.

3. Blend with ice

In a blender, combine the chilled coffee, milk (regular or dairy-free options like almond or oat milk), and a generous amount of ice. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes frothy and creamy.

4. Customise and serve

To enhance the flavour, you can add chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, or any other desired flavourings. Blend again briefly to incorporate the additional ingredients. Pour the frappe into a glass, top with whipped cream if desired, and enjoy with a straw.

For an alternative and incredibly convenient way to make frappes, you can also find a range of frappe mixes available. These enable you to create frappes without the need to make and cool coffee. Simply blend ice, milk and your choice of frappe mix for a delicious tasting drink in seconds. At PureGusto we stock high quality frappe mixes from brands like Zuma, as well as our own exclusive mixes which are made from real, natural ingredients for the best in taste and quality.

Why We Love Frappes

Frappes provide a delicious and indulgent coffee experience. The combination of coffee, milk, and sweetness creates a satisfying flavour profile that appeals to those seeking a treat-like coffee beverage. Frappes are also highly customisable, allowing customers to personalise their drinks with various flavours, syrups, and toppings to suit their preferences.

For retailers, frappes present an opportunity to cater to customers' desire for a decadent and refreshing coffee option. By offering frappes on the menu, cafes and coffee shops can attract customers who enjoy specialty drinks and are looking for an indulgent treat.

The versatility of frappes allows for creativity in developing signature recipes, making them a unique selling point for cafes and coffee shops. Frappes can also be upsold with additional toppings or served in larger sizes, contributing to increased sales and profitability.

Boba Tea & Latte

Boba Latte, also known as Bubble Tea Latte or Boba Milk Tea, is a popular and unique iced coffee drink that originated in Taiwan and has since gained widespread popularity worldwide. It combines the smoothness of a latte with the fun and chewy texture of boba pearls.

Boba pearls are made from tapioca starch and have a distinctive texture that adds an enjoyable element to the drink. Boba Lattes typically consist of a base of milk, coffee or tea, sweetener, and boba pearls.

The drink can be customised with different flavours, such as matcha, taro, or fruit infusions, offering a wide variety of options to suit different preferences.

How to make...
Boba Tea or Lattes

Creating a delicious Boba Latte requires a few key ingredients and a bit of preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this delightful beverage:

1. Cook the boba pearls

Follow the instructions on the package to cook the boba pearls until they are soft and chewy. Rinse them in cold water and set them aside.

2. Brew the coffee or tea

Prepare a cup of strong coffee or brew your preferred tea, such as black tea or green tea. Allow it to cool.

3. Sweeten and chill

Add sweetener, such as simple syrup or flavoured syrups, to the coffee or tea. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until cold.

4. Prepare the milk

Heat and froth the milk of your choice, such as dairy milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Froth until creamy and airy.

5. Assemble the drink

In a glass or takeaway cup, add a generous amount of cooked boba pearls. Pour the chilled coffee or tea mixture over the pearls, leaving some room for the milk. Top it off with frothed milk.

6. Serve and enjoy

Stir the ingredients gently to combine, and optionally, add a straw for sipping the boba pearls. The Boba Latte is now ready to be enjoyed!

Why We Love Boba Tea & Lattes

Boba tea or latte offers a unique and enjoyable experience to both customers and retailers. It provides a delightful combination of flavours, textures, and customisation options. The boba pearls add a chewy and fun element to the creamy base, making each sip an exciting experience.

The ability to choose from various flavours, such as matcha or fruit infusions, allows customers to find their favourite combinations and personalise their boba tea drinks to suit their taste preferences.

For retailers, bobas present an opportunity to attract a diverse customer base. The popularity of boba tea and bubble tea shops has been on the rise, and incorporating Boba Lattes into the menu can help cafes or specialty beverage establishments tap into this trend.

Boba lattes are visually appealing and Instagram-worthy, making them highly shareable on social media platforms, which can attract more customers and generate buzz. Additionally, offering a variety of boba flavours and milk options allows for versatility and the ability to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.

Caramel Iced Coffee

Caramel iced coffee is a luscious and indulgent iced coffee drink that combines the rich flavours of caramel with the smoothness of coffee. It is a perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness, creating a delightful taste experience.

Caramel iced coffee typically consists of chilled brewed coffee, milk (regular or dairy-free options), sweet caramel syrup, and ice. It can be further enhanced with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for added complexity.

This creamy and decadent drink is a favourite for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their coffee.

How to make...
Caramel Iced Coffee

Making a delectable caramel iced coffee is a simple process that requires a few basic ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible beverage:

1. Brew and chill the coffee

Prepare a serving of your favourite coffee using your preferred brewing method. Allow it to cool, and then refrigerate until cold or use ice cubes to chill it quickly.

2. Sweeten the coffee

Add caramel syrup or caramel-flavoured coffee syrup to the chilled coffee, adjusting the amount according to your desired level of sweetness. Stir well to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated.

3. Prepare the milk

In a separate container, heat and froth the milk of your choice. Froth until creamy and velvety.

4. Assemble the drink

Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour the sweetened coffee over the ice. Add the frothed milk on top, allowing it to blend with the coffee. Stir gently to combine the flavours.

5. Garnish and enjoy

To enhance the presentation and taste, top the caramel iced coffee with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and, if desired, a sprinkle of sea salt. Grab a straw, sip, and savour the delightful combination of caramel and coffee.

Why We Love Caramel Iced Coffee

Caramel iced coffee provides a decadent and flavour-packed alternative to regular iced coffee. The combination of caramel and coffee creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and bitterness, appealing to those with a sweet tooth and coffee enthusiasts alike. The ability to customise the level of sweetness and the option to add additional toppings or flavours make it a versatile and personalised beverage choice.

For retailers, caramel iced coffee can be a profitable addition to the menu. Its popularity ensures a broad customer appeal, attracting those who seek specialty coffee beverages and those looking for a sweet treat. The addition of caramel-infused options allows for creativity in developing signature recipes, distinguishing the establishment from competitors. Caramel Iced Coffee also presents opportunities for upselling by offering premium toppings, such as whipped cream or drizzles and sauces for coffee, leading to increased sales and profitability.

Chocolate Chip Frappuccino

The chocolate chip frappuccino is a popular and indulgent iced coffee beverage that combines the rich flavours of chocolate and coffee with the delightful crunch of chocolate chips. It is a decadent treat that satisfies both coffee and chocolate lovers.

The drink typically consists of a blend of coffee, milk, ice, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips. It is topped with whipped cream and more chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and texture. The chocolate chip frappuccino offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a creamy and indulgent coffee experience.

How to make...
A Chocolate Chip Frappuccino

Creating a delicious chocolate chip frappuccino is reasonably simple, and requires a few key ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this delightful beverage:

1. Brew the coffee

Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee using your preferred brewing method. Allow it to cool.

2. Blend the ingredients

In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, milk (regular or dairy-free alternatives), a handful of ice cubes, chocolate syrup, and a generous amount of chocolate chips. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Customise the sweetness

Taste the blended mixture and add additional chocolate syrup or sweetener if desired, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness. Blend again briefly to incorporate the added sweetness.

4. Serve and garnish

Pour the chocolate chip frappuccino into a glass or clear takeaway cup. Top it with whipped cream and sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the whipped cream for a visually appealing presentation. Add a straw and enjoy!

Why We Love Chocolate Chip Frappucinos

The chocolate chip frappuccino provides a delightful combination of flavours, textures, and customisation options. The blend of coffee, milk, and chocolate creates a creamy and indulgent beverage that satisfies sweet cravings.

The chocolate chips add a delightful crunch and bursts of chocolatey goodness. Customers can further personalise their Frappuccinos by adjusting the sweetness level or adding extra toppings like caramel drizzle or a dusting of cocoa powder.

For retailers, the chocolate chip frappuccino can be a lucrative addition to the menu. Its popularity ensures a broad customer appeal, attracting coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.

The visually appealing nature of the drink, with its whipped cream and chocolate chip garnish, can generate engagement and social sharing, leading to increased foot traffic and sales. Additionally, offering customisation options, seasonal variations, or limited-time flavours can create excitement and drive customer loyalty. Think about offering a pumpkin spice or eggnog frappuccino, or unique combinations like chocolate and hazelnut or white chocolate and raspberry using flavoured coffee syrups.

Affogato

Affogato is a delectable and elegant Italian dessert-style coffee that combines the richness of espresso with the creamy indulgence of gelato or ice cream.

The word "Affogato" translates to "drowned" in Italian, which perfectly describes the preparation of this delightful treat. A scoop of velvety gelato or ice cream is "drowned" with a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso, resulting in a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.

The hot espresso melts the cold gelato, creating a luscious and harmonious blend of flavours. Affogato is a simple yet luxurious coffee-based dessert that satisfies both coffee and dessert cravings.

How to make...
Affogato

Making an Affogato is incredibly simple and requires only a couple of ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this exquisite treat:

1. Brew the espresso

Start by brewing a shot of fresh, strong espresso using an espresso machine or stovetop Moka pot. The robust flavour of espresso is crucial to balance the sweetness of the gelato.

2. Prepare the gelato or ice cream

Scoop a generous serving of your favourite gelato or ice cream into a dessert cup or glass. Popular flavours include vanilla, chocolate, or hazelnut, but feel free to experiment with various flavours to suit your taste preferences.

3. Pour the espresso

Immediately after brewing the espresso, pour the hot shot of espresso directly over the gelato or ice cream. The heat from the espresso will begin to melt the frozen treat, creating a luscious and creamy texture.

4. Serve and savour

The Affogato is now ready to be savoured. Grab a spoon and enjoy the delightful combination of hot espresso and cold, creamy gelato.

Why We Love Affogato

Affogato provides a luxurious and satisfying coffee and dessert experience. The contrast of temperatures and textures between the hot espresso and cold gelato creates a delightful sensation in every spoonful.

This drink’s simplicity allows the flavours of both the espresso and gelato to shine, making it a treat suitable for any time of the day. Additionally, customers can tailor their Affogato with different gelato flavours, allowing them to create a personalised and unique dessert coffee experience.

For retailers, Affogato can be a standout addition to the menu. Its elegance and simplicity offer a sophisticated dessert option that can elevate the coffee shop's offerings. Affogato appeals to a wide range of customers, from coffee enthusiasts looking for a dessert-style coffee to those seeking a sweet indulgence.

Its preparation requires minimal time and ingredients, making it an efficient and profitable choice for coffee establishments. It provides a great desert menu option for sit-in establishments, and a simple yet sophisticated takeaway choice that’s perfect for impulse purchases in summer.

Coffee Smoothie

The Coffee Smoothie is a versatile and energising beverage that combines the bold flavour of coffee with the creaminess of a classic smoothie. It's a delightful fusion of the coffee experience and the refreshing goodness of a fruit or protein smoothie.

Coffee Smoothies can vary in ingredients and flavours, but they generally include a base of brewed coffee or cold brew, along with ingredients like bananas, yoghurt, milk, protein powder, and a medley of fruits. Blended together, these elements create a harmonious balance of flavours, textures, and a satisfying caffeine kick.

These smoothies are a fantastic option for those seeking a nourishing and invigorating drink that's equally enjoyable for breakfast, a post-workout refreshment, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

How to make...
A Coffee Smoothie

Creating a coffee smoothie is a simple process that allows for plenty of customisation based on individual preferences. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this revitalising beverage:

1. Brew or prepare the coffee

Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee or using cold brew that has been previously prepared and chilled. Allow it to cool before using it in the smoothie.

2. Choose your base

Select a creamy base for the smoothie. Options include Greek yoghurt, dairy or non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), or a combination of yoghurt and milk.

3. Add fruits and flavourings

Add sliced bananas, berries, or any other favourite fruits to the blender. You can also include flavourings like cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or a dash of cinnamon to enhance the taste. Coffee syrups are also a great way to add some delicious flavours to your smoothie.

4. Add the coffee

Pour the cooled coffee or cold brew into the blender.

5. Blend and adjust consistency

Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add more liquid (coffee or milk) to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Customise and serve

Taste the Coffee Smoothie and adjust the sweetness by adding honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener of your choice. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.

For the ultimate convenience, you can also find some fantastic smoothies and shakes that are ready to pour. Simply blend with coffee and ice for a delicious new twist on a fruit smoothie.

Why We Love Coffee Smoothies

Coffee smoothies present a balanced fusion of energy and nutrition. The blend of coffee and smoothie ingredients delivers sustained vitality, catering to breakfast needs, workout fuel, and refreshing breaks. The customisable nature allows for dietary preferences, offering a versatile and satisfying beverage.

For retailers, the coffee smoothies offer a versatile and strategic menu addition. Appealing to health-conscious customers and coffee enthusiasts alike, it diversifies offerings and is suitable to drink throughout the day.

With the potential for various flavours and customisation options, coffee smoothies appeal to a broad range of customers, helping to extend the appeal of your business. This versatile option aligns with contemporary wellness trends and can elevate the venue's appeal, drawing increased patrons and driving revenue.

Iced Chai Latte

The iced chai latte is a flavorful and refreshing beverage that marries the aromatic spices of chai with the coolness of iced milk. Chai, a traditional Indian spiced tea, is the star of this drink, featuring a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger.

The Iced Chai Latte involves steeping chai tea in hot water, sweetening it, and then chilling it before mixing it with cold milk. The result is a harmonious balance of bold spices and creamy milk, creating a beverage that's both invigorating and soothing. This drink offers a delightful blend of cultural flavours with a modern twist.

How to make...
Iced Chai Latte

Crafting an Iced Chai Latte at home is simple and rewarding. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this exquisite fusion:

1. Brew the chai tea

Start by brewing a strong cup of chai tea by steeping chai tea bags or combining chai tea powder blend with hot water. Allow the tea to steep for about 5-7 minutes to ensure the spices infuse thoroughly.