7 Refreshing Cold Coffee Drinks from Around the World to Try This Summer

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 16, 2026

Brew a shot of espresso or half a cup of strong coffee and let it cool slightly. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the coffee, and add a cup of cold milk. Stir in one to two teaspoons of vanilla syrup—or vanilla extract mixed with a little sugar. Add a splash more milk if needed. It’s light, balanced, and perfect for easy sipping.

Cold Coffee with Jaggery and Cardamom

This version brings a familiar, comforting twist with deeper sweetness and a hint of spice.

Blend half a cup of chilled strong coffee with one cup of milk, one tablespoon of grated jaggery, a pinch of cardamom powder, and a handful of ice. Blend until frothy. For extra richness, you can add a spoonful of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The flavors feel both homely and café-like at the same time.

Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee

Strong, sweet, and bold—this one is made for those who enjoy an intense coffee experience.

Pour about half a cup of hot, concentrated coffee over two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk in a glass. Stir well until smooth, then add ice. The condensed milk softens the bitterness and gives the drink a thick, silky texture that stands out.

Mocha Frappe

This is where coffee meets dessert in the most satisfying way.

Blend one cup of chilled coffee with half a cup of milk, one to two tablespoons of cocoa powder, sugar to taste, and two cups of ice. Blend until thick and frosty. Serve in a tall glass and top with whipped cream or chocolate shavings if you like. It’s indulgent and feels like a reward in a glass.

Coconut Iced Coffee

A refreshing option with a tropical edge, perfect for when you want something lighter.

Mix one cup of cold coffee with half a cup of coconut milk and a bit of sweetener. Pour over ice. For a stronger coconut flavor, add a spoonful of coconut cream or sprinkle toasted coconut on top. It’s smooth, cooling, and slightly exotic.

Espresso Tonic

A surprising combination that delivers a crisp and fizzy coffee experience.

Fill a glass with ice and pour in about three-quarters of a cup of tonic water. Slowly pour a shot of fresh espresso over the top so it floats before gently swirling. The result is sharp, refreshing, and slightly bitter with a sparkling finish.

Affogato-Style Iced Coffee
Part dessert, part coffee, and completely satisfying.

Place one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a chilled glass or bowl. Pour a shot of hot espresso over it and add a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold. The melting ice cream creates a creamy, rich texture that’s hard to resist.