Man drinking iced coffee.jpg
Man drinking iced coffee.jpg

Embrace the Summer Vibes with Iced Coffee: Trends, Insights, Recipes

Reading time: 3 min

As temperatures rise, there's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced coffee to keep you cool and energized. This summer, iced coffee continues to be a favourite of many, evolving with exciting trends, new insights, and creative recipes that cater to every taste. Let's dive into the world of iced coffee and discover how you can enjoy this delightful beverage during the sunny months.

Iced coffee is enjoyed globally, with each region adding its own flavours and traditions to this refreshing beverage. In Europe, iced coffee's popularity varies. For instance, in Greece, the frappé, a foam-covered iced coffee, is a beloved summer drink. Similarly, in Serbia, iced coffee becomes particularly common during the hot summer months. Other European countries like Sweden and the UK also offer iced coffee, especially in big chains during heatwaves. In Italy, the traditional coffee culture is strongly rooted in hot espresso drinks, making iced coffee less common. However, there are local alternatives like the caffè shakerato, an espresso shaken with ice and sugar, which offers a cold coffee option without straying too far from traditional Italian coffee practices.

Some of the main trends in iced coffee

Cold brew dominance
Cold brew coffee remains a staple in the iced coffee scene. Its smooth, less acidic profile is achieved by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. This method brings out the coffee's natural sweetness and rich flavours, making it a perfect base for various iced coffee drinks.

Nitro iced coffee
Nitro iced coffee is a unique and innovative twist on traditional iced coffee, offering a creamy, frothy texture akin to a stout beer, thanks to its infusion with nitrogen gas. This luxurious drink begins with cold brew coffee, steeped in cold water for an extended period to extract a smooth, less acidic flavour. The cold brew is then placed in a keg and infused with nitrogen, creating a rich, visually appealing cascade of micro-bubbles and a velvety, slightly sweet coffee with a smoother mouthfeel. Served straight from a tap, chilled and without ice, nitro iced coffee delivers a refreshing and indulgent beverage experience perfect for coffee lovers seeking something new and exciting.

Flavoured iced coffees
Coffee enthusiasts can elevate their beverage with a variety of flavoured syrups and additions, creating a personalized coffee experience.

  1. Vanilla syrup adding a sweet, creamy note, perfect for balancing the bitterness of the coffee
  2. Caramel syrup imparts a rich, buttery flavour, enhancing the coffee's natural sweetness
  3. Hazelnut syrup introduces a nutty, aromatic quality, making for a delightful twist
  4. Lavender syrup, a seasonal favourite that offers a floral, aromatic profile, ideal for spring and summer
  5. Pumpkin spice syrup, a popular autumn addition, combining spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, comforting taste

These flavours can be seamlessly added to both cold brew and traditional iced coffee, allowing for endless customization and a truly unique coffee experience tailored to individual preferences.

DIY

Iced coffee consumption spikes during the summer months, with many coffee lovers seeking a refreshing alternative to their usual hot beverages. Consumers are increasingly interested in quality and sustainability, favouring ethically sourced beans and environmentally friendly packaging. Additionally, there's a growing trend towards DIY iced coffee, as people enjoy experimenting with brewing methods and flavours at home.

Life-saving tips for the perfect iced coffee

  • Use quality coffee. Start with high-quality, freshly ground coffee beans. The flavour of your iced coffee largely depends on the quality of the coffee you use.
  • Brew strong coffee. Whether you're making cold brew or traditional iced coffee, brew it stronger than usual to account for dilution from ice.
  • Chill properly. Allow your coffee to cool before pouring it over ice to prevent it from becoming too diluted.
  • Experiment with milk and sweeteners. Try different types of milk like almond, oat or soy and sweeteners like honey and agave syrup to find your perfect combination.
  • Use coffee ice cubes. Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays and use these cubes in your iced coffee to avoid dilution.

Our favourite recipe: the classic iced coffee

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • Ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup milk or a milk alternative
  • Sweetener to taste: sugar, syrup, or else

How to prepare

  1. Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature
  2. Fill a glass with ice cubes
  3. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice
  4. Add milk and sweetener to taste
  5. Stir well and enjoy your refreshing iced coffee!

Or try another favourite of ours: vanilla almond cold brew

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cold brew concentrate
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes
  • Sweetener to taste: sugar, syrup, or else

How to prepare

  1. Pour both cold brew concentrate and almond milk in a glass
  2. Add vanilla extract and sweetener
  3. Fill the glass with ice cubes
  4. Stir well and enjoy this smooth, flavourful iced coffee!

Iced coffee is a versatile and delightful beverage that perfectly complements the summer season. With the growing trends in cold brew, nitro coffee, and flavoured iced coffees, there are endless ways to enjoy this refreshing drink. Iced coffee is sure to keep you cool and satisfied during the sunny days ahead. So, brew up, chill out, and savour the summer with your favourite iced coffee creations!

And picture this: after a blissful summer of sipping your favourite iced coffee, you don't have to leave it behind when you return to the office. At Selecta, we're thrilled to bring your beloved iced beverages straight to your workplace with the We Proudly Serve Starbucks Coffee Station. Whether you're craving a refreshing iced latte or a cool iced tea, we've got you covered.

Ready to transform your office coffee experience and discover more about our versatile coffee station and start serving up those chilled delights at work? Fill in the form and we will contact you today!