Welcome back, coffee lovers! In our last article, Espresso-Based Drinks for Beginners: A Guide to Ordering at a Coffee Shop, we delved into the world of hot espresso drinks and familiarized you with the basic terminology and jargon used in coffee shops. We covered some of the most popular options, from Ristretto to Mocha.
But as the weather heats up, our cravings for hot coffee start to fade, and we turn to iced beverages to quench our thirst and cool ourselves down. And what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing iced espresso drink?
As we all know, hot summer days call for more fluids to avoid dehydration, and a big cup of iced espresso-based drink can not only cool us down but also help us stay hydrated. Plus, an iced espresso drink can be a great way to boost energy and keep us going throughout the day, especially when we feel tired and sluggish during hot weather.
And let's remember that iced espresso drinks are perfect for the on-the-go. Whether commuting to work or running errands, iced coffee can be a refreshing pick-me-up. And during our free time, iced espresso drinks are great for outdoor activities like picnics, barbecues, trips to the beach, or just lounging in the sun.
One of the reasons why espresso is a popular choice for iced drinks is that it is more concentrated than regular coffee. When making iced coffee, it is essential to use a solid coffee base so that the ice doesn't dilute the flavor too much. The concentrated flavor of espresso, particularly when made with a ristretto ratio, can hold up against the ice better.
Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just starting your journey, iced espresso drinks offer a wide variety of options to explore. From the crisp taste of a classic Iced Americano to the sweet and creamy Iced Caramel Macchiato, there's a perfect iced espresso beverage for everyone. This article will cover some of the most popular iced drinks, including Iced Espresso, Espresso Tonic, Caffe Shakerato, Iced Americano, Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte, and Iced Caramel Macchiato.
Iced Espresso
Iced espresso is one of the most basic iced coffee drinks. It is made by pouring a shot of espresso over ice in a glass. The drink is simple yet delicious and perfect for those who prefer a robust and intense coffee flavor.
When ordering an Iced Espresso at a coffee shop, the barista will first pull a shot of espresso and set it aside to cool slightly. Then, a glass is filled with ice, and the espresso is poured over the ice. The dark, rich espresso creates a lovely contrast against the clear ice, making for a visually pleasing drink.
An iced espresso is a low-calorie option as it doesn't require added sweeteners or syrups. As the ice melts, it cools and dilutes the espresso and helps to cut its intense coffee flavor.
When ordering an Iced Espresso, you can ask for a double espresso if you prefer a more pungent coffee taste and a larger drink. And also, you can ask for the sweetness level to be adjusted to your liking by adding sugar or simple syrup to the espresso.
Espresso Tonic
Espresso Tonic is a unique and refreshing iced coffee drink that combines the bold flavor of espresso with the light, spirited taste of tonic water. The drink is easy to make, and as its name suggests, we typically assemble it by mixing a shot of espresso with tonic water in a glass filled with ice.
When ordering an Espresso Tonic at the coffee shop, the barista will pull a shot of espresso and leave it aside to cool a little bit. Meanwhile, a glass of about 6oz (180ml) is filled with ice, and tonic water is poured, leaving only room for the espresso shot. Then, espresso is added to the glass to create a layered effect with the dark espresso on the top and the clear tonic water on the bottom. The bold espresso and the light and effervescent tonic water produce a uniquely refreshing and pleasantly bitter taste experience.
The espresso tonic doesn't require any additions of sweeteners or flavoring syrups. With every sip, we feel the beverage's taste is influenced by the sugar present in the tonic, but it is not overpoweringly sweet. The drink's taste has a lovely balance between sweet and bitter notes. Also, the amount of ice in the glass adds a light and crisp flavor to the drink that cuts the intensity of the espresso.
When ordering an Espresso Tonic, you can ask for different tonic water brands and flavors to cater to your taste preferences. And also, you can ask for a double shot of espresso if you prefer a more pungent coffee taste.
In summary, Espresso Tonic is a unique and refreshing iced coffee drink that combines two bitter flavors in a way that is not replicated by any other espresso-based beverage.
Caffe Shakerato
The Caffe Shakerato is a timeless classic among espresso drinks. We make it with three simple ingredients: espresso, ice, and sugar or sugar syrup. The ingredients we placed in a cocktail shaker, shaken vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds, and served in a chilled cocktail glass. Caffe Shakerato, we typically strained through a strainer to remove any chipped ice and to complete the drink's creamy texture. The shaking process incorporates air, creating a chilled, thick, and foamy beverage with increased viscosity from the sugar syrup. The drink has a visually pleasing cascading effect as it settles into the glass, separating the foam from the espresso. That adds to the drink's aesthetic appeal and enhances the Caffe Shakerato's creamy mouthfeel.
A barista might add a flake of salt or a drop or two of saline solution to the drink before mixing. Adding a few grains of salt will tone down the bitterness from the espresso, which might come forward in a cold beverage.
Iced Americano
An Iced Americano is a refreshing iced coffee drink that is very straightforward to prepare. We typically make the drink by pouring an espresso shot over a glass filled with ice and cold water.
When making an Iced Americano in a coffee shop, the barista will first pull a shot of espresso and set it aside to cool slightly. Then he fills a 10oz (300ml) tall glass with ice and adds cold water leaving room for the espresso. Then, espresso is added to the glass, creating a layered effect with dark espresso on the top and a more transparent watery layer at the bottom. Diluting the bold espresso into the icy water makes a refreshing taste experience with a crisp, less intense coffee flavor than a straight espresso.
One of the benefits of an Iced Americano is that it is a low-calorie option as it doesn't require added sweeteners or syrups, but if that is not a concern, we could sweeten the drink. When ordering an Iced Americano, you can ask to be made with a double espresso if you prefer a more present coffee taste.
Iced Cappuccino
An Iced Cappuccino is a beloved iced espresso-based milk drink that showcases the perfect balance between rich espresso and creamy-frothed milk. This beverage we typically made by combining a shot of espresso, cold-frothed milk, and plenty of ice.
When ordering an Iced Cappuccino at a coffee shop, the barista will pull a double espresso shot and leave it aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, cold milk is added to a milk frother and whipped to a thick and creamy consistency. Next, the somewhat chilled espresso is poured into a 13oz glass filled with ice cubes, with the remaining space in the glass reserved for the frothed milk, which is then added on top. As the milk sinks through the ice cubes and mixes with espresso, it creates a beautiful marbled effect, resulting in a soft brown beverage topped with a significant layer of milk foam. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon is often added as a finishing touch.
The Iced Cappuccino offers a harmonious balance of flavors, with the strong and intense espresso balanced by the creamy and sweet milk and its airy foam. The milk and foam in an Iced Cappuccino also help to cut the bitterness of the espresso, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a sweeter coffee.
When ordering an Iced Cappuccino, we can ask for alternative milk options such as almond, oat, soy, and skim to cater to different dietary restrictions and preferences. Additionally, we can ask for the drink's sweetness to be adjusted to our taste by adding syrups.
In conclusion, the Iced Cappuccino is a refreshing iced coffee drink that combines rich espresso and creamy frothed milk. It's an excellent option for those who prefer a sweeter coffee and can be customized with different milk options and sweetness levels.
Iced Latte
An Iced Latte is a beloved iced coffee drink that combines the rich flavor of espresso with the creamy and silky texture of lightly frothed cold milk. We typically make it by pouring a shot of espresso over a glass filled with ice and a generous amount of lightly frothed cold milk.
When making an Iced Latte at a coffee shop, the barista will start by pulling a shot of espresso and allowing it to cool slightly. Next, cold milk is added to a milk frother and lightly aerated to achieve a creamy yet runny consistency. This frothed milk is then poured over ice in a 12oz (360ml) glass, leaving just enough room for the cooled shot of espresso. Espresso is added on top, creating a visually pleasing white and brown layered effect, with the middle being soft brown. If the barista chooses to change the order in which he adds the espresso and milk, this effect will be inverted, giving the glass an equally beautiful appearance.
In a coffee shop, when ordering an Iced Latte, we can ask for alternative milk options such as almond, oat, and soy, which add a different taste to the drink. The creamy and milky taste of the Iced Latte also allows for additional flavors and different sweetness levels. Standard options for added flavor include vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut syrups, which pair wonderfully with the milky coffee.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
An Iced Caramel Macchiato is another popular iced drink that seamlessly blends a shot of espresso with lightly foamed cold milk but with the addition of sweet caramel and vanilla syrup. Unlike other espresso drinks where flavored syrups and sauces are optional, the caramel sauce is an integral part of the recipe for an Iced Caramel Macchiato.
Additionally, a vanilla-flavored syrup is mixed with the espresso to enrich the taste. The drink we made by pouring an espresso with vanilla syrup added to it over a glass filled with lightly frothed cold milk and ice. Before preparing the drink, we stain the glass with caramel sauce on the inside walls, and a final drizzle is added to finish the drink. We should froth the milk with a thinner layer of foam to hold the caramel souse on top of the Iced Caramel Macchiato.
In a coffee shop, Iced Caramel Macchiato, a barista prepares by brewing a shot of espresso in a cup with already added a pump (10ml) of vanilla syrup. After a quick stir, the espresso is left aside to cool a bit. In the meantime, the barista drizzles the insides of a 12 oz (360 ml) glass with caramel sauce and fills the glass with ice. Next, the glass is filled with lightly frothed milk leaving room for the vanilla-flavored espresso. The beverage is finished with a drizzle of caramel souse on top of the milk foam. Besides dairy, coffee shops offer Iced Caramel Macchiato with alternative milk options such as almond, oat, soy, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope you have enjoyed learning about the various types of iced coffee beverages available at almost all coffee shops. With this knowledge, you can confidently order your favorite iced espresso drinks or experiment with new options. Remember to be adventurous in your iced coffee journey and have fun. Always feel free to ask your barista for recommendations or to make adjustments to a drink to suit your taste preferences. Whether it's adding syrups, flavored creamers, or different types of milk, you can give your drink a whole new twist. So go ahead, beat the heat and enjoy your iced coffee exploration.