Beating the Heat: Italy’s Guide to Chilled Coffee

The Italian summer sun can turn a hot espresso into a less than appealing beverage. But worry not, coffee connoisseurs! Italy boasts a delightful selection of chilled coffee drinks specifically designed to keep you cool and caffeinated.

Italian coffee culture revolves around espresso, and their iced coffees showcase this love in unique ways. Here are three quintessential chilled espresso drinks to cool you down:

Shakerato: This stylish and refreshing drink is the star of the show. Freshly brewed espresso is shaken with ice and a touch of sugar (optional) in a cocktail shaker. The result? A frothy, chilled espresso served in a chilled martini glass – pure sophistication with a delightful kick.

Shakerato

Caffè Freddo: Straightforward yet satisfying, caffè freddo translates to “cold coffee” and is exactly that. A chilled espresso poured over ice, this drink preserves the coffee’s strong, rich flavor in its purest form.

Freddo

Caffe affogato: a delightful Italian dessert that translates to “drowned coffee.” It’s a simple yet decadent treat featuring scoops of vanilla gelato submerged in a shot of hot espresso. The hot coffee melts the gelato slightly, creating a creamy and rich mixture with a delightful contrast between warm and cold. While its exact origin is unknown, it’s believed to have emerged in Italy sometime during the 19th century. The beauty of affogato lies in its effortless preparation – just two ingredients and minimal time. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity though, this coffee and ice cream combo is a guaranteed pick-me-up for any day.

Affogato

Americano Freddo: If you prefer a milder iced coffee experience, the americano freddo is for you. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic Americano. Espresso is diluted with cold water before being served over ice, resulting in a lighter and more refreshing iced coffee.

While these three drinks are widely available throughout Italy, you might encounter some interesting regional variations:

Salento (Apulia / Southern Italy): Caffe Leccese: This iced coffee from Puglia is a delightful discovery. A shot of espresso is poured into a glass with a touch of sweet almond syrup (not sugar) before being filled with ice.

If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter and creamier option, consider:

Crema di Caffè: This is a sweetened coffee foam traditionally served on top of hot espresso. It’s made by vigorously stirring a few drops of hot espresso with sugar until a smooth and creamy foam forms. While typically enjoyed hot, crema di caffè can also be served chilled over iced coffee for a summer twist, or served on its own as a dessert.

Granita di Caffè: This is a true Italian frozen coffee treat. Granita di caffè is a semi-frozen dessert made with espresso that has been brewed strong and then frozen while being stirred regularly. This process creates a coarse-textured, icy coffee that is perfect for scooping and savoring on a hot day. Granita di caffè is often served with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Italy offers a delightful selection of chilled coffee beverages, each with its own unique character. So, grab your sunglasses, explore the charming cafes, and embark on a refreshing journey through the world of Italian iced coffee!

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