7 Summer Coffee Drinks to Beat the Heat

Portland summers are short, so when they arrive, I switch my entire coffee routine from hot pour overs to cold, refreshing drinks that make the most of the sunshine. These seven recipes have become my warm-weather rotation over the past few years. Most take under 5 minutes and all use equipment you probably already have.

1. Espresso Tonic

This is my number one summer drink and it surprises everyone who tries it. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour quality tonic water (Fever-Tree or Q Tonic, not cheap quinine water) until three-quarters full. Slowly pour a double shot of espresso on top. The espresso cascades through the tonic in beautiful swirls. Do not stir yet. Sip and enjoy the layered experience.

The quinine in tonic water pairs remarkably well with coffee's bitterness, creating a drink that is simultaneously refreshing and complex. It sounds odd, but it has become a staple in specialty cafes worldwide for good reason. Add a squeeze of lemon or grapefruit for an extra citrus dimension.

2. Affogato

The simplest and most decadent summer coffee: one scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato or ice cream in a small bowl, one double shot of hot espresso poured directly over it. The espresso melts the ice cream, creating a creamy, caffeinated dessert that takes 30 seconds to make and about 60 seconds to devour.

3. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)

Traditionally made with a phin filter and sweetened condensed milk, but a double shot of espresso works perfectly as a substitute. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to a glass of ice. Pour a double shot of espresso over the top. Stir vigorously. The result is intensely sweet, creamy, and strong. Not an everyday drink for me, but a perfect afternoon treat.

4. Thai Iced Coffee

Similar to Vietnamese style but spiced. Brew strong coffee (double-strength French press works well) with a pinch of cardamom and a star anise pod. Strain, sweeten with condensed milk or sugar, pour over ice, and top with a splash of heavy cream that floats on top. The spice-coffee-cream combination is addictive.

5. Cold Brew Lemonade

Mix equal parts cold brew concentrate and fresh lemonade over ice. This sounds like a terrible idea and it is genuinely delicious. The acidity of the lemon brightens the smooth cold brew, creating a drink that is more refreshing than either component alone. Add a sprig of mint if you want to get fancy.

6. Coconut Cold Brew

Pour cold brew over ice and top with coconut cream (the thick cream from the top of a can of coconut milk, not coconut water). Add 10ml of simple syrup. The coconut fat creates a luxurious mouthfeel and the tropical flavor pairs beautifully with coffee. Shake everything in a jar first for a frothy, blended version.

7. Shakerato

The Italian summer espresso drink: pull a double shot of espresso, add 10ml of simple syrup, pour over ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. The result is a cold, frothy, elegant espresso drink with a beautiful crema-like foam on top. This is what I make when I want to feel fancy on a Saturday afternoon.

Summer coffee does not have to mean sacrificing quality for convenience. Each of these recipes takes the same beans and equipment you use for your hot coffee and transforms them into something refreshing and seasonal. Try one this weekend.