German Eiskaffee: A Perfect Summer Dessert Made With Coffee
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If you visit Germany and order an iced coffee (which directly translates to an Eiskaffee), you may be shocked to see that your cold coffee is topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. A cool, creamy beverage that is ideal for a hot summer day is created when ice cream and coffee combine. "Eis" is the German term for both "ice" and "ice cream." But in "Eiskaffee," it unmistakably refers to "ice cream."

The flavour and atmosphere of a sidewalk café in Germany are attempted to be replicated in this recipe for eiskaffee, or coffee and ice cream. The delicious addition of whipped cream made for an even better combination of cold coffee and ice cream.

How Is Eiskaffee Different Than Affogato?

An espresso shot is typically poured over a scoop of ice cream to make an affogato, a classic Italian dessert. Unlike espresso, however, eiskaffee uses a higher percentage of coffee that isn't as powerful.

5 Tips To Make The Best Eiskaffee

  • Ensure that your coffee is cold. Your coffee will melt the ice cream too quickly and turn your beverage weak if it is too heated.
  • Just be sure to get coffee on the stronger side to avoid having a drink that is too watery. Make sure your coffee is cold enough by brewing it the night before, letting it get to room temperature, and then chilling it in the refrigerator all night.
  • Purchase or prepare premium ice cream. The better the Eis, the better the Eiskaffee, and that's what you want.
  • Using ice cream that has chunks in it is not advised since your drink will contain odd bits.
  • Whipped cream is an optional topping that takes this coffee to a whole new level.

Eiskaffee Recipe

Here's how you can make this German beverage at home:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of chilled coffee
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar
  • 1 cup of vanilla ice cream

Method:

  • Pour the cold coffee, evaporated milk, and sugar (to taste) into a glass or metal bowl and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Cool completely.
  • In two tall glasses, fill the bottoms with 1/2 cup each of vanilla ice cream. Pour the cold coffee, milk, and sugar blend over it, then garnish with a generous portion of whipped cream.
  • Although it is often served unsweetened, the whipped cream can be made sweeter to taste by adding powdered confectioners' sugar.
  • Should you wish, serve right away with an iced tea spoon.

Note:

Enjoy them as soon as possible after preparing them. Use cold coffee, and feel free to taste and modify the amount of ice cream.  This recipe also works well with leftover drip coffee or cold brew.