By Aditi Saraswat
May 7, 2026
Summer coffee does not always mean just a regular cup of cold coffee. From the citrusy espresso mixes to slow-brewed chilled drinks, these refreshing cold coffee brews are light, feel more layered and far more enjoyable during hot weather cravings.
Cold brew blended with tonic water makes a fizzy, a bit bitter drink that feels stronger and more refreshing than other creamy café-style cold coffees.
Mixing fresh orange juice with espresso may sound unusual, but the blend works beautifully. The citrusy note cuts through the coffee bitterness, making it taste brighter and chillier.
Strong coffee, when poured over the condensed milk, makes a rich but balanced drink. The taste is bold, creamy and also sweet without feeling too heavy in the summer.
Affogato is like a cross between dessert and coffee, prepared by combining hot espresso with cold vanilla ice cream. The contrast melts into a dessert-like beverage that feels indulgent and also surprisingly simple to make.
In this, hot coffee is brewed directly over ice, sealing in aroma while keeping flavours sterile, crisp and more refreshing than the regular chilled coffee preparations.
This type mixes espresso with chilled coconut water, making a lightly nutty, hydrating coffee drink that feels lighter and more tropical than classic iced coffee options.