When the temperature rises, iced coffee becomes more than a seasonal extra; it’s a menu essential! Today’s customers want cold drinks that feel intentional, indulgent, and worthy of a spot on the menu! Inspired by current cafe trends, these four iced coffee recipes are designed to be easy to execute, visually impressive, and profitable! Whether you’re refreshing your summer menu or looking for a new signature drink, these are proven crowd-pleasers.

1. Cold Gold offers cold brew with hazelnut cold foam

Flavour profile: Smooth, bold, and subtly nutty. A refined take on classic cold brew.

Why it works: Cold brew keeps service fast, while flavoured cold foam adds perceived value with minimal extra prep.

Ingredients:

  • 200ml cold brew
  • 40ml hazelnut syrup
  • Ice
  • Hazelnut cold foam
  • Crushed hazelnuts (optional garnish)

Method:

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  1. Pour cold brew to ¾ full.
  1. Slowly float hazelnut cold foam on top.
  1. Finish with crushed hazelnuts.

2. Wilde Thing provides espresso tonic with orange

Flavour profile: Bright, citrusy, and refreshing with a clean coffee finish.

Why it works: Espresso tonics continue to trend with customers looking for something lighter than milk-based iced drinks.

Ingredients:

  • Double espresso
  • 120ml tonic water
  • Ice
  • Fresh orange slice

Method:

  1. Fill a chilled glass with ice.
  1. Add tonic water to ¾ full.
  1. Pour freshly brewed espresso over the tonic.
  1. Garnish with an orange slice.

3. Deluxe Iced Mocha

Flavour profile: Rich chocolate layered with espresso, indulgent without being overpowering.

Why it works: A premium iced option that appeals to both coffee lovers and chocolate fans.

Ingredients:

  • Double espresso
  • 150ml full-cream milk
  • Deluxe drinking chocolate
  • Ice
  • Chocolate cold foam
  • Chocolate powder (garnish)

Method:

  1. Mix hot espresso with drinking chocolate until smooth.
  1. Fill a glass with ice and milk (⅔ full).
  1. Pour espresso chocolate mixture over milk.
  1. Float chocolate cold foam on top.
  1. Dust lightly with chocolate powder.

4. Banana Bread Iced Latte

Flavour profile: Sweet, spiced and nostalgic like fresh banana bread in a glass.

Why it works: Familiar bakery flavours translate exceptionally well into iced drinks.

Ingredients:

  • Double espresso
  • 150ml full-cream milk
  • Banana syrup
  • Ice
  • Banana bread cold foam
  • Cinnamon sugar (garnish)

Method:

  1. Fill a glass with ice and milk (⅔ full).
  1. Pour espresso over milk.
  1. Add banana bread cold foam.
  1. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Cold Foam is a simple café game-changer

Cold foam doesn’t need to be complicated. Think lightly whipped, pourable cream that floats cleanly and adds texture without overwhelming the drink.

Best methods for cafés:

  • Electric whisk: Fast and consistent for single serves
  • Cocktail shaker: Great texture with minimal equipment
  • Blender: Ideal for batching during peak service

Flavoured syrups can be added directly to the foam to create multiple variations from one base.

Ready to Refresh Your Menu?

These iced coffee recipes are built for real café workflows with simple ingredients, strong visual appeal, and flavours customers recognise and love. If you’re looking to elevate your summer offering or introduce new signature drinks, these are a great place to start! (Recipes supplied by our friends at Seven Miles)