As summer temperatures in Rome soar into the 90s, the idea of sipping on a hot coffee—regardless of how small those espressos might be—starts to lose its charm. Even with the heat, it’s often challenging to find larger servings of iced coffee piled high with ice cubes. However, if you’re searching for a refreshing drink during the hottest months of the year, Italy offers a variety of local cold coffee options. Just remember, like many things in Italy, iced coffee is seasonal and is generally available from late May through early September.
Here are seven types of iced coffee you should try the next time you visit Italy in the summer:
Caffè Freddo
This refreshing option is usually prepared at most coffee bars by pouring several shots of espresso into a glass bottle. While the coffee is still hot, sugar is added to ensure it dissolves properly. The bottle is then stored in the fridge to chill overnight. If you prefer your coffee without sugar, a version “senza zucchero” is typically available as well. When you order a caffè freddo, you will receive a shot of espresso from this pre-made cold coffee bottle.
Caffè in ghiaccio
This is simply espresso served over ice. A hot shot of espresso is quickly poured into a small glass filled with ice cubes. It’s not as extravagant as a venti from Starbucks, but it offers a small and refreshing cold coffee experience.
Caffè Leccese
This delightful drink hails from the town of Lecce in Puglia. Similar to caffè in ghiaccio, it’s made by adding a fresh shot of hot espresso into a cup of ice. The main distinction is that caffè leccese always includes sweetened almond syrup, poured into the glass before the coffee. This is one of my favorite Italian interpretations of iced coffee, as it’s already sweet and needs no additional sugar!
Cold Brew
While cold brew isn’t widely available in Italy, you can find it at specialty coffee bars such as Tram Depot or Faro in Rome. This type of coffee is brewed with cold water instead of hot. If you’re specifically looking for nitro cold brew, your best bet is Pergamino, located near the Vatican.
Shakerato
Coffee lovers should experience a shakerato at least once in their lives, if only for the showmanship. This iconic Italian iced coffee requires a bit of skill from the barista. A shot of hot espresso and sugar (if desired) are placed in a cocktail shaker. Ice is added, and the mixture is shaken vigorously. The resulting frothy coffee is commonly served in a martini glass, allowing you to sip it slowly and savor the flavors. It’s a true summer treat!
Granita di caffè
Granita is a popular summer treat available in various flavors. Granita di caffè is made by pouring coffee into a shallow dish and freezing it. The frozen coffee is then scraped into a fine, icy texture and served in a small glass with a spoon. Topping it with panna (whipped cream) is optional, but highly recommended! You can find an excellent version at Tazza d’oro in Rome.
Crema di caffè
This treat is usually considered a dessert, but during the summer, many coffee bars have machines churning out this slushy delight. Crema di caffè is served with a spoon and is often quite sweet—not necessarily the healthiest choice, but a tasty way to enjoy a coffee kick.
Do you have any favorite iced coffee beverages in Italy? Here are my top recommendations for coffee bars in Rome you should visit to try them!
