As the temperature rises, cold coffee becomes more than a craving—it’s a necessity. But not all cold coffees are created equal. Two timeless classics that people often mix up are the Cold Americano and the Cold Brew. While they may seem similar at first glance, they’re actually quite different when it comes to flavor, brewing methods, and the overall vibe. Let’s break them down—and explore a few fun options too—so you can find your perfect summer coffee match.
Cold Brew Coffee: Smooth, Slow-Steeped Perfection
Cold Brew is the golden child of the chilled coffee world—smooth, mellow, and low in acidity. Unlike iced coffee that’s brewed hot and cooled down, Cold Brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result? A naturally sweet, rich coffee concentrate that’s easy on the stomach and super satisfying.
How It's Made:
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Coarse coffee grounds are steeped in cold water.
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The brew sits overnight (or longer).
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It's then filtered and served over ice—either black or with water or milk, depending on your mood.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Rich, full-bodied flavor that doesn’t need sugar to taste sweet.
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Smooth and low in bitterness thanks to the long steep.
Cold Americano: The Classic Espresso Over Ice
If you love the punch of espresso, the Cold Americano might be your go-to. It’s a bold and refreshing option for espresso lovers who want something cool but not diluted by milk. This drink is all about balance and simplicity.
How It's Made:
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Brew one or two shots of espresso.
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Pour over a glass of ice-cold water, letting the espresso sit on top or mix in.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Bold and intense without being overwhelming.
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Refreshing but still gives that espresso hit.
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A lighter alternative to milky iced drinks.
Filter Coffee on Ice: Clean and Elegant
Want something lighter and more nuanced? Try pouring your favorite filter coffee over ice. It’s quick, simple, and a great way to highlight the clarity of your brew—especially if you’re using something fruity or floral.
How It's Made:
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Brew your filter coffee using a regular drip method (pour-over or automatic)
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Pour it directly over ice after brewing.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Crisp, clean flavors with no bitterness.
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Chills fast, preserving the coffee’s brightness.
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Super easy and works great with any high-quality filter beans.
Pro Tip: If you're brewing directly over ice, adjust your water ratio so the coffee doesn’t end up too weak. Otherwise, you’ll lose the flavor magic.
Now, Let’s Talk Fun Options
Espresso Tonic: The Summer Sparkler
If you’re in the mood for something playful and unexpected, meet your new best friend: the Espresso Tonic. It’s fizzy, slightly bitter, and totally refreshing—perfect for hot days when you want a little zing.
How It's Made:
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Fill a glass with tonic water and ice.
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Pour a shot of freshly brewed espresso over the top.
Why You’ll Love It:
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A bold, bubbly combo of sweet, bitter, and tangy.
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Looks stunning and tastes even better.
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Great for adventurous palates and fans of unusual pairings.
Iced Latte: The Creamy Classic
When you think of a milky cold coffee, an iced latte is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It's a balanced mix of espresso and cold milk (or milk alternative), served over ice. The milk softens the bold espresso flavor, making it smoother, and you can control the sweetness by adjusting how much milk you use.
Try switching it up by using oat milk or almond milk for a plant-based version. These milks give a creamier texture and unique flavor profiles that work really well with the coffee’s natural notes.
Iced Matcha Latte: The Green Summer Refresh
If you're looking for something a bit different from your traditional coffee-based cold drinks, why not try a matcha iced latte? Matcha, made from powdered green tea leaves, is a great alternative to coffee and pairs beautifully with milk for a refreshing, antioxidant-packed drink.
While not technically coffee, matcha lattes are creamy, vibrant, and perfect for when you want something green, healthy, and refreshing.
Bonus: Hojicha Latte – Earthy, Toasty, and Totally Unique
Looking for something calm and cozy, but still cool and refreshing? Try a Hojicha Iced Latte. Made from roasted green tea leaves, hojicha has a nutty, toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with milk—especially oat milk.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post on Hojicha to see why it’s one of our favorite low-caffeine options.
So, Which Cold Coffee Is Right for You?
Whether you’re into the rich smoothness of Cold Brew, the bold espresso kick of a Cold Americano, or you want to explore something fun and new like an Espresso Tonic, there’s a chilled coffee (or tea) option to match your summer vibe.
All of these are available at all three of our Shavi Coffee Roasters locations—come by and find your favorite!
